I haven’t seen a classic Disney movie since, perhaps Tarzan, back in 1999. I have not seen The Princess and the Frog (it’s on my list) and I did enjoy Wall-E and Cars, however both those two movies don’t have that “classic Disney feel” like movies such as Tarzan, Aladdin, Mulan, Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid….okay, you get my point.
When I first saw the trailer for Tangled, I knew I wanted to see it. I had a good feeling that it would end up being that classic Disney movie that I miss and love. Thankfully I was right. Tangled is a very fun movie great for kids and kids at heart. It does have its predicable fairy tale moments, but that’s okay. I think it’s needed and very much welcomed in this type of movie.
Tangled is a story about Rapunzel who isn’t allowed to leave her tower and is under the strict, watchful eye of her mother. Due to certain circumstance, she sets off on an adventure with Flynn and her pet chameleon. There is singing in this Disney film and unlike other classic Disney films, the songs from Tangled are not catchy and not the type of songs that you will hear the next day, let’s say, for example, Go the Distance, from Hercules or Friend Like Me from Aladdin.
I was happy to see that, even though animals did play a part in this movie, they didn’t talk since the animation and expressions are spot on. The expressions seen on the animated actors were splendid as well and very detailed, especially the water effects. Truly, CGI has come a long way. I remember when a character would get wet and it would look awkward and out of place. In Tangled, it is nothing short of amazing. This movie would have worked as hand drawn but I’m not sure if the visuals would look as good.
I did not see this movie in 3D and after watching it, I want to go back and see it again in 3D instead of 2D. There are certain moments in the movie that, I assume, would look beautiful with 3D glasses on.
Could this be the start of a new golden age in Disney movies, similar to the 1990’s? Tangled is a simple movie with a known story. It has its cliché moments but it all works. Visually, the voice acting, the emotion portrayed and the chemistry between characters seem to all come together to bring us the Disney magic that we’ve been missing.
