Sure, “Bolt” and “Meet the Robinsons” didn’t mark the most stellar non-Pixar digital animation flicks for Disney, but Mickey’s playhouse pulled off a solid effort with their first attempt at a digital princess story. Taking on the classic tale of Rapunzel, “Tangled” captures the Disney magic even if it all feels very, very familiar.

Cunning thief, Flynn Ryder (Zachary Levi), and Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) enjoy an evening together in “Tangled”, Disney Pictures' reimagining of the classic tale. (photo courtesy of Disney Pictures)

Our almost-18 blond with hair that can rival the length of any rock climbing rope, Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) has been cooped up in her tower ever since she was kidnapped by Mother Gothel (Donna Murphy), who objects to aging gracefully, deciding instead to keep the young woman hidden to harness a rare power to take the wrinkles away (when Rapunzel sings, her hair glows and whoever touches it is healed or made young). But isolation can’t keep the spirit of curiosity down as Rapunzel desires to see the outside world.

Cue Flynn Ryder (Zachary Levi), the kingdom’s most notorious thief, who chooses the wrong (or perhaps very right) tower to hide in. When our sheltered princess hides the stolen bounty, Flynn has no choice but to give in to her demands and guide her through the real world. But hot on Flynn’s trail is a very committed horse, Maximus, who wants nothing more than to see the thief brought to justice – just imagine a very dedicated dog but much larger and far more entertaining.

What “Tangled” lacks in originality or engaging musical numbers, it makes up for with fantastic humor. The characters who steal the show here aren’t the humans but Maximus and Rapunzel’s pet chameleon, neither of which have any voice actors attached to them. Like “Wall-E”, the character is all in movement over dialogue. The physicality of their roles feels just like the mice in “Cinderella” or Goofy and Pluto messing around at the park.

Flynn Ryder (Zachary Levi), helps Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) carry around her excessive hair in Disney Picture’s “Tangled”. (photo courtesy of Disney Pictures)

Zachery Levi may be a newer face to film (I’m not counting the “Chipmunks” sequel), but he’s been a familiar and quite lovable television face as the lead on “Chuck”, the action comedy series about a nerd at an entertainment store who inadvertently becomes a spy. It’s easy to hear his unique pronunciation as the voice of Flynn, but it’s just too charming to criticize. Plus, his role as film narrator is a nice touch that provides a few good laughs and some stylistic finesse.

With much to love here, “Tangled” is still far from the Disney greats. The songs feel out of place. Mandy Moore holds pitch well enough, but (much like her old albums) there’s not much going on here. The lyrics are just OK and the choreography leans towards regular camera movements. Only one number in a bar goes all out, borrowing the random humor that made “The Emperor’s New Groove” such a fantastic Disney film. However, while “Aladdin” took us on a magic carpet ride and Belle and Beast danced around a great hall, there’s only a few visually stunning moments here.

In one beautiful song, the characters aren’t even shown singing until midway through. Each time a song began, it felt like the storyline was placed on hold, turning each one into a narrative nuisance rather than pivotal to the plot.

If you were excited to see this one because of the teaser trailer where Rapunzel attacks Flynn with her long locks, you’ll be rather disappointed (as I was), since that scene didn’t make the final cut. The teaser portrayed our leading lady as more than just a damsel in distress, but the story backtracks on what could’ve been far richer characters, settling for the same old clichés with only a touch of something new.

I don’t mean to sound overly critical, as I quite enjoyed the film, even some side-busting laughter at times. I just don’t think it’s the best Disney can do, nor does it even come close to the caliber of other animated features from this year. Still, it’s definitely better than last year’s “The Frog and the Princess”, which did little more than remind us how ill-equipped Disney is at addressing racial issues without succumbing to the trappings of caricatures.

“Tangled” is an adorable addition to the princess films in the Disney Vault. There’s enough humor here to keep any child in awe and plenty of wit and adventure to make every adult a little more childlike.