The past week or so have contained an epic battle-one of good versus evil; of wrong versus right. This is a battle where truth, justice, and an indomitable will combined to--okay, fine, this week was a battle to get one of my friends to go with me to see Tangled.
Rapunzel |
Now before you judge me too harshly let me point out a few important facts. First of all, digitally animated moves are very in right now. Toy Story 3 got a 99% on the RottenTomatoes.com meter (personally, though the movie was great, I think that rating is a little too high). Secondly, I have to say I have an uncanny ability to pick entertaining movies based solely on previews. I knew it would be awesome. And thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, I have never outgrown my love of princesses, animated or otherwise.
Rapuzel and her magic hair |
Unfortunately, I am now considered to be an adult. So if I were to go see the movie alone, I would be the creepy person in the back of the theater. None of my friends or close relatives have children, and I am not currently babysitting any suitable little children that I can drag to the movie as an excuse. Therefore, one of my friends has to go with me.
Rapunzel's castle and some Disney magic. |
Tangled early story sketch |
Terrifying Mother Gothel probably appreciated the margs... |
So--a pitcher of fabulous frozen raspberry margaritas later (was it inappropriate to drink before a children's film?) and we were off to a 3D adventure.
A side note about 3D. Is it really all that necessary? Kind of gives me a headache...
My verdict? I enjoyed the film, though perhaps not the best princess story I've seen.
Rapunzel and her magic hair |
Magic lanterns around the castle. |
Eighteen years later, Rapuzel is determined to set out on her own to seek the lanterns, which have become special to her though she doesn't know why. Mother Gothel refuses to let her leave, claiming the outside world too dangerous. Enter Flynn Ryder, played by Zachary Levi, a notorious theif who has stolen the missing princess's tiara from the castle. But in his haste to get away, he ends up hiding in Rapunzel's tower. She kidnaps him and refuses to return the tiara until he takes her (and her trusty sidekick, Pascal the chamelion) with him to see the lanterns before Mother Gothel returns. What follows is a typical chase through the forrest, avoiding both Flynn's pursuers and Mother Gothel's machinations. Rapunzel learns to grow up and face the world, and Flynn finds himself falling in love with the intrepid princess. But when Mother Gothel becomes determined to keep Rapunzel at all costs, Flynn must step in to save the day by being true to himself and the one he loves.
What did I love?
Zachary Levi. You probably know him as the title character in the TV series, Chuck. This film is an entirely new side of him as an actor. Flynn is the best character in this film, by far. He is funny, charming, witty, and vulnerable. Actually, I think I'd rank him up there with Aladdin, another thief with a heart of gold. Levi manages to make the audience actually care about this Disney prince, when the princess is usually the scene stealer. And this is supposed to be Rapunzel's story. Rapunzel's tower |
Flynn with one of the villians-with-a-heart-of-gold |
Rapunzel with the villians. |
I've never hated Mandy Moore, though her combination whiney/impassioned little girl acting has recently begun to grate. But I at least appreciate the effort to be different, instead of routinely banging out syrupy half-baked romantic comedies like so many other actresses these days. I actually like it when she plays a mean girl. Much more fun.
Rapunzel and Flynn |
Flynn finds Rapunzel |
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