Writer: Anne Jamaludin

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Watch this if you liked: “The Little Mermaid”, “Aladdin”, “Princess And The Frog”

Disney is well-known for its own adaptation of fairytales and Rapunzel's story received the same treatment. There were no stolen radishes, no evil witches nor a childless couple. Instead, the story begins with a drop of sunshine falling down to earth, spawning a magical golden flower with amazing regeneration ability that can only be triggered by a special incantation. The flower was the one that saved the Queen's life and as a result, she managed to give birth to baby Rapunzel - born with healing powers apparent in her hair that glows when a special song is sung.

Audiences are introduced to the antagonist Mother Gothel, who kidnaps the infant princess and locks her away in a secluded tower so only she will have access to Rapunzel's hair to restore her youth frequently. For the past sixteen years, Rapunzel grows up believing Gothel is her mother and oblivious of Gothel's true intention. She knows nothing of the outside world until the evening of her birthday as she sees thousands of lanterns floating in the skies (which is actually a tribute by her biological parents as mourning for their missing daughter). However, opportunity comes in the form of a charming bandit named Flynn Rider who sneaked into her tower to hide from his pursuers. From there on, her relatively 'hairy' adventures begins.

As Disney's 50th animated movie, "Rapunzel" is fortunate to be helmed under the established franchise for its debut as well as making it in 3D. Mandy Moore who voiced Rapunzel did a decent job as the singer and voice provider, though the pop princess' attempt to wear the mantle of a Disney Princess is vague compared to her predecessors. Meanwhile "Chuck"'s Zachary Levi managed to switch his geeky side to a suave yet funny flirt as Flynn Rider brilliantly, making one to see Flynn's characterisation as a pleasant combination of Aladdin's upbeat courageous side and fellow prince, Naveen's flamboyance.

In terms of its clumsy non-human sidekicks, Pascal the cheeky chameleon and Maximus the bad-tempered royal guard's horse brought more laughter to the computer-animated screen and were both so amusing that every single one of their scenes will make audiences laugh silly. The unlikely duo without a doubt aced the roles of the loveable animal companions.

The film's score was done by the talented Alan Menken who's famous for his works in "The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin". "When Will My Life Begin" is not as infectious as "Part Of Your World" or "One Jump Ahead" while the couple's theme song "I See The Light" is not as memorable as "Kiss The Girl" and "A Whole New World", but Levi and Moore's chemistry did enough flavour for Disney and musical lovers out there even if it would not be as noticeable upon the first beat.

Overall, "Rapunzel: A Tangled Tale" is a must watch for all Disney fans. "Live Your Dream" is the theme and is enlightening as the movie progresses. Moreover, fans will also see some resemblances with "The Little Mermaid" towards the end. Do catch it in 3D for a better impact.

Cinema Online, 19 November 2010