Today’s Prayer Focus
MOVIE REVIEW

Tangled

also known as “Rapunzel in Disney Digital 3-D,” “Rapunzel,” “Rapunzel on the Tower,” “Rapunzel Unbraided,” “Ævintýralegur flótti,” “Aranyhaj és a nagy gubanc,” See more »
MPA Rating: PG-Rating (MPA) for brief mild violence.

Reviewed by: Scott Brennan
CONTRIBUTOR

Moral Rating: Better than Average
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience: Kids Family Teens Adults
Genre: Family Animation Musical Comedy Kids Drama 3D Adaptation
Length: 1 hr. 32 min.
Year of Release: 2010
USA Release: November 24, 2010 (wide—3,500+ theaters)
DVD: March 29, 2011
Copyright, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Buena Vista Picturesclick photos to ENLARGE Copyright, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Buena Vista Pictures Copyright, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Buena Vista Pictures Copyright, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Buena Vista Pictures Copyright, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Buena Vista Pictures Copyright, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Buena Vista Pictures Copyright, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Buena Vista Pictures Copyright, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Buena Vista Pictures Copyright, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Buena Vista Pictures Copyright, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Buena Vista Pictures
Relevant Issues
Copyright, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Buena Vista Pictures

hair in the Bible

horses

ROYALTY of the Bible: Kings / Queens / Princes

Fun for kids
Kid Explorers
Adventures in the rainforest! Learn about the Creator of the universe by exploring His marvelous creation. Fun for the whole family with games, activities, stories, answers to children’s questions, color pages, and more! One of the Web’s first and most popular Christian Web sites for children. Nonprofit, evangelical, nondenominational.
Featuring Mandy Moore (Rapunzel), Zachary Levi (Flynn Ryder), Donna Murphy (Mother Gothel), Brad Garrett (Hook-Hand Thug), Jeffrey Tambor (Big Nose Thug), M.C. Gainey (Captain of the Guard), Ron Perlman (Stabbington Brother), Paul F. Tompkins (Short Thug)
Director Nathan Greno, Byron Howard
Producer Walt Disney Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures, Roy Conli, John Lasseter
Distributor

“They’re taking adventure to new lengths.”

“Tangled” is Disney’s first CGI Fairytale film and its 50th animated feature and will undoubtedly be a hit, despite it being the first in the “princess” genre to get a PG rating by the MPA. It definitely earned the rating due to the slightly violent overtones, but more on that later. In case you hadn’t heard, this movie was originally slated to be called “Rapunzel” after the infamous fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm.

As for storyline, the Disney version is really superior to the “grim” original (pun intended). By grim, I mean dark, pointless and somewhat boring. However, the “tangled” web that was woven around this film had nothing to do with hair, crème rinse, or conditioner prior to its release, but more about the right title and correct target audience. The consensus appeared to be that the name “Rapunzel” would be scrapped to give way to “Tangled” since the former would risk the film falling by the wayside like “The Princess and the Frog,” appealing to far more little girls and not so many boys. By all accounts, Disney considered “The Princess and the Frog” as underachieving by their own standards—despite a $270 million worldwide purse and critical acclaim. They couldn’t risk that again, especially since they planned to put this genre to sleep after this film. My guess is that “Tangled” refers to the two characters becoming intertwined and not Rapunzel’s braids. The film begins with a single line from Flynn—immediately capturing the attention of any boys in the viewing audience: “This is the story of how I died…”

So changes were made, and “Rapunzel” became “Tangled” and the trailer and storyline put emphasis on the male character, Flynn Rider (voice by Zachary Levi), the high-flying male bandit who eventually becomes the hero and love interest of Rapunzel (voice by Mandy Moore). Flynn is a caricature of the real life Errol Flynn, a la the swashbuckling Robin Hood he portrayed in the 1938 film by the same name, which makes it an obvious appeal, not just to boys, but to an older generation as well, one who would recognize the name Flynn from yesteryear.

