Why You Should See 'Tangled' (And Why I Should See It Again)

I've been waiting for "Tangled" for a long time. Or rather, I've been waiting for "Rapunzel," for a long time, seeing how it's one of my favorite fairy tales. And after the last fairy tale, "Princess and the Frog," (while beautiful, was almost self-conscious in its attempt to tap into greatness) fell flat and lifeless for me, I was hoping that "Rapunzel" would be magical.

Then the trailer came out, with that gender-neutral title and that pop music soundtrack and modern lingo. And there evaporated my hopes that the film would feel like the traditional Disney animated fare, there was no way that "Tangled" could be the "Rapunzel" that I have loved since I was 6 years old. There was no way that the tag-line "She's been grounded for, like, ever" could be a "tale as old as time."

Until I finally saw "Tangled." And it was like all the bad faith evaporated.

In fact, I adored it so much that I'm listing the reasons why every person who ever loved a Disney movie should go see it.

But first a quick synopsis: The story is similar to the original fairy tale. A baby is born, Rapunzel, and then a witch, Mother Gothel, steals her away and locks her in a tower. Rapunzel has also never gotten a haircut because her hair is magical. One day, a handsome hero, (or anti-hero in this case), stumbles into the tower. His name is Flynn Rider and Rapunzel realizes that he's her chance to finally see the world.

And the story goes on from there. Don't let the slightly off-putting trailer scare you, this is the traditional Disney fairy tale, though like "Aladdin," it has that slight modern edge that only adds to the story.

1. The animation is astoundingly beautiful. It has that Disney pastel color palette but with an extra layer of depth to make everything look more luscious, as if you can just reach out and touch that fairy tale world. Not to mention that the floating lantern scene is one of the most memorable animated sequences I've seen in years, making you realize there is a reason the House of Mouse has been so successful, their films have always been moving paintings, with all the care and love that art entails.
2. Complicated characters. You really can't peg Mother Gothel as a straight heartless villain (despite her passive aggressive tendencies), just as you can't peg Flynn as the stereotypical prince, or the thugs at the ironically named Snuggly Duckling pub as vicious. There's multiple layers, so while you may be cheering that Mother Gothel dies (you knew it was coming), a part of you will also feel sad.
3. The prince has a personality. Well, he's not a prince, more like a thief that's wise-cracking with one heck of a smolder. But he provides that male balance so the story isn't too steeped in stereotypical princess estrogen.
4. The princess has a new goal, and it's not to find true love. Rapunzel's goal to be independent, something that makes her relatable to her intended audience. And she takes the initiative in getting out of the tower, she forces Flynn into helping her, and she does it while being endearing and funny. Though those traits are unintentional, since like the pantheon of Disney princesses before her, being instantly likable is a part of her character.
5. A frying pan is used as a weapon, multiple times, making Rapunzel the second Disney princess (first if you discount Mulan) to actually use a weapon.
6. The most original pet sidekick yet: a chameleon, a random yet such an apt choice for this slightly off-kilter rendition of a fairy tale. And the pet choice alone may make her the coolest princess yet.
7. There's singing! Sure, it's not any very memorable songs that will have you humming as you leave your seats, but it does something which every Disney song does well, which is advance the plot and gives you some insight into a character. And somewhere out there, I'm sure this movie just turned one more little girl (or boy) into a lover of musicals.
8. On that vein, one of the song utilizes these lyrics: 'And Vladimir collects ceramic unicorns...." Don't ask, just go see the movie.

9. And it feels like your favorite Disney movie, funny, lovely, with a beautiful princess, memorable sidekicks, and so incredibly fantastical. Yet it is also very contemporary, the jokes smart and also not ones that will date the movie. And the characters are familiar, like you have always read about them.
   
10. It may be the last princess movie for a long time, unless an amazing story comes along. While I find it hard to believe that little girls no longer want to be princesses, if waiting for a Disney princess film means eventually getting one with a strong story and characters, I'll gladly wait. I'm still waiting for that film based on "Donkeyskin," another favorite of mine. Though if they play it straight, the story would probably not fly well with parents.

These are the highlights of "Tangled." And now I want to see it again.

If you want to find out more, you really should just see the movie. It's okay, no one will judge you if you do, it already made the New York Times critic's picks list for the year, so just say you're doing it for research.

And here's a lovely little clip, a taste of that traditional Disney beauty with a dash of modern spunk: