Tangled the Series – First Season Reviews and Second Season Previews

(Note: This article contains plenty of spoilers for Tangled: The Series)

Last year, Tangled: The Series, a follow-up to Disney’s 2010 animated hit Tangled, premièred on the Disney Channel, allowing Rapunzel, the lost princess of Corona, and former bandit Eugene Fitzherbert (previously known as Flynn Rider) to go on further adventures. The series picks up where the film left off, as Rapunzel and Eugene adjust to life in Corona, and Rapunzel’s new handmaiden Cassandra becomes a feisty new sidekick for the princess. However, things get complicated when Rapunzel comes across magical rocks which cause her long and magical blond hair (cut off at the end of Tangled) to return. The first season ended with the rocks destroying the walls of Corona, and King Frederic allowing Rapunzel and her friends to leave the kingdom in order to find out more about these rocks and their mysterious powers. The second series will continue from here, with Rapunzel getting to explore the world outside of Corona.

The ratings for the first series, whilst not spectacular, remained reasonably consistent in spite of some horrific scheduling. After six episodes, the series went on a three-month hiatus, and then moved to a Sunday prime time slot (putting it in direct competition with the iconic Game of Thrones). For the last few episodes, the show was shifted from Sunday evenings to Saturday mornings, which made it difficult for the shows older fanbase to access it. In spite of this, Tangled: The Series has maintained a loyal and highly enthusiastic audience, gaining three nominations at the Annie Awards and winning a Daytime Emmy. As a result, Tangled: The Series has been renewed for a second season, but it has now been renamed Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure (more on this later) and will now air on Sunday mornings, starting from this weekend. The series will begin with an hour-long episode called ‘Beyond the Corona Walls’, which will feature brand new songs and start an epic new adventure for Rapunzel.

The New Title

For its second series, the title of Tangled: The Series been changed to Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure. It’s a bit jarring to see the title get changed, but the new name still makes it clear that this show centres on Rapunzel and is part of the Tangled universe. There are both advantages and disadvantages with this new title. It makes it clear that Rapunzel is the main character and her coming-of-age is the central focus of the show. It also implies that the adventure elements of the series (which have always been its strongest aspects) will take centre stage, allowing for a more and consistent tone. However, the new title also seems juvenile and generic, with an uncomfortably close resemblance to the title of the widely criticised Frozen Christmas special Olaf's Frozen Adventure. There is also a risk that an excessive focus on Rapunzel could distract from the other leads. When Tangled gained its title (it had initially been called Rapunzel before being controversially renamed late in production), the filmmakers claimed this was because Eugene was as much of a protagonist as Rapunzel. The idea that the Tangled brand is bigger than a single princess has also informed Tangled: The Series to an extent. During the first season, there were numerous episodes centred on Eugene or Cassandra, with Rapunzel playing a secondary role (there were even episodes where animal sidekicks Pascal and Maximus were the leads). Rapunzel is an interesting character, but so are her friends, so putting them in the background might be a problem. Nonetheless, the new title will not be too much of a hindrance if the stories remain interesting and the characters remain likeable and engaging. Regardless of the title, a series centred on Rapunzel and Eugene will hopefully remain an entertaining show.

A Quick Review

Tangled: The Series is generally great entertainment for fans of the original movie, and even those with little interest in that film will find plenty of merit in it. Disney series are aimed at a younger and narrower audience than Disney films, so they tend to be lighter, softer and less sophisticated than the original movie. However, the first season of Tangled: The Series has plenty of darker and more mature moments, which elevate it above conventional Disney Channel fare. Rapunzel’s experiences being imprisoned in a tower for 18 years have clearly had a significant effect on her psychology, and her two signature traits – her obsession with exploring and need to be liked – can be closely linked to her awful childhood. In two episodes, Rapunzel has to revisit the tower, and it is clear that this is quite traumatic for her. This dark undercurrent does not overshadow the character’s upbeat and fun personality, but it adds an unsettling layer which is more likely to be understood by adults. In addition, there is some welcome emphasis on the pressures and responsibilities Rapunzel faces as a royal, ensuring that the show has more depth than the traditional princess wish-fulfilment fantasy.

As well as having appealing characters and interesting storylines, Tangled: The Series also contains plenty of genuinely impressive animation. The 2D storybook-inspired style may seem fairly primitive compared to the detailed CGI animation of the original film, but the characters remain as expressive as ever, and the bright colours make the series feel like a recognisable part of the Tangled universe. The action sequences are fluid and often impressive, although there are some distracting uses of blocky CGI more suited to an animated series from 1997 than one from 2017. In addition to the lively animated style, there have been some more unusual touches with have enhanced the fairy tale identity of the show. One episode featured a story being told with illustrations from a pop-up book, (which were filmed in stop-motion), and concluded with a scene where the shadows of Cassandra and the villain-of-the-week were projected on the sides of a hot-air balloon as they duelled inside. Meanwhile, the final episode featured a flashback sequence told through mosaics. The interesting storylines, themes and visuals confirm that Tangled: The Series is willing to be creative and take risks, and this ensures that older audiences can enjoy it as much as the children.

However, Tangled: The Series has plenty of flaws, many of which stem from the fact that it tends to alternate between adventure and comedy without combining the two as well as the original film. The central plot arc, involving the growth of the mysterious black rocks, was neglected for long stretches in favour of sitcom antics. Furthermore, the portrayal of the lead characters could be somewhat erratic, with comedic episodes often exaggerating the worst aspects of Rapunzel, Eugene and Cassandra in order to gain cheap laughs. However, it is worth enduring the filler to get to the interesting material. Overall, Tangled: The Series is a pretty solid continuation of the Tangled franchise, and it seems like it will still be worth watching when it becomes Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure.

The Cast

It goes without saying that Rapunzel and Eugene will return, with Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi continuing to bring Tangled’s core duo to life. They are a lively and likeable pair of protagonists and it is fun to see their journey towards the inevitable wedding. The pub thugs at the Snuggly Duckling will accompany them on their adventures, literally putting their tavern on wheels and taking it on their adventures with them. Cute animal sidekicks Pascal and Maximus are also there to provide Rapunzel and Eugene with extra support. The fact that are protagonists are moving away from Corona means that the supporting characters from the first season will mostly be absent from this one. It is doubtful that the quirky denizens of Corona will return in any major capacity, as the mysterious blacksmith Xavier (voiced by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) is the only one with a real role in the larger storylines. Rapunzel’s parents will also have a significantly reduced role, but Rapunzel’s growing maturity could lead to interesting changes in her relationship with them. Last season, King Fredric (voiced by Clancy Brown) was generally defined by the tiresome ‘overprotective father’ tropes, and his stifling attempts at keeping Rapunzel safe could get pretty annoying. Hopefully, he will be allowed to become a more unique and likeable character, and it would also be great if the underused Queen Ariana (Voiced by Julie Bowen) gained more opportunities to come into her own.

However, for all of the characters who may be absent, the three strongest additions to the Tangled cast will definitely be back for more adventures. Cassandra (Voiced by Eden Espinosa) is going to get more opportunities to fight for Rapunzel and friends after leading Corona into battle at the end of the last season. Eugene’s childhood friend Lance Strongbow (Voiced by James Monroe Iglehart) has joined the pub thugs, which will probably allow him a larger role in the series. Finally, fan-favourite villain Varian (Voiced by Jeremy Jordan) will be back, still looking for revenge on Rapunzel and a means to free his father Quirin from the crystal prison created by the black magic of the rocks. It will be fun to see how these three characters evolve in this season.

A variety of new characters will be added in this series, with many of them being female. Two of the most interesting are Madam Carnadist, a mysterious figure seen in a teaser at the end of last season, and Stalyan, Eugene’s ex-fiancée. Carnadist is voiced by stage and screen veteran Carol Kane, whilst Stalyan is voiced by Yvonne Strahovski. Strahowski’s role is especially significant for fans of the action comedy series Chuck, as she starred opposite Zachary Levi as the female lead. Both characters seem like they will cause significant trouble for Rapunzel and friends, but they will hopefully be given the depth and nuance needed to make them appealing and memorable.

