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There are a few things that make the new Disney animated film Tangled a whole lot of fun. It is based on the popular kid’s story of Princess Rapunzel and her long locks of love and features a cast of well created and likeable characters. As with most of the Disney classics this one might lean a little more to the effeminate demographic but does offer some laughs and action for the lads in your family as well. 

Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) has been kidnapped and locked away by an evil old hag (Donna Murphy) who deceives Rapunzel into thinking the world is a bad place. When a handsome, young rouge (Zachary Levi) stumbles onto the tower and the locked away princess, Rapunzel uses him to help her steal away for one adventurous night. There their journey of adventure, love and excitement begins. One that just might lead the princess back to the home she never knew existed.  

Tangled makes good use of its characters. Of course there is Rapunzel and her miles of golden locks. Hair that comes in handy for swinging through trees or tying up cute intruders. Her “prince charming” is Flynn Ryder; a good looking guy but also a little on the ditzy side. One of the funniest additions is a horse named Maximus. He is part of the royal guard in search of Ryder. He acts more like a bloodhound than a horse and though he never speaks a word his gestures and facial expressions make for a large dose of the humor. The rest being filled in by a small chameleon; a pet of Rapunzel’s. 

Fans of the Disney classics will appreciate the large dose of musical numbers in this one. The tunes were a nice throwback to films like Snow White and Cinderella, and Mandy Moore does a fabulous job voicing and singing her part. One of the best musical moments takes place in a pub with some less than fancy ruffians. These are the moment that Disney shines above all the other animated studios. They might not have it all but they certainly have a gift for putting together a winning hit.

Tangled is rated PG for brief mild violence. There are a few sword fights and some fist-a-cuffs plus Rapunzel swings a mean frying pan. There is of course the Disney dose of magic too. Rapunzel’s long locks have healing powers and when she sings a special song they can restore youthful looks; which is why the old woman grabs her up in the first place. I give Tangled a solid 4 out of 5 lanterns. Fun characters, a well written spin on the story, and the musical merriment make this a perfect post feasting film for the whole family. 

Matt Mungle

Review copyright 2010 Mungleshow Productions. Used by Permission.