Creating the visuals for this eye-popping phenomenal film required advances and experiments in the industry similar to those James Cameron made in the making of “Avatar,” where tools and techniques didn’t exist when the project was started, but came into being out of necessity. The art demanded them, not just the executive producer, and creative director Glen Keane. From the onset, Glen planned on a film that looked and felt like the traditional Disney hand-drawn animations, only in 3D. The only question was how were they going to achieve this? The vision was there, using the French rococo artist Jean-Honore Fragonard’s famous painting “The Swing” as the chief inspiration. It would be a lush and painterly style to capture the essence of a Romantic fairy tale world, yet they would keep the rounded edges and curves of brushstrokes from watercolors that characterized the traditional Disney animations. Keane credits animator Kyle Stawitz for achieving this balance and bringing to life a moving, Disney, painterly style film, a first in the world of CGI animation.

The plot and areas of concern

As stated earlier, Grimm fairytales are foreboding by nature, so the dark quality was expected, especially when it comes to Disney for creating the stark contrast between its protagonists and antagonists. Where there is an Ariel, there is an Ursula. And it is true for Rapunzel as well--where Mother Gothel (voice by Donna Murphy) portrays the darkest character in the film. She is the witch, the enchantress, motivated by her lusts and desires to achieve immortality if only by maintaining her youthful appearance, although it’s never explained for what purpose. (It’s the opinion of this reviewer that her busty, cleavage-bearing-image was a little overdone for the character she was playing. Did she have a night job?) She is the dominating dark mother of enmeshment and deception who has imprisoned Rapunzel, since the day she stole her away from her royal crib and hid her in a stairless tower. Although Rapunzel is unaware of these facts at first, she comes to learn of them throughout the story and sings of her dream, “When will my life begin?” as if she instinctively knows something is wrong.

The lies and deception that Mother Gothel uses to brainwash young Rapunzel move beyond common prevaricating. They are the worst kind of deception because they are lies that are covered with dialogue where Mother says things like, “I love you,” to evoke the response from Rapunzel, “I love you more,” so that Gothel can close the case with “I love you most,” an insidious form of control that will shortly come to sting Rapunzel’s conscience. That’s the one part of the film that I had trouble with. While Mother Gothel was truly a fraud and evil in every way, young Rapunzel didn’t really know that. Instead, Rapunzel deliberately left the safety of the castle against the authority set over her. Once out in the real world she is experiencing a rift of emotions and thoughts that any girl would probably express in the same situation like, “I am a horrible daughter,” followed immediately by, “This is the best day ever!” Why was it the best day ever? Was Flynn right when he tempted her further with, and I’m paraphrasing here, “A little rebellion is normal; it’s part of growing up.” A clarifying conversation may need to take place after the film about all of this with regards to biblical authority in general, as well as the 5th commandment.

There are moments of mild violence throughout the film beginning with Rapunzel’s blackout hits on Flynn’s head with a frying pan, not once, but 3 times including tying him up in a closet with her hair and not even telling her mom about him. There was also a visit to the “Snuggly Duckling” which was basically a renaissance-faire like bar with characters who looked like the cross between the Capital One thugs on the TV commercials and all the Disney bad guys in past animated films—one of each—including one named “shorty” who stays inebriated throughout the film. The antics and dangers that Flynn and Rapunzel experience in the “Snuggly” were anything but. For a small child they could be quite scary.

Summary and spiritual significance

Before the bombardment begins with the howls of the respondents below whom may think I’m being too picky or prudish, let me say that there are plenty of endearing qualities in this remarkable film. First, the fact that it’s a musical makes the darker parts of the film feel not so scary, kind of like the songs in “The Wizard of Oz” did for me as a child. I could almost look at the witch knowing they were about to sing, “Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!” Alan Menken doesn’t disappoint with his memorable music either, although I have my doubts as to whether it will match the success of some of his earlier projects. Time will tell. There are some fantastic fun-filled-Irish-type-dance-scenes that make you want to join in as well.

Second, the characters, in general, are clearly differentiated in that you know who the bad guys are. That makes it simple to follow, especially for kids.

Third, there are many significant life lessons that can be learned for kids and adults of all ages, vignettes that can easily be discussed to bring the point home with ease, that include obedience, authority, lying, stealing, family, loyalty, forgiveness, vanity, anger, fear, resentment, rebellion, safety, strangers—to name but a few.

