MOVIE NEWS: Tangled

’Tis the season to see movies… am I right? So many cool new flicks (Megamind, Deathly Hallows Part 1, the movie we’re going to talk about today) have hit theatres over the last couple weeks it’s hard to even keep track of them all.

(An aside: where were all these movies in September and October, when it was next to impossible to find even one or two to talk about in the Calendar and “What’s Hot” sections of OWL? Why not spread them out a bit, Hollywood?)

In any case, Tangled, everybody! This brand new Disney movie hits theatres today. I had a chance to see it at a preview screening a couple of weeks ago, and I’m here to share some thoughts.

The movie revamps and updates the classic story of Rapunzel. In this version, it’s not a gallant knight who comes looking for the kidnapped princess — it’s a thief on the run named Flynn Ryder. And that’s not the end of the story, but the beginning. Can Flynn save Rapunzel from her tower prison? Can Rapunzel save the thief from his angry partners in crime? You’ll have to save yourself a seat in theatres to find out!

Here are three observations about the movie:

1) It’s pretty. Big surprise, right? I mean, it’s a movie about a magical princess — what else was it going to be? But, seriously, this digital flick looks great, from Rapunzel’s glistening (and crazily useful) hair to the glittering paper lanterns that guide her way home.

2) It’s exciting. This film is chock full of chase scenes and other hair-raising (get it?!) action sequences. A lot of dastardly people — and one awesome, hilarious horse (pictured above) — are on Rapunzel and Flynn’s tails, and they keep the tension crackling.

3) It’s clever. Tangled is written by the same people who brought us Bolt and Cars, and it shows. The characters are witty, the situations are funny, and the pace is fast. Songs break up the action a bit, but they don’t slow it down at all. It’s a nice mix.

Overall, I liked Tangled quite a bit. It’s fun and has a lot of appeal — I think — for both boys and girls. Also, I didn’t mention it above, but the voice actors are really well suited as well, and blend seamlessly into their characters.

If you check this movie out, let me know what you thought!

Craig, owlblog@owlkids.com