Overall, just because I saw it yesterday, I'd give it five stars. Maybe in a few weeks or so I'll calm down a little but even so, I'd still give it at least four. Thing is, I was seriously worried I was going to be disappointed, but it didn't happen: maybe I wasn't spoiled as much as I thought I was, but lots of things were new and even the bits I saw before seemed surreal and altogether better when on the big screen. The songs were fantastic; not so fond of the 'Dream' one, because I just think the whole 'thug that likes to do girly/not very manly things' is getting old but even so it's a crucial part because it shows Rapunzel isn't a typical princess and while naive, stands up for herself and others should the occasion arise. I'd heard okay things about the songs, like how they weren't memorable but solid and I totally see their point, but that's only because it was brought out so late; if it was in the nineties, I stand by that people would remember it more because everyone sees that as Disney's peak. 'Mother Knows Best' is my personal favourite I think, but just so close! I think I'm just fascinated by villain songs when they're good because it's so easy to slip into a cliché; Mother Gothel is one of the best villains in all animation in my opinion and I both hated and loved her. The reprise is also so, so intense and awesome. The score overall is gorgeous and swells and drops at the right times and you can just... it's perfect. The music is perfect.
The humour is brilliant; I love the dialogue and writing and the slapstick. There's a lot of physical humour (poor Flynn suffers so much) but I'm so proud Disney didn't resort to butt-humour because that would have ruined so much for me. The fact that it had no pop culture references puts my faith back in animation; the cynicism is the 'inside joke' with the parents, because kids might be a bit distracted to notice it tbh, and it just goes to show that you don't need jokes about Facebook or car insurance or the economy to make a funny film. The horse, Maximus, and the chameleon, Pascal, have no lines and somehow are responsible for most of my laughs; not soft giggles, laughs. It's a very funny film.
The visuals are so beautiful; there's something so soft and warm and real about it that I can't help but love. The lanterns scene is possibly one of the most moving things I've ever seen in my entire life.
The voices are so well suited it's incredible; every line is delivered so well and accurately and with so much emotion. In the reprise of 'When Will My Life Begin' you can hear so well the excitement and elation in her voice; Mandy Moore surprised me a lot. Zachary Levi is perfect as Flynn and was just... gah. Just gah.
The plot is so adorable; it's typical and predictable but still, it's precious. They focus a lot of the characters too, so you get to see their transformations; Flynn more than Rapunzel, because she was already pretty perfect and all she needed was to be enlightened a little. I like that he didn't lose too much of his cynicism because that was my favourite aspect of him; he softened is all. I like his nicknames for her ('Goldie', 'Blondie'). The last scene is cute also.
I guess I'm a little sad it didn't get an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature because, well, it deserves to at least be nominated. I loved How to Train Your Dragon, but Tangled beats it. And 'I See the Light' is good, but 'Mother Knows Best' is more of a refreshing song so it deserved Best Song instead. It's just that I personally can see how much work went into it and how much Disney wanted it but... life goes on. It just makes me sad.
Go see it!
Love, always, Mel.
Wow, I think I really need to see this now!
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