The up and coming Lil Rel Howery will star as a character called Goodberry, and Britt Robertson is voicing a new teenage character called Vex. B-Movie icon Bruce Campbell has been cast as the ‘bizarrely charming’ King Edmund, whilst former James Bond Timothy Dalton (another actor who had a central role in Chuck) will voice an adventurer and inventor called Demanitus. Both have worked with Pixar in the past, but it’s pretty surprising to see them appear in a Disney channel series, and their presence will certainly entertain any fathers who happen to be watching. Meanwhile, Kathy Mixon has been cast as an alluring character called Seraphina and Kathy Namijy will voice an eccentric forest dweller. The most recent actor confirmed to be joining the cast is Lance Henriksen, who will apparently be voicing the Baron, a hitherto unseen crime boss whose minions have created trouble for Eugene and Lance in previous episodes. It is likely that all these characters are going to be recurring presences, and we could see further celebrities make one-off appearances throughout the season. The first season featured one-episode guest appearances from the likes of Danny Trejo, Bradley Whitford, Jane Krakowski and Ellen Greene, and more notable actors and actresses could follow in their footsteps.

Tangled: The Series Soundtrack – A Review

Tangled: The Series is not a full-on musical series in the vein of something like Glee or Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, but it often makes use of music, with each of the three ‘tentpole’ episodes containing two or three songs. Past animated series based on Disney films, such as The Little Mermaid and Hercules, also had semi-musical formats (although they featured more songs than Tangled: The Series), but Tangled: The Series stands out because it is the first Disney Channel series to feature new songs from Alan Menken, who composed the music for Disney classics like Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. Menken wrote the songs for Tangled with Glenn Slater, and the duo returned to create ten new songs (two of which are reprises). The three ‘tentpole episodes’ of Tangled: The Series are pilot episode Tangled: Before Ever After, winter special Queen for a Day and season finale Secret of the Sundrop. All three feature songs which range from enjoyable diversions to genuinely interesting anthems worthy of comparison to the music from the original film – a pretty impressive feat given the reduced standards of a Disney Channel series.

The songs mostly fit an upbeat guitar-pop style reminiscent of ‘When Will My Life Begin’ from the original Tangled. Although this relative sameness narrows the audience (if you dislike acts such as Colbie Caillat, or hate the early songs of Taylor Swift, this soundtrack is not for you), it generally suits the sunny fairy tale approach of Tangled: The Series, even if the use of electric guitars in ‘Life After Happily Ever After’ and ‘I’ve Got This’ feels a bit jarring. However, it’s no coincidence that the best songs in the soundtrack are the ones which do something a little different. The translation of the songs from screen to album is somewhat inconsistent, as some songs keep the dialogue surrounding them (‘I’ve Got This’ and ‘Listen Up’) but in for other numbers (‘Wind in My Hair (reprise)’ and ‘Ready as I’ll Ever Be) all the extra dialogue gets cut. It’s no surprise to learn that former popstar Mandy Moore, and Broadway regulars Zachary Levi, Eden Espinosa and Jeremy Jordan, all give excellent performances, as they really do a great job bringing their characters to life. Clancy Brown does not have their technical ability, but his smooth and deep voice is always a pleasure to listen to.

The overriding theme of Tangled: The Series is Rapunzels’ struggle to balance the pressures and responsibilities of royal life with her own desire to see the world and go on adventures, and the songs in Tangled: Before Ever After, set this conflict up pretty strongly. The opening song, ‘Life After Happily Ever After’ does a solid job establishing what life is like in Corona’s royal palace for Rapunzel, Eugene and King Frederic. It also introduces the reliably compelling ‘after ever after’ theme of the series, as Rapunzel realises that struggles to cope with the pressures and responsibilities of life as a princess. The song conveys the rush of Rapunzel’s royal life very well, and the downbeat ending does a good job of highlighting Rapunzel’s anxieties. ‘Wind in My Hair’ is the second song from Tangled: Before Ever After, but it appears first on the album, most likely because it functions as the theme song for the entire Tangled series. As a lively pop anthem, it works excellently in this context, as it highlights Rapunzel’s enthusiasm and her desire to go on adventures, which is the overriding theme of the series. The song also gets a short reprise at the end of the episode, further cementing its status as the signature tune of the series.

