Warning: contains spoilers***

The film begins with wanted “criminal,” Flynn Rider, narrating the story. He discusses how the sun produced a magical flower, that a lady named Gothel used to make herself younger. The flower was also used to treat the queen, who was unwell while giving birth. Then Rapunzel was born.

Unfortunately, one night, Gothel kidnapped her and raised her since her super long hair was magical. Rapunzel would need to sing a specific song in order to keep her “mother” young and alive.

Years have passed. Rapunzel, who is almost 18, has been forbidden to leave the tower that she resides in. But she passes the time by doing a bunch of different activities.

One thing she notices is that every year on her birthday, floating lights come to her. What she doesn’t know is that her real parents have sent them out to her on every birthday, hoping that they’d find her.

She convinces Mother Gothel to let her see those lights for her birthday. But Mother Gothel refuses and explains in different ways how it’s “too dangerous” to go outside.

Meanwhile, Flynn Rider is running from the guards. He finds a tower, hoping it’s sanctuary. Then he goes inside of it, assuming that he’s alone.

However, Rapunzel knocks him down with her frying pan and hides him in a closet. When Mother Gothel returns from an errand, Rapunzel tells her about the guy she “defeated” after he entered the tower. But she still doesn’t let her leave.

Rapunzel requests new paint for her birthday. Mother Gothel leaves to go get it. Then Flynn comes out of the closet. Rapunzel does not trust him. But she makes a deal with him: if he can take her to see the floating lights, she’ll give him his bag back.

Flynn takes Rapunzel out of the tower. She is intrigued at what is outside. But at times, she is also scared.

Flynn decides to take Rapunzel out to eat. At the restaurant, the two meet a bunch of scary men. But they share their dreams in the song, “I’ve Got a Dream.”

After that, Flynn and Rapunzel need to escape. Both the guards and Mother Gothel saw them.

While on the run, Flynn reveals to Rapunzel that his real name is Eugene Fitzherbert. But eventually the guards find them thanks to their horse, Maximus. However, Maximus eventually sides with Eugene and Rapunzel.

At some point, Rapunzel and Eugene make it to the kingdom. They participate in dancing and other activities.

Then, at last, Eugene takes Rapunzel on a boat where she finally sees the floating lanterns.

Sadly, their experience is cut short when the guards find Eugene. He escapes without Rapunzel.

If that’s not bad enough, Mother Gothel finds her and takes her back to the tower. There, she is tied up and has a handkerchief around her mouth.

And Eugene is imprisoned.

This film engaged me all the way through. The pacing was quick and the characters were memorable and well-developed.

I admired Eugene and Rapunzel’s relationship, despite the large age gap. Although not stated in the film, Eugene is supposed to be 26.

But the ways they communicated with each other, and especially how they helped each other, was satisfying.

I am wondering if the reason Eugene chopped off Rapunzel’s hair was because that was the only way to free her from Mother Gothel.

One character that was quite interesting was Maximus the horse. He sometimes behaved like a dog. For example, he would sniff the ground.

Aside from the characters, the songs were also good. My favorites include:

– “When Will My Life Begin”
– “I’ve Got a Dream”
– “I See the Light”

There were also a lot of twists and turns. One is how Rapunzel’s hair turns brown when cut. That is never explained as far as I know.

Overall, I enjoyed Tangled. It is a fun movie that people of all ages can enjoy.

I give it 5 out of 5 stars.