Day 1 of the great movie vacation.
Twice a year, the home day care that my kids go to during the week closes down, so that the woman who runs it can have a bit of a break. So, that means, twice a year either I or my wife have to take a week off from work to stay home with the kids, particularly the youngest one who is not in school yet.
I usually elect to take the time off, since I have more vacation time available at my job, and I usually make a list of tasks or repairs that need to be done, and use the time off to accomplish those. However, this time we didn’t come up with as many things so I find myself with a vacation and little to do.
A revelation came to me the other night as I was talking with Shaun, discussing the several movies he has loaned me over the coarse of six months (and one I’ve had for nearly two years) that I just haven’t had the time to see. I decided this was a perfect opportunity to catch up on all the films I’ve been putting off, for too long.
First, is a film that wasn’t loaned to me, but one that I have been ashamed to admit, I hadn’t seen, especially if you know how much of a Disney fan I am.
Tangled is the story of a charming thief, Flynn, who while on the run hides out in a mysterious tower. Unknown to him, the beautiful Rapunzel, lives in the tower with her 70 feet of golden magic hair. Rapunzel is looking for a ticket out of her hostage-like life her mother has forced on her. So, she strikes a deal with Flynn, and the two set out on an adventure full of action and romance.
Tangled is the first Disney film in a long time that holds the spirit, and format of a true Disney classic. This film is a lot like The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, with lots of great comedy, drama, and most importantly, a good soundtrack.
The voice cast it superb with Mandy Moore, and Zachary Levi in the leads. It’s well acted and much of the supporting cast lend very well to the strong ensemble of quirky characters.
The only complaint I have with this one is that it is not the traditional 2-D animation style. I realize that 3-D is here to stay, thanks in part to the failure of last year’s The Princess and the Frog, but I hold a special place in my heart for the traditional style that I grew up watching all of my life. One thing I can say for the film is, the animations at least closely matches the traditional look of Disney characters and that is a huge plus.
Overall the film is fun, funny, romantic, and captures the true spirit of some of the best of the studio, from the modern classics all the way back to the golden age of Disney animation.