If you can get past the Disney product placements—what you know will be coming—like stuffed chameleons, the CSI super-sleuth horse Maximus (my favorite character), the scenes scattered throughout the movie that look like parts of different rides at Disneyland, or the entire film as the preview to the Broadway stage show, then you’ll probably love it. You have to suspend disbelief at some point. The little boy behind me in the theater yesterday said it best (I’m guessing he was 5), “Mommy, he is dead now… But he is still talking… That’s because of the magic, right mommy?” “Yes, son, that’s right.”

I think I can safely say that Disney hasn’t lost the magic…because way down deep inside “I have a dream.” Okay, I admit it; I’ve been humming this song from the movie for the past 24 hours. This was probably the best part of the film for me. The dream is alive. In due time, God will bring it to pass in our lives, if we wait patiently for it, and pray that we will see just what the proverbial “lanterns” in all of our lives actually represent. If these last two lines are unclear, it’s because it would be a spoiler for me to explain them. I chose to see the lanterns as the good works. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). Back in your court Mickey!

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.


Viewer CommentsSend your comments
Positive
Positive—I enjoyed the movie while I watched it, but I fear the memory of the movie will quickly fade. While the story was engaging and interesting, there just wasn’t a real moral behind it all. The movie blurs sides of good and evil. Parents should probably check this out before taking the kiddos, or, at least, be prepared to clear up what is right and what is wrong. It was funny and not crass or gross, but it missed the mark of quality movie making.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
Trina, age 43 (USA)
Positive—I took my kids to this movie only after reading extensive Christian reviews. The only other Disney “Princess” movie they have been allowed to view is “Cinderella.” It’s our opinion that the Disney movies have gone downhill from there, in darkness, morals, and let’s face it, modesty. We are unwilling to allow our very impressionable daughter to watch half dressed “princesses” strutting their wares across the screen, animated or not.

All that said, we loved this movie! We found it refreshing that the “witch” is not really a witch at all, but a selfish old woman, who happened upon a magic sundrop flower. See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 5
Michelle D., age 30 (USA)
Positive—The movie was lovely. The only part I didn’t like was when Eugene said a little rebellion was part of growing up and that it was healthy. Great family movie. The person that gave the negative very offensive review would find 99.99999% of Disney movies offensive, because the are all magical movies. I wonder if she would find Narnia offensive too? This is a very Disney—dream a dream—magical movie that makes for a traditional happy ever after experience. I highly recommend it as a mom and fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
Claire Guthrie, age 40 (USA)
Positive—The Bible contains so many references of evil being done by the people who were supposed to serve God, like David’s lust, Jacob’s deception, Samson’s disobedience and pride, to name a few… Yet some here are nitpicking about a few bad references in the story that are essential for character development and storyline. “Tangled” is one of those stories that start slow but they captivate the viewer immediately, there is no shortage of interesting characters, and the line between good and evil is well defined.

I took my two kids to see the movie, they absolutely loved it, I did too, specially Rapunzel and Maximus (the horse); these two stole the show. This one is absolutely going to have to be part of my kids DVD COLLECTION. If you can, go see it, you will not be disappointed.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
Mario B., age 33 (USA)
Positive—Great Movie! It reminds one of some of George MacDonald’s older books (The Princess and The Goblin, The Princess and Curdie… the real ones not Disney’s remake). Really, I don’t see how the commenter below can call it blasphemous. I wonder that they knew they were going to see a fairy tale. The princess in the movie resembles all of the best qualities of what I think of when I think of a princess… grace, kindness, intelligence, strength, courage, and a good heart (she can sing as well). I don’t think I have ever seen a better Disney film in terms of moral content. It is filled with “goodness.” The only objection that could possibly think is the rebellion towards the “evil” mother. It of course is an evil mother, but some kids might think, well that is how I feel when Mom takes my iPod, I am going to rebel.

