Tangled MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +4 Content: +3

Disney animated redo of Grimm Bros. Rapunzel fairytale. Voices: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy, Brad Garrett. Written by Don Fogelman, Directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard.

FILM SYNOPSIS: An old woman steals baby Rapunzel from her nursery because the infant’s hair has the magical ability to heal and to restore youth. Having been raised by the kidnapper, who makes the child believe she is the girl’s mother, Rapunzel grows up obeying Mother Gothel, staying hidden away and keeping her magical hair a secret from the world. But with her 18th birthday just a day away, she is fed up with her sheltered life and ready for adventure.  When a charming rogue seeks refuge in her tower, Rapunzel defies Gothel and seizes the opportunity to escape. Together they have several "hair-raising" adventures before they get to live happily ever after.

PREVIEW REVIEW: This is classic Disney. And I do mean classic. Though the makers have used state-of-the-art technology to produce lifelike images and the heroine is much heartier than her animated ancestors, the mood and sensibility of Tangled is reminiscent of the iconic hand-drawn imagery found in Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and all the best from Mickey’s beloved studio.

Now, if you remember, in the best of the Disney classics there were some startling situations that would have required a PG rating had that rating been around (a certain fawn’s mother comes to mind). Same goes for Tangled, with an evil old woman kidnapping a baby and wounding the hero with a very big knife. But the creators carefully follow the violence with humor and justice in order to make the scary moments palatable for the wee ones.

Disney is in the details, both with the use of witty dialogue and clever plot development and just-right voice characterizations. Where the studio’s recent Oscar winner, UP, brilliantly touched the heartstrings as well as the funny bone, Tangled brings back the charm and coziness of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.

If you can see a screening packed full of children, it will enhance the experience. Oh, some will talk out loud and others will spill their Jujubes to the consternation of their elder companions, but suddenly the kids laugh – and there’s enough comedy to keep them giddy throughout. Is there a better sound than children laughing?

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Walt Disney Studios