Tangled – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Tangled

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2010

83%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Disney's best modern princess movie—Rapunzel's got a frying pan, trust issues, and 70 feet of magical hair to work through.

7.7/10

89%

7.6

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Tangled

movie

PG, 2010

83%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Disney's best modern princess movie—Rapunzel's got a frying pan, trust issues, and 70 feet of magical hair to work through.

7.7

89%

7.6

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7.7/10

89%

7.6

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Screenwise Verdict

Tangled is that rare Disney movie that actually deserves its reputation. It's funny without being annoying, adventurous without being scary, and romantic without being cringey.

The real win here is how it handles Mother Gothel's emotional abuse—she's not a cartoon villain, she's a recognizable manipulator who says 'I love you' while tearing Rapunzel down. That's valuable stuff for kids to see and name, even if they don't fully grasp it at 6.

Rapunzel herself is delightful: curious, creative, conflicted, and competent with a frying pan. Flynn gets an actual personality and growth arc instead of being Prince Cardboard. The animation holds up beautifully, and the lantern scene is genuinely magical.

This is peak modern Disney—entertaining enough that kids will actually want to watch it, smart enough that parents won't lose brain cells, and meaningful enough to spark real conversations. It's aged way better than Frozen (fight me).

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 5-12, though the emotional manipulation themes might fly over younger kids' heads (which is fine—they'll get the adventure and humor). Teens might still enjoy it for nostalgia or genuine quality, but it's clearly aimed younger.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Models genuine kindness, personal growth, and healthy relationships. Rapunzel's journey from sheltered to self-aware is emotionally healthy. The relationship between Rapunzel and Flynn develops naturally from distrust to genuine care. Mother Gothel provides a clear example of manipulation vs. true love. Pacing is balanced with humor, adventure, and tender moments. Minor deduction for some mild deception elements (Flynn's thievery, though he reforms).

Imaginative

Disney's fresh take on Rapunzel with magical glowing hair, a chameleon sidekick, and inventive uses of 70 feet of hair as rope, weapon, and paintbrush. The lantern scene is visually stunning and iconic. Rapunzel's tower activities (painting, reading, crafts) model creative expression. The adventure invites wonder about the wider world. Loses some points for following fairly predictable Disney princess formula despite the modern twist.

Safe

Appropriate for family viewing with minimal concerning content. Some mild peril (tower climbing, chase scenes, sword fights) but nothing graphic. Mother Gothel's manipulation could be intense for very young viewers but serves the story. The villain's death is off-screen (turns to dust/ages rapidly). No gore, sexuality, or inappropriate language. Thematic elements of kidnapping and emotional abuse are handled sensitively. A couple of bar thugs look scary initially but turn out friendly.

Enriching

Strong themes of self-discovery, breaking free from controlling relationships, and finding your true identity. Rapunzel's courage to leave her 'safe' tower and pursue her dreams is empowering. Shows healthy conflict resolution and the difference between conditional love (Gothel) and unconditional love (parents, Flynn). Flynn's redemption arc demonstrates personal growth. The film subtly addresses gaslighting and manipulation. Entertaining with excellent music and humor that doesn't rely on cheap jokes.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Rapunzel is genuinely funny, capable, and doesn't need rescuing—she does the rescuing
Tackles emotional manipulation and gaslighting in an age-appropriate way that can open important conversations
The music slaps ("I See the Light" is an all-timer) and the animation still looks gorgeous 15 years later
Flynn Rider is a rare Disney love interest with actual personality and character development
Balances adventure, humor, and heart without being saccharine or preachy

⚠

What to Watch For

Mother Gothel is a master manipulator—younger kids might need help understanding why her 'love' isn't real love
Some mild peril and sword fighting, plus Gothel's death scene (she ages rapidly and turns to dust) could startle sensitive viewers
The kidnapping backstory might be heavy for very young kids, though it's handled gently

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Rapunzel felt confused about leaving the tower, even though Mother Gothel was mean to her?"
"Have you ever been scared to try something new, like Rapunzel was? What helped you feel brave?"
"What's the difference between how Mother Gothel treated Rapunzel and how her real parents felt about her?"
"If you had magical hair like Rapunzel, what would you want to do with it?"
"Flynn changed a lot during the movie—why do you think he went from stealing to helping people?"

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