Early Buzz: Disney's Tangled
Over the weekend we received an anonymous e-mail from a /Film reader who claims to have seen Disney's next computer animated feature film Tangled (formerly Rapunzel). The film is due out November 24th 2010, and aside from an international teaser trailer and concept art, we haven't seen or heard much about it. So how does Walt Disney Animation Studios' latest stand-up? The company's last computer animated feature Bolt had a clear Pixar influence. Read the full early reader (p)review after the jump.
Disclaimer: The /Film reader saw an early unfinished cut of the film Tangled. The movie is far from completed, and even featured segments of animatic sketches and unfinished CGI. They seem to be a few months away from a final cut, so a lot could change. This is basically my long way of explaining that you should not take the below comments as a review of what the final film will be. If anything, consider it an early preview of what the final film could be. Without further delay, here is the e-mail I received:Hey Peter,I have seen Disney's Tangled. The film was unfinished ( most of the film's scenes were either sketches or unfinished CG) but still very enjoyable. The few scenes that were finished were beautiful to look at, as they seemed to go for a water colored look.They maintain the Disney classics (Cinderella, Snow White) look and feel but transition it into the computer generated era. The characters look more like human beings, and less like exaggerated cartoon characters. Rapunzel's facial expressions are always changing and connected to the actions that she is partaking in. Disney is clearly focused on mirroring Snow White, taking the painting like look, and surrounding it with warm, soothing colors. The watercolor style gives the film a storybook like visual that impresses, but does not dominate the film.Zachary Levi steals the show as the cocky thief Flynn Rider. The film begins with an explanation as to why Rapunzel's hair has magical abilities. The film revolves around Rapunzel finally leaving the tower (with help from Flynn) she has been forced to live in since birth.It ends up being your typical Disney princess story, but very funny and with great set pieces in it. In one scene, Rapunzel and Flynn are trapped in a cave filling with water, and they utilize her glowing hair to escape.There are about a handful of musical numbers, the best taking place in a pub. Like I said the story isn't anything new, but visually the film is one of the most beautiful to look at. It has an Incredibles feel to it that is apparent in the character models, comedic moments, and action set- pieces. Not as great as it but the Pixar inspiration is there.I was also surprised that blood is in the film; specifically in two scenes where a character cuts his hand and that same character gets stabbed later on.Call me Jacob Bohmen.