WhileFrozensnowballed into an epic success,Tanglednever quite got the love it deserved.
Some of it is probably down to timing and other intangible factors.
Then, there’s the fact thatTangledlacks an earworm on the scale of “Let It Go.”
Credit: Everett Collection (2)
But we’ve got a dreamthat more people will discover what a gemTangledis.
Disney villains range from pure, unadulterated evil to those with more complicated motives.
Gothel definitely falls on the more nuanced end of that spectrum.
Frozenhas this to a degree in Anna and Elsa’s parents, but their absence renders it less impactful.
The villain of the first film is Prince Hans, but in a sense, also Elsa?
Tangledmanages to combine iconic cartoonish villainy with a more psychologically astute examination of what villains can look like.
ButTangledgives due measure to both in Rapunzel and Flynn Rider (real name: Eugene Fitzherbert).
Flynn is prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice, as a testament to how much Rapunzel has changed him.
That ending ranks withBeauty and the Beastfor yanking at the romantic tear ducts.
Look, I don’t want to suggest that every Disney movie needs a love story.
And they especially don’t all need a cis-het love story.
It never seems forced or overly played for humor, but just genuine to her situation.
I’ll take this more subtle version any day.
Those lanterns
People talk about theBeauty and the Beastballroom scene as a breathtaking game-changer.
ButTangledranks up there for me with its lush depiction of floating lanterns.
It’s just sheer beauty, a true work of art brought to life.
This scene alone should putTangledin the record books for how eye-catching and luminous it is.
I dare you not to gasp in wonder while watching it.
Conceptually, a snowman who is obsessed with summer is hilarious, and he’s absolutely endearing.
But after about five minutes his oblivious shtick doesn’t melt my heart, it freezes it.
In contrast,Tangledfeatures two blissfully silent sidekicks: Rapunzel’s chameleon Pascal and noble steed Maximus.
A great score
There is no escaping the power ballad that is “Let It Go.”
It’s a fantastic song.
From Rapunzel’s playful “When Will My Life Begin?”
to Mother Gothel’s operetta ditty “Mother Knows Best,” the score is consistently delightful.
“I Have a Dream” is a classic Disney track that abounds with hilarious sight gags.
Our only real complaint is that Levi doesn’t get enough chances to sing.
Or at least worthy of the real, lasting kind of love that Rapunzel and Flynn share.
