I went to an advanced screening of Disney’s Tangled. I don’t know how they got my name–if it was because of the Moms Panel or my blog or because I just exude Disney-love, but I got to sit in a RESERVED FOR DISNEY MEDIA seat front and center at Disney’s 50th Animated Feature Film!
Now, I have to admit that we still have not seen The Princess and the Frog. Oh, we love Tiana. We have the stickers, the coloring books and everything. But we’ve never seen the movie. I just heard so much bad stuff about the voo-doo and with Lydia’s tendency to run out of the room whenever something scary happens, well, I don’t think a witch doctor is the greatest idea for her.
Anywhoo, I guess that didn’t even cross my mind when I said I’d go to an advanced screening of Tangled. Not to mention, I wasn’t even excited to see Tangled because it looked like a modern Shrek-ified version of Rapunzel. And I’m so over Shrek.
My (lack of) fears were unfounded! Tangled was THE best, most age-appropriate, Disney-esque movie to grace the silver screen since I was a kid. Seriously, it felt like a classic Disney movie with a little modern twist. My heart is still full after seeing it a week ago!
Now, let’s break it down a little, so you can understand why I think you should see this movie THE DAY IT COMES OUT IN THEATERS. I’m not very good at movie reviews because I don’t want to tell you ANYTHING–I want you to be surprised like I was! But here we go anyway…
1. The Characters.
Flynn, the leading man was voiced by my geeky-crush, Zachary Levi (yes, from Chuck). Rapunzel was voiced by Mandy Moore. They were both as adorable as could be. Flynn was a thief, yes, but not as street as Aladdin. Rapunzel was a princess (although she didn’t know it), but not as head strong as Ariel or as frou-frou as the rest. In fact, the two of them just seemed like two people you’d be friends with. Two people on an adventure together. (Or maybe that’s just because I think Zachary Levi and Mandy Moore and I would be friends in real life?)
The horse, Maximus was HYSTERICAL. Rapunzel’s friend and pet, the chameleon, Pascal was like a little chaperone and bodyguard. I couldn’t get enough of either of them.
2. Age-appropriate.
Yes, there was a kiss at the end. But guess what? It was really the story of a daughter finding her parents. Yes, parents–PLURAL. Parents who loved each other and never ever stopped hoping for their daughter. Parents who would leave a light on for their daughter FOREVER. Oh, I want to write a blog post about this! Rapunzel’s parents did the most amazing thing on Rapunzel’s birthday (I’m trying not to spoil it for you!) and it’s such a picture of how I want to be as a parent. Seriously, I’m wiping away tears right now.
Also. Rapunzel was 17. And she acted 17. She was even dressed more appropriately than most 17 year olds I know. She was not wearing a seashell bra. Or a low-cut ballgown. She had on a plain purple dress with no shoes. Freckles, slightly bucked teeth and wide eyes.
3. Scariness
Lydia hid her eyes only once. And it was not a scary part–it was a sad part. So, if you are wondering if your kids can see it–the answer is yes. If Lydia can make it through, ANYONE can make it through! There was some swashbuckling sword fighting and chasing and collapsing of stuff. And there were some scary looking thugs that turned out (in a matter of minutes) to be the most hysterical and lovable characters of the show.
The real bad dude, Mother Gothel set herself up as Rapunzel’s mom. So, even though she was mean and bad. She was a mom. It wasn’t like she was a giant squid. Or a sorcerer who could turn himself into a snake. She was about as scary as Bette Davis. (But she was a little more voluptuous than Rapunzel. Just sayin’.)
4. Talking Points
There were so many great talking points–the one I mentioned above about Rapunzel’s parents deserves a whole post, honestly. Then, the only part that made my mom-radar go “eeehhh” was from Flynn. He was using his negotiating skills to get rid of Rapunzel and tells her its normal to rebel against her parents. He was actually lying to her to make her feel guilty. But it was a good conversation starter.
There was also talk about dreams–fulfilling your dreams, going after your dreams, being true to your dream and more. It was done in a normal, everyday way. Not the look-inside-yourself-and-find-the-magic, either. It was focusing on real dreams and goals–not superficial, materialistic dreams.
Also. It’s hilarious. It was fun. And there were 2 shout-outs to puppetry. So, there you go.
You must make this your Thanksgiving movie with your fam. Eat turkey. Stick a piece of pumpkin pie in your diaper bag. Then go see Tangled. You will LOVE it. See? My kids loved it!
Contest Closed. And to get you in the Tangled-spirit, I’m giving away THREE Tangled gift-packs that include a Tangled shirt (your choice) and a pack of Tangled sillyband-type bracelets! Are you so excited?!
Leave me a comment that has something to do with Tangled…why you want to see it, stuff you’ve heard about it, how you’re jealous I already got to see it OR just leave me your favorite Disney movie and I’ll pick a winner on Saturday! Additional entries available when you tweet, facebook or otherwise tell others about this giveaway. Just leave me a comment for each.
Katrina says
I love Cinderella…I am super jealous of you already seeing it and I just love that she has long hair like me!