|
***
People automatically think that anything animated is for kids.
Probably because it has a lot of vivid colors.
Regardless of the reason, most times they're wrong — assuming the film is good. Which means that it has just as strong a story as another film, with the right blend of comedy and emotion, and loveable characters. If it's really good, you wouldn't help but fall in love with the beautiful world you get a chance to see.
The good folks at Disney have lots of examples of those. And they added another to the list.
"Tangled", an altered version of the Brothers Grimm story Rapunzel, definitely starts off with points for a clever adaptation. It's enough of a change to be called a whole new story, but the central characters remain pretty much intact.
It has a decent script under its belt as well, one that is continuously engaging and easily comical. It becomes noticeable very early on that it's a little on the musical side - no, a lot on the musical side — but the songs fit well and simply sound beautiful without trying too hard and seeming detached from the script.
3D movies, especially 3D animated movies, have this weird habit of feeling visually violent. Everything is poking out at you or flying towards you or breaking in front your face. "Tangled" doesn't suffer from that syndrome. In fact, it's much more immersive than intrusive, with some elements of the film gliding towards you or seemingly wrapping around you in a very weirdly inviting manner (almost as though the directors were taking notes from other 3D film reviews).
Unfortunately, though, the film doesn't make full use of the tool. It still feels very two-dimensional for a CGI-generated film, making the still-soothing 3D elements feel almost like extras. The fast-paced parts of the film are gripping and fun, while still not being completely in-your-face, but didn't seem to utilize the 3D aspect to pop more.
The comic relief is definitely a high point in this film, much like other animated films. There are definite advantages to creating your characters and their limitations; there are no limitations. This means that facial expressions can be exaggerated, instances get to be as ridiculous as you want them, and even animals can be cynical, mocking and, overall, comedic. And it's an oft-used factor in what makes this film so funny, but doesn't at all feel overused. Rather, it's part of the characters, not random funny bits for the sake of response.
None of the emotion is lost by the fact that it is an animated film. With very few characters, the majority of the film focuses on our protagonist, Rapunzel (voiced by Mandy Moore, "License to Wed") and her unlikely guide Flynn (voiced by Zachary Levi, "Chuck").
Moore seems to have a talent for carrying powerful emotions effortlessly with her voice. It helps that her voice is coupled with an animated character, literally and figuratively. Despite all the laughs, this film is a true tear-jerker because of her character. The fairytale fantasy has you right at the start when you first meet Rapunzel and keeps you till the very end, mostly because of her emotive responses to the world around her. Rapunzel is a bubbly, innocent, trusting, sensitive, well-rendered joy to watch.
Most people might not know, but "Tangled" is the most expensive animated film ever made. And it's worth every cent. Even though it might not be the best 3D film, it's definitely to be seen in cinemas. While you're at it, you can buy a DVD of it (original of course) and watch this winner over and over.
Starring the voices of: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy, Ron Perlman.
Running time: 100 minutes (1hr, 40mins)
Rating: Cinema!
Trackback(0)
 |
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
