(PG) Disney DVD/BD
Disney’s last film to be based on a fairytale is also its 50th animated film and a return to form as they reboot the classic tale of Rapunzel.
Far from being a damsel caught in a castle, Rapunzel is a creative adventurous soul, who happens to have 70 feet of glossy blonde hair. As a baby she was abducted by the scheming Mother Gothel from her royal parents.
No longer pining for her prince, Rapunzel is desperate to leave the castle where her guardian Mother Gothel has kept her under lock and key due to the special healing powers of her very generous head of hair.
Every year, the King and Queen send out thousands of lanterns on Rapunzel’s birthday in hope that she will follow them home and claim her rightful place as princess. From her tower deep in the forest, Rapunzel sees these lanterns and decides that one day she will make her way to see them by any means possible.
She seizes her chance to leave when a charming thief, Flynn Rider (voiced by Zachary Levi), stumbles upon the castle while he himself is escaping trouble.
No damsel in distress, Rapunzel bribes Flynn to take her to the lanterns, ensuring that she ultimately discovers her true destiny.
This is an excellent contemporary retelling of the story, rendered beautifully in CGI and immersive rather than gimmicky 3D. Scenes where Rapunzel ventures out into the real world are delightfully written and, yes, there are some Disney songs to mark the major emotional beats of the film.
Rapunzel’s hair is a character on its own, as she uses it for a variety of comedic purposes.
Destined to become a classic, this is a return to form for Disney and a great all-round family entertainment.
Adrian Drayton
