UK theatrical poster
Directed by	Nathan Greno Byron Howard
Produced by	Roy Conli John Lasseter Glen Keane
Screenplay by	Dan Fogelman
Based on	“Rapunzel“ by Brothers Grimm
Narrated by	Zachary Levi
Starring	Zachary Levi Mandy Moore Donna Murphy
Music by	Alan Menken Glenn Slater (Lyrics) Alan Menken (Score)
Editing by	Tim Mertens
Studio	Walt Disney Animation Studios

Whoever cut the trailer for Tangled should be fired–F-I-R-E-D!

It was pretty awful–and I was worried–Matt hated it and refused to got see it.  But Dezi and I kept the faith…John Lasseter as head of Disney Animation would not allow a heartless, corny film to be the studio’s 50th animated feature–right?

Whew!  We were right! Even Matt agreed…Tangled is a fine addition to the Disney legacy and a wonderful film.

It is a clever take on Rapunzel‘s famous fairy tale.  Long locks–trapped in a tower–evil Mother Gothel–falls in love with a prince–happily ever after.  Except….the golden long locks have magical powers–evil Mother Gothel is a master manipulator and traps her in the tower for her own safety (clever and effective)–the prince is a theft (I love an anti-hero)–and they still live happily ever after, but the journey is the fun here.

Mandy Moore is perfect.  She portrays Rapunzel as vulnerable,  yet surprisingly confident and capable.  Zachary Levi is the surprise here.  I enjoy him in Chuck (his TV show), but I loved him as Flynn Rider–cocky, selfish and charming–very Han Solo!  And he can sing!  The duet  “I See The Light” is lovely and now Oscar nominated. (Nice to see Alan Menken back!)  Although my favorite song is “Mother knows Best”.  I want a Pascal (pet chameleon)– and horse just like Maximus–two animal sidekicks (that do not talk) that add to the story and not detract–refreshing.

The story had me laughing, engaged and even emotional.  The directors made smart choices and in turn I cared about the characters.  Rapunzel’s parents have no speaking parts, yet they are strongly effective as a soulful anchor.  Well done!

I have now seen it a few times and love it more each time I see it!  Way to  go, John Lasseter!

Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Chris Sanders Dean DeBlois
Produced by	Bonnie Arnold Doug Davison Roy Lee Michael Connolly Tim Johnson
Screenplay by	Adam F. Goldberg Peter Tolan Dean DeBlois Chris Sanders
Story by	Cressida Cowell
Narrated by	Jay Baruchel
Starring	Jay Baruchel America Ferrera Gerard Butler Christopher Mintz-Plasse Jonah Hill Craig Ferguson
Music by	John Powell
Editing by	Darren T. Holmes
Studio	DreamWorks Animation Pacific Data Images

Animation frees creativity.  It allows for storytelling without the limitations of conventional film.  Want to explore the ocean with a father, who happens to be a clown fish, as he searches for his missing son?  Done.  Want to create a new interpretation of dragons and have the audience soar across the sky with them? Check.

How to Train Your Dragon uses animation, and 3D, to its greatest potential.  Creating flight sequences that rivaled last year’s Avatar and telling a charmingly funny tale that pits misunderstood dragons against dragon killing vikings.  (Zach Snyder’s Owls of Ga’hoole also did brilliant work this year with 3D flight.)

Although the story follows a common structure–odd son seeking father’s approval and understanding–the setting gives it a new twist.   Add a wonderfully new vision of Dragons and you have a great film.

Jay Baruchel’s young viking Hiccup, is more brains than brawn and creates a contraption that injuries a mysterious, elusive Night Fury Dragon.   A curious friendship develops and Hiccup names him Toothless (for his retractable teeth) and begins to “train” him.

One of my favorite aspects is the personality the filmmakers created for the Dragons.  It is a very distinctive mixture of cat and dog–more cat in my opinion, since I have 5 little “dragons” at home.  From purring to bouncing–it gave them a wonderful, sweet quality.

All the character voices are pitch perfect–from Gerard Butler as the dad to America Ferreria as the love interest–but Baruchel is the star here–his comic timing is well…perfect.

No review would be complete without a singling out the music.  (I have the CD in my car!) John Powell has received an Oscar nomination and it is well deserved.  There is a beautifully scored scene when Toothless and Hiccup first learn to trust each other and touch–it’s breathtaking!

I loved it! And anytime I need to fill my happy meter–I watch it again…that’s the biggest compliment to give!

Resource: Wikipedia

Metacritic