In terms of honor your father and mother it could get confusing—but I doubt it. Really, if I was a step parent I might feel irritated. All the same, it would be nice if Disney made some movie with good parents in it. Really though, awesome movie. I like to read fairy tales but find most of Disney’s boring (I hate what they did to the Chronicles of Narnia). Finally, they made one I like. I took my 4 and 7 year old daughters and they loved it. Now I am going to take my wife (probably won’t take my son).
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 5
Jeremy, age 32 (USA)
Positive—I saw this movie today in Disney Digital 3-D and it was excellent. Disney has not lost its magic touch. They’ve been making quality, family-friendly movies since 1937 and still going strong. View it in 3-D. It’s so worth it.
See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 5
Danny, age 24 (USA)
Positive—I read all previous reviews before viewing the movie therefore I was prepared for any offensive material. I disagree with the comments regarding the speech given by Flynn Rider and rebellion. He was obviously trying to manipulate Rapunzel. What I don’t understand is how Rapunzel can see through his manipulation, but not her “mother’s.” Rebellion against God is different than rebellion against evil. Rapunzel’s mother was obviously evil. The only part of the movie I disliked was the tavern scene. I just didn’t like the song and didn’t think it fit the movie. It seemed forced.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 4
Ann, age 33 (USA)
Positive—I took my 13-year-old daughter to see this film. I did not read any reviews before I went (something I usually do). My daughter and I both walked out of this movie saying it was the best Disney movie we had ever seen. We laughed and laughed much of the way through the movie. It was fun and refreshing.

Yes, the mother was very mean and deceptive, but that emphasized to me that we are not always a product of poor upbringing as Rapunzel was sweet and innocent and very tolerant having not seen the outside world prior to 18. I don’t have any deep words of wisdom but only to say I really enjoyed this movie and would recommend it to others, AND I would really like to see it again myself!
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
Lee R., age 40 (USA)
Positive—Wow, I loved this movie! Started off a little slow but the message was spectacular. I left there flooded with thoughts about life and how much that movie inspired me. I related it to our walk with God and how some people will “lock us up in a tower” of negative things they say to us, disempowering us so we never escape.

When she did escape she struggled being torn between the abuse her “mother” put on her, and the fact that she wanted to be free. I got chills when she finally realized she was the lost princess that got stolen from the castle. I thought about how when we realize who we are in Christ, it can totally change our lives. When we see that we are children of the King, and we break free of our limited thinking, we can get set from from the prison we are living in. I thought it was awesome with a great message that was a pretty deep movie and funny.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 5
Samantha Taylor, age 36 (USA)
Positive—Tangled is a cute, charming movie that will catch your child’s imagination, and like any Disney movie, warm your heart. If magic or small amounts of violence offend you, don’t go. However, I think anyone would enjoy this fun and very entertaining film by Disney.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 4
Jacob Airey, age 21 (USA)
Positive—Despite the name, “Tangled” definitely has the Disney fairytale feel to it. It drew me in and made me believe in the impossible, as a good fairytale does. The singing thugs, the little chameleon, the floating lanterns, the singing and dancing townsfolk… oh, I was in fairytale heaven. And, of course, as most fairytales do, it has its share of magic. In this case, a drop of sunshine grows into a magic flower with rejuvenating powers, which then are transferred to Rapunzel’s hair.

An “incantation” is said in order to release the magic. I found the incantation similar to the spell in “Cinderella” and the curse in “Beauty and the Beast.” I did not, however, find the movie evil (as I personally found “Pocahontas” and “The Little Mermaid”). But you must decide for yourself if you are comfortable with the incantation or not.See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Sarah C., age 20 (USA)
Positive—I’m a self-described Broadway fanatic, so I was really looking forward to seeing “Tangled.” It opens with a “Beauty and the Beast”-esque montage setting up the story, then transfers to the era in which the film takes place and introduces us to the Errol Flynn-inspired… Flynn. He’s part of a gang of thieves. They steal a crown and attempt a getaway. When they are cornered, See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 3½
Garrett, age 19 (USA)
Positive—“Tangled” is one of those films where, as an adult viewer, I sit in the theater and nearly weep for joy that Disney has come back into its own again! After enduring recent years of horrid films from Disney (keep in mind that “Toy Story,” “Wall-E,” “Up,” and many others, are all from PIXAR, a separate entity), “Tangled” was surprisingly fresh and funny.

Now, I have read other comments on here, so I have a few things to say. No, this is not a film for little tykes. Mother Gothel is very frightening and manipulative, though no more than Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty or the Evil Queen in Snow White. She is wholeheartedly evil, so there are no mixed messages about who is “good” and who is “evil” when it comes to her. Flynn happens to be a thief. So was Robin Hood. And like Disney’s Robin Hood, Flynn begins to see the bigger picture.See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 5
Caitlin, age 22 (USA)
Positive—An excellent movie that gives me some hope that Disney is perhaps starting to get back on track. The only portion that I could even conceive of as being offensive in the slightest sense would be the ever-inebriated “Shorty,” and his drunkenness isn’t exactly promoted, rather it just makes him look foolish, in a comical sort of way. Combat is involved, but no hero ever attempts to kill anyone (duels are won with a frying pan), and the fighting is geared with more of an eye towards comedy than violence. Flynn is, at the outset, a thief, but as the movie has him come to a revelation of just how empty such a life is, and seeing as how he leaves this career behind by the film’s end, I don’t see how this would be considered offensive.

Complaints are given of the film’s magical themes, to which I say, what is magic, and for what reasons is it held to be evil? Well, it is held to be evil because God declares it so. But much of what God’s servants do in Scripture (healing the sick, raising the dead) would be considered magical by our standards. See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 5
Robert Wilson, age 18 (USA)
Positive—This is definitely one of Disney’s best fairy tale stories! Everything about it is superb… the voice acting, the animation, the music… I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it! This is a movie that the whole family can enjoy.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
Nory Forbes, age 18 (USA)
Positive—This was one of the more cleaner Disney movies I have seen in a very long time. Characters are modestly dressed, and there is no foul language to be found. And I’m picky; I wont let my children watch movies with even mild name calling such as “stupid” or “idiot.” Our whole family enjoyed watching it together, and there was very little that I found only slightly objectionable.

Some points: There is a drunk character who is in it briefly.
~One song has jokingly violent lyrics, but I couldn’t even tell that until I had subtitles turned on.
~The character Flynn at one point encourages Rapunzel that it’s ok to be a little rebellious. There is very little troubling violence until the very end confrontation which may be bothersome to very young viewers. It is very brief.See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Emily, age 25 (USA)
Positive—This is the best movie since “Cars”. I only gave it a “Better Than Average” rating because it has absolutely nothing to do with the Bible except that good triumphs over evil. There are “G” rated movies I don’t let my 8 and 11 year old watch because of situations or rudeness or to gross. This is the cleanest movie I’ve seen in years.

I always look here for reviews before I take my children to any theater to watch a new release, and they know we will not see a movie until I can get reviews of it here first. I was a little confused by some of the review, but noticed no comments about rude behavior or grossness or language. This movie was fantastic! This is the cleanest movie since “Cars” or beyond. That is why it is still in theaters and no doubt will make more money than any movie currently out there whatever their rating. And I hope the movie makers take that into consideration in their next venture.

If you haven’t seen it, go before it leaves the theaters. I’ll be renting or buying it as soon as it comes out.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
Bob, age 53 (USA)
Positive—It is safe to assume that the famous Disney princesses have not gone out of style. Quite the contrary, they appear to be thriving and still delivering messages of empowerment to young women by the truckload! At elementary, middle, high schools and even colleges, I continue to hear rave reviews of their adventures. In regard to this particular princess” film, the animators and screenwriters at Walt Disney Studios truly did the original fairytale justice. The songs are entirely charming, and the characters exhibit detailed and unique personalities (including the horse, Maximus). One scene, involving many thousands of lanterns, is perhaps the brightest gem in this film. See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Anna Summers, age 20 (USA)
Positive—First, this world has many plants that were put on this Earth to heal people. Asian people use them all the time. They are not evil. They are God given, and the one in “Tangled” can be seen to be Christ. Ok, let’s look at this quote: “… it starts with the sun. Now, once upon a time, a single drop of sunlight fell from the heavens. And from this small drop of sun grew a magic, golden flower. It had the ability to heal the sick and injured.”

I’m not sure that I’ve ever seen a Disney movie so pro-Jesus. Sun is interchangeable with Son. It starts with the son. In the beginning was the word. A single drop of sunlight fell from the heavens. And from this small drop of sun grew a magic, golden flower. It had the ability… Jesus came to Earth to be born as a human. He had the ability to heal the sick and the injured. The flower is Christ.

