Tangled: Why Disney Princesses Rock

No matter how many movies I see, there is something about sitting down to watch a Disney film. As an 80’s - 90’s child, these are the types of movies that I grew up on and so I have high standards for Disney’s animated features. It’s been a while since Disney had a real hit, but Tangled reminded me of all the things I love about Disney. With a simple, classic story, a hero and heroine to root for, a bad guy to hate, sidekicks that almost steal the show and songs that are awesome to sing along to, I thought it was a slam dunk.

Deciding to cover Rapunzel was a promising start because this is a classic story that has not been done. Think about it, how many times have we seen the Snow White adaptations (there are two coming out this summer) or the Cinderella stories (there are at least 10 movies I can think of off the top of my head). But who has done Rapunzel? *crickets*

Disney did a great job of explaining a rich background for our heroes without being wordy or boring. The story book at the beginning actually reminded me a lot of Beauty and the Beast, which is genius. The songs were straight to the point and actually fit with what was going on (a problem some movies have, in my opinion).

Sure it was cutesy and predictable, but wasn’t that the point? At the end we all left feeling good, and humming the tunes that were catchy enough to be running through my head, but not annoyingly so. I hope Disney can scrounge up a few more fairy tales to add to the fabled list. And I hope they can execute it as well as Tangled.

Noteworthy: I’m sorry I never tired of watching the horse beat up on Flynn Rider. It’s just great to see him sit on his haunches and punch Flynn clear in the face.

Note: If you like Tangled, look out for Brave, coming out this June.

John Carter: Stay on your planet

There is something to be said for movies that seek to do something different, and take you to a different world. Though sci-fi movies aren’t my favorite I recently found myself being dragged to John Carter, Disney’s newest “inspirational” film. Based off a book, the plot was nothing special, a civil war vet is transported to Mars where he becomes a hero and adapts to the new surroundings. Of course there are fight scenes with weird creatures and, like any other Disney movie, he falls in love with the native princess. Overall it kind of screamed “adaptation of Avatar” which in itself was an adaptation of Fern Gully, or Pocohantas, depending on your generational preference. So why see this movie? I’m not really sure. 

Though I am a hard core Disney fan, I wouldn’t have minded missing this one. The acting was mediocre at best, the sets were somewhat boring and the costumes were weak. Leaving me thinking this world would be one worth remaining unvisited. Though it is supposed to be a planet that is near destruction, I still expected a level of creativity, color and wonder. After all, John Carter was still supposed to be drawn to it because of its contrast with the real world. The latter part of the plan was well executed; Virginia was dull and drab, with blacks and greys setting the overall tone for earth. But Mars (or Barsoom as they call it) was drab too, just with a stronger use of earth tones. The wonder just wasn’t there, leaving me unimpressed with the made up world. 

The most disappointing part, and where the movie truly failed, was the author’s disregard of John Carter’s new found strength. Though he used his ability to jump we barely see him fight without a weapon. It is pointed out at the beginning, and then disregarded, so why even say it in the first place?

Noteworthy: Though he was a bit frumpy looking, and reminded me of Flubber gone wrong, the little dog that is loyal to Carter throughout the movie adds some comic relief and is adorable. Everyone loves a good pet side kick after all.