The Breakthrough Success of ‘Tangled’: An Unlikely Title and a Fresh Animation Style
Released in 2010, Tangled immediately restored Disney to its golden era of animated films. Utilizing a new animation style, the movie grossed nearly $600 million on a budget of $260 million. Featuring contemporary musical numbers and the vocals of ’90s pop star Mandy Moore, the film captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Tangled: A Fresh Take on an Old Tale
The film explores the dynamic between the cunning Flynn Ryder and the sheltered Rapunzel. Their journey from unlikely friends to inseparable lovers complements the film’s adventure plot. While rooted in the classic fairy tale, Tangled shifted focus to action to appeal to a wider audience, moving away from the typical princess narrative.
Tangled Was Originally Entitled Rapunzel and Rapunzel Unbraided
We did not want to be put in a box. Some people might assume it’s a fairy tale for girls when it’s not. We make movies to be appreciated and loved by everybody.
Disney aimed to avoid the mistake made with The Princess and the Frog, which failed to appeal to male audiences due to its title. By renaming the film Tangled, Disney signified a fresh perspective on the Rapunzel story. Changes were made to both titular characters—Rapunzel became more creative and curious, while Flynn Ryder was cast as a thief seeking a better life.
Tangled: Reviews and Critical Acclaim
|
Tangled and The Princess and the Frog Reviews |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tangled |
Rotten Tomatoes Score |
IMDB Rating |
Average Letterboxd Review |
|
89% |
7.7/10 |
4.0 |
|
|
The Princess and the Frog |
Rotten Tomatoes Score |
IMDB Rating |
Average Letterboxd Review |
|
85% |
7.2/10 |
3.9 |
|
Rapunzel and Flynn’s relationship slowly develops, creating a believable and emotionally resonating connection. Flynn’s sacrifice towards the end of the film is especially heart-wrenching and feels well-earned due to their strong bond.
Related
Disney’s Tangled Originally Had This Very Different Premise
Tangled is a simple premise that fits perfectly with Disney Princess fans, but its original story was anything but simple.
The Movie’s Action Was Heavily Hinted at in the Trailers
The first teaser for Tangled was vague, focusing on snippets of dialogue and the tower without mentioning the title. The second trailer showcased Flynn’s skills and daring escapades more than Rapunzel herself. It featured P!nk’s song “Trouble,” hinting at the film’s action-comedy nature.
In the second trailer, Flynn narrates, introducing Rapunzel as “waiting for her life to begin,” aligning with her iconic song “When Will My Life Begin.” Key antagonists from the Snuggly Duckling got brief screen time, while the villain Mother Gothel was barely shown, preserving the surprise for audiences.