Rapunzel then has the power of the flower in her, just as we have the power of Christ in us. She can heal the sick and injured, just as Christ’s apostles could because God gave them the power.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
Amy, age 35 (USA)
Neutral
Neutral—Disney is getting darker and darker, which I find a bit disturbing. I thought it was because Walt Disney had passed away that the Disney movie people were tip toeing away from his vision (of happiness and stuff). But maybe they were still making “happy movies” while he wasn’t directly supervising the storytelling. I don’t know how their movies are made^^U I hope I made sense:) This movie was kind of dark (as stated above), with death being a subject and all (more of a point of movie than in “Sleeping Beauty”).

I liked the end where the main male character commented to his love that he “had a thing for brunettes,” See all »
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
Gina M, age 24 (USA)
Neutral—With all due respect, Gina, if healing is not done in Jesus” name, it is not from God. If Disney does not give God the credit for the healing, but attributes it to magic, then that healing can not be attributed to God. Never in the Bible does a Christ follower heal someone and attribute it to magic.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Kodi K, age 18 (USA)
Neutral—I went to see this movie with some family members and some… target age kids. I didn’t care for it all that much, but mostly on a quality-level. Don’t get me wrong: the animation was brilliant, but I’m a bit old for the whole fairy-tale thing. But still, as someone raised on Disney, it was pretty nice to see them returning to their roots.

That being said, I’m a little surprised at what some of the people are saying here. Most fairy tales do feature magic, and there’s nothing wrong with that because a lot of times, it’s not real magic. It’s not as though they laced it with anything remotely occultic a la Princess and the Frog. It was simple, fairy-tale, fantasy magic. And I hardly think it could be called blasphemous either.

As for the other issue about rebellion and the 5th Commandment, I’d like to point out that Rapunzel is 18 years old in the movie. Maybe it works differently in the world the movie is set in, but I’d say that qualifies her as an adult. I’d say it’s more about a girl trying to grow from dependent child to independent adult and having a “mother” that won’t let her.

So I fail to see a lot of reasons why this movie and the people who see it should be blasted with both barrels.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 3
Jeff, age 23 (USA)
Negative
Negative—God’s Word is clear that things such as magic, violence, stealing, and coveting are wrong, yet Disney constantly churns out movies targeted at children with these themes. Sure, in the end, the so-called bad character gets theirs and everyone else lives happily ever after, but I feel that children are still being exposed and introduced to darkness and elements which are planting seeds which are definitely not of God. “Tangled” is not a movie I would recommend any of my friends to take their children to.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Harold, age 47 (USA)
Negative—… The magic in this movie and the plot of the witch is really evil, by the way she manipulates. I [would] rather a confrontation face to face, then all the manipulation that went on in this movie. I was able to review this movie with my wife, and we decided our daughter will not be watching it.
My Ratings: Moral rating: / Moviemaking quality: 4½
David, age 36 (Canada)
Negative—I saw “Tangled” last night with my husband, and I left the theater feeling as though my soul was vexed. I regretted that I had spent money on this film, because of its blasphemous aspects. Do you know who has the power to heal the sick and raise the dead? Well, according to Disney’s new movie “Tangled,” Rapunzel does.

I wrongly assumed that this would be a cute movie about a girl exploring the world for the first time and falling in love with a handsome young man who initially rubbed her the wrong way. But, no, it was the usual Disney movie filled with magic, dark elements, and (like I said previously) blasphemy. I don’t know how the… reviewer could have given this movie a moral rating of better than average. How can a movie be “better than average” if it introduces precious young children to magic and takes the Lord’s attributes and power and gives it to plants and humans? There is nothing better than average about blasphemy, confusion, or “Tangled.”
My Ratings: Moral rating: Extremely Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Rena, age 45 (USA)
Negative—My wife and I watched this movie and wondered whether our tempestuous 7 year old should. We were shocked. We decided, no. The first objectionable thing that happens is that the dubious hero leaps around on the rooftops. What were they thinking? Is this movie for kids? Were these people never kids themselves? Our kids can easily find ways of getting injured without this particular idea in the mix. That was just the start: the legitimisation of the heroine’s rebellion against the authority over her was just too terrible. Our children are rebellious without any encouragement: to see how a rebellion is carried out and ends in glorious joy is very disturbing. The film says not to trust your parents and to despise their claims of love.

The thing that left us with a bad feeling was the weakness of good compared to the strength of evil. Apart from righteousness of the horse, there is nobody who is both good AND strong in this film. The heroine is good, but not strong. The hero is both weak and morally dubious. The parents are good, but absent. This leaves our heroine grasping for help from the dark characters of the illegitimate mother and the villains from the wood. While miracle tears saved the hero so that he could take a bow for the curtain, they did not lift the mood of foreboding evil from the movie.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4
Andrew, age 39 (South Africa)
Negative—It has an okay moral rating. But, I’m a 26 year old guy, and this is a little girl’s movie. My family watched it together on the DVD player, but I just didn’t enjoy it. I like action movies a lot better than this. The only issue I have with this movie is that it was too feminine.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 5
Daniel, age 26 (USA)
Comments from young people
Positive—Disney has made a true gem for its collection this year, “Tangled”! The plot was engaging and the characters were fun and well developed. Honestly, I can’t think up anything negative to say about this movie!
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 5
Emily, age 12 (USA)
Positive—“Tangled” was a very well made, breath taking, hilarious movie. I went to see it with my 23 year old brother and 18 year old sister. We all loved it! I was touching at the end. Little kids will love it (there is a little bit of blood near the end). It’s worth the money to see it on the theatre.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 5
Brianna, age 14 (USA)
Positive—I think “Tangled” was a great movie that was fun, fantastical, and far better than any movie I’ve seen in a while. Yes, I can understand that small children might get confused about the “right and wrong” thing, and that they should be made aware of the “dos and don’ts.” However, it was awesome and greatly worth my while. The characters are fun and believable, it isn’t slow or boring, and there’s humor in all the right places. Overall, it’s a wonderful Disney film that’s great for the whole family.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 5
Claire, age 14 (USA)
Positive—My all—time favorite movie. It is very cute and a great classic for any age. It adds a twist to fairy tales. A lot of people might say that there was witch craft in it. yes there was BUT it was not shown in the movie. ***SPOILER*** When the old mean mother dies she vanishes away, no dramatic effects with green witchcrafting potion oozing out, she just vanishes away.
***END SPOILER***

It’s a nice movie with an ah-mazing message for all. It tells you that sometimes what you dream to be the best life ever isn’t actually what you need. Sometimes there’s more to life than you know and you have to be aware that your dreams sometimes aren’t “right” or you aren’t looking at the bigger picture (in a Christian’s life the bigger picture would be God.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 5
Sandy, age 15 (Canada)
Positive—“Tangled” was a funny movie. Due to the violent content of this movie it deserves a PG Rating. When I saw the movie I saw it in 2D with my Mom. The Mother Gothel character made me appreciate the honesty of my mother. The healing hair is slightly offensive to christians. ***SPOILER WARNING*** When Flynn tells Rapunzel his real name she says that it’s better than Flynn. That is a positive element and makes the movie not exactly understanding to little kids.
***END SPOILER***

This movie worthwhile to spend money on.
My Ratings: Moral rating: / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Elizabeth, age 13 (USA)
Positive—I walked into this movie not expecting much, but I walked out happy with the movie. I laughed several times and was wanting to know what would happen in the end. I don’t understand the people who say this movie is sacrilegious. Its all make believe. It’s not like we walk believe any of this is real. The movie wasn’t exactly aimed towards very young audiences anyway. There are some moments were a young child may become sad.

***Spoiler*** When a few of the bad guys tie up the second main character (Flynn) to a boat and tell Rapunzel he left her with the crown he had stolen, I heard a child crying. (I’m not sure if this was just a coincidence or the child was crying because of the movie)
***End Spoiler***

