Flynn Rider voiced by Zachary Levi, Rapunzel voiced by Mandy Moore, Pascal and Maximus

This Rapunzel Won’t Let You Down

“Tangled,” the revamping of the classic tale Rapunzel, reassures us that Disney Studios is still on top of their game. They know their business. First of all, it helps to involve Academy Award winning composer Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast” 1991). Menken again lifts a Disney animated feature film to the next level by providing wonderful songs and music throughout, as he did in such classics, “The Little Mermaid” (1989) and “Aladdin” (1992). Next, sign on a talented young singer, who also happens to be very good at voiceover acting, to play the leading lady. Enter Mandy Moore (“American Dreamz” 2005). Moore is no stranger to this form of acting; she voiced for “Dr. Doolittle 2” (2001) and “Racing Stripes” (2005). Evidently, practice makes perfect, as her voiceover as Rapunzel was delightful in every way.

In this version of the tale, Princess Rapunzel is snatched away as a baby because of her magical golden hair. Her beautiful locks have healing powers, but they lose that power when cut. The only person who knows about this magic, Mother Gothel (voiced by Donna Murphy, “The Fountain” 2006), abducts the Princess for her own selfish purposes. She hides the child away in a secret tower and poses as her mother, convincing Rapunzel that the world is full of only evil people. About to turn 18, Rapunzel wants nothing more than to go outside of the tower to find out about the lights in the sky that appear every year on her birthday. Her mother refuses her request, but when a dashing, young thief stumbles upon the tower, Rapunzel puts a plan into action.

The thief is Flynn Rider, voiced by Zachary Levi (NBC’s “Chuck”), perhaps the most lovable thief since Aladdin. Levi is top notch as the charismatic, arrogant charmer who uses words like galavanting and simpatico. Still, Flynn is not clever enough to outwit Rapunzel, armed with her trusty frying pan. Not since the classic TV show, “The Beverly Hillbillies” has the frying pan been so successful at stealing scenes. Another scene-stealer is Maximus, a horse that doesn’t talk. Imagine that − an animated horse that doesn’t talk. Refreshing. Maximus is an example of why animation can work so well when done correctly. The animation throughout is a treat. Mother Gothel has an eerie resemblance to a creepy version of Cher, which makes her an even better villain.

One outstanding scene takes place in a bar full of thugs (including voiceovers by Jeffrey Tambor, Brad Garrett, and Ron Perlman), where the musical number is reminiscent of “Beauty and the Beast” (1991). The street dancing scene, with it’s upbeat tempo, is also exceptional, as is the colossal water scene. I did not view the movie in 3D, and after seeing it, I sort of wish I had, although seeing it in 2D was pleasing.

Even though there is “slap stick” violence (there is, after all, a frying pan), this is a truly entertaining movie that can be enjoyed by the entire family, no matter the age.

Tyna S. Cline © December 2, 2010