This movie is just meant for entertainment. The violence was not bad either (the only “weapon” that every hurt anyone was a frying pan). Don’t take the magic seriously, it’s just for make believe.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Matt, age 12 (USA)
Positive—I think the movie “Tangled” was a great movie. The first time I saw it I went with my family, and I liked it a lot!! I went the second time and understood it better than the first! The third time was even better!! Anyway, the movie was great… It has great humor, especially the horse. I hope you love the movie!!!
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 5
Tina, age 12 (USA)
Positive—I saw this movie with my 4 and 10 year old sisters, expecting it to be like any other child movie—full of nonsense and slapstick comedy, with no real story to it. As my sisters sat down in their seats and the movie began, the only thing that was going through my mind was “This is going to suck. I hope nobody cool sees me here.” But, I have to admit, considering that this was a children’s film, it was pretty entertaining. I got really into the story, and I left feeling satisfied. The only thing that bothered me was the music—the person that played Rapunzel wasn’t an amazing singer, and I found that a lot of the songs sounded the same. I would recommend this movie to anybody 10 and under.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Lili, age 13 (Canada)
Positive—“Tangled” was a great movie, in my opinion. It has a lot of biblical truths in it, once you really look at it. Rapunzel had grown up all of her life basing her self-worth on her hair, and not herself. In the end, when she learns she has been lied to all this time, and begins to fight Mother Gothel, she says “I will never stop fighting you, no matter what!” That can refer to us in our daily battle with Satan. The songs are catchy, the characters funny and daring, and, in all, the movie was the best one I’ve ever seen in my life. I would recommend this movie to children 7 and up, since it has a little violence in it.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 5
Catherine J, age 13 (USA)
Positive—I was at first not that interested, but after watching it, thought that it was a pretty good film. The only real point I could pick up was that the robber never really asked forgiveness for stealing, etc. Otherwise, enjoy!
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 4
Joses, age 16 (Australia)
Positive—Well I must say I LOVE LOVE LOVE this movie!! It is so cute, and, at the same time, has good Christian morals. I love the end, and, not to ruin anything, I won’t say anything about it. I strongly suggest watching this movie for anyone of any age. It is funny enough to keep you interested and serious enough to be touching. I absolutely love this movie, and I’d say it is one of my favorite movies, if not fav.

The one thing I did notice though is that the “mother’s” dress neck line goes a little low considering this film is made for young girls, especially. But it is a great movie, and I have watched it 5 times so far!
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Rosemarie, age 16 (Canada)
Positive—I did not find anything offensive with this fun movie! It was an amazing story-retelling of the Rapunzel story, with grand animation! The chameleon was funny, and the horse as well. I liked this movie a lot, and I just hope Disney will continue with clean movies like these!…
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 4½
Andre, age 15 (Canada)
Positive—This is now one of my favorite films!! I love it so much. It’s a great film for all the family, and I think the songs are great as well, there should be a sing-along version!! Really recommend this film, I actually can’t say anything bad about it, really, really great!!
My Ratings: Moral rating: Excellent! / Moviemaking quality: 5
Connie, age 15 (United Kingdom)
Comments from non-viewers
Negative—The story, or rather the “darkness”… negative. Seriously consider Jehovah’s recommendations!

Deuteronomy 18:9-12—9 “When thou art coming in unto the land which Jehovah thy God is giving to thee, thou dost not learn to do according to the abominations of those nations: 10 there is not found in thee one causing his son and his daughter to pass over into fire, a user of divinations, an observer of clouds, and an enchanter, and a sorcerer, 11 and a charmer, and one asking at a familiar spirit, and a wizard, and one seeking unto the dead. 12 For the abomination of Jehovah is every one doing these, and because of these abominations is Jehovah thy God dispossessing them from thy presence.”

2 Kings 21:6—And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke [him] to anger.

Isaiah 47:9—But these two [things] shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, [and] for the great abundance of thine enchantments.

Nahum 3:3-5… Many casualties, piles of dead, bodies without number, people stumbling over the corpses—4 all because of the wanton lust of a harlot, alluring, the mistress of sorceries, who enslaved nations by her prostitution and peoples by her witchcraft. 5 “I am against you,” declares the Lord Almighty. …

Revelation 9:21—Nor did they repent of their murders, their practice of magic, their fornication, or their thefts. We have been warned!!! What to do with this magic? Get rid of it, or at least stay away from it at all cost.

Acts 19:19—And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver.

I will not expose myself or children (most importantly) to the variety of “darkness” in this Disney movie. I also put this in “positive” so those only looking for the good will see the bad in this movie.
My Ratings: Moral rating: / Moviemaking quality:
Bruce, age 49 (USA)