Queen For A Day shows Rapunzel being put in temporary charge of the kingdom while her parents are away. Whilst managing life in Corona, she sings ‘I've Got This’, which adds old-fashioned folkier elements to the Tangled sound. It’s another energetic tune, but it features Rapunzel realising she is out of her depth as ruler of Corona, as every decision she makes leads to further problems. It is followed by ‘Let Me Make You Proud’, the signature song for new character Varian. This troubled young alchemist seeks to make his father Qurin proud at all costs, and his single-mindedness begins to turn into fanaticism throughout the episode. As Varian heads to Corona in a doomed attempt to seek help for Qurin, he sings this soaring power ballad, which is full of energy and passion, and easily the best song on this soundtrack. The short, downbeat reprise at the end of the episode sets up Varian’s descent into villainy in powerful fashion, as his pain and dismay at losing Quirin turns to anger. The closing lines are delivered in an aggressive fury which is genuinely quite menacing. Overall, Varian is probably the best Disney villain since Mother Gothel from the original Tangled, and the two versions of ‘Let Me Make You Proud’ demonstrate why he is such an effective character.

Although the vast majority of music in Tangled: The Series is confined to the tentpole specials, two songs came from other episodes. Pascals Story features a catchy new song called ‘Friendship Song’, sung by 15 year-old The Voice semi-finalist Brennley Brown. This tune was only heard for about 30 seconds in that episode, and is probably better in that smaller dose, as Brown’s energetic but immature voice and the relentlessly upbeat arrangement make the song feel rather cloying when extended to four times that length. Meanwhile, ‘Listen Up’ comes from Halloween special The Wrath of Ruthless Ruth. The song is performed by the titular ghost, who haunts the Snuggly Duckling tavern until she gets to fulfil her dream of singing in public. It represents a bit of a departure from the Tangled: The Series style, with a ‘haunted house’ atmosphere which is pleasingly spooky but never remotely scary – essentially, it’s what you would expect from a Halloween special for a Disney Channel series, but it’s still fun to listen to.

The two songs from season finale Secret of the Sundrop come late in the album, as they effectively feel like eleven o'clock songs for the first season as a whole. ‘Set Yourself Free’ is one of the weaker numbers on the album, as it sounds a little too much like a slightly more sombre version of ‘Wind in My Hair’. However, Mandy Moore does a good job of conveying Rapunzel’s need to keep her spirits up and her desire to escape the confines of her castle. The second song in the special, ‘Ready as I’ll Ever Be’ is far better. As Varian, Cassandra and Rapunzel prepare for the final battle, this song provides a warlike, invigorating prelude to the climax, demonstrating how strong the series can be when dealing with big themes and providing epic adventures.

The album concludes with ‘More of Me’, an end credits song performed by Natasha Bedingfield, who had big hits in the mid 2000’s with songs like ‘These Words’, ‘Pocketful of Sunshine’ and ‘Unwritten’. Her generally sunny and optimistic style is an excellent fit for the Tangled universe, but ‘More of Me’ also has a more modern feel which separates it from the rest of the songs on this soundtrack. It probably would have been a decent hit if Natasha had released it as a single at the peak of her career.

Overall, the Tangled: The Series soundtrack is a decent little album for fans of Tangled: The Series. When all the songs are put together, it becomes clear that their lively guitar-based approach can get a little annoying when overused. However, like the larger series, this soundtrack is colourful and entertaining, and there are enough genuinely interesting songs and moments to give it a much-needed edge.

15 Fairy Tale Films to Watch on TV This Christmas

During the Christmas season, the British TV schedules are full of excellent TV programmes and films which aim to provide escapist entertainment for the whole family. Many of the best films showing on TV over the Christmas period are based on fairy tales and classic children’s stories, and this article highlights 15 of the best fairy tale films being shown over the festive period this year. In order to make this list easier to put together, it only includes films which are being shown on Britain's five terrestrial channels (BBC1, BBC2, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5).

Frozen

When's It On? - Saturday 23rd December at 2:50PM (BBC1)

Although overexposure has somewhat diluted the surprise value which made it so popular, Disney's 2013 musical Frozen has firmly established itself as one of the most successful and iconic family films of all time, with its memorable characters, creative twists, and an array of inescapably catchy songs such as 'Let it Go'. Last year, its terrestrial premiere attracted an impressive 4.7 million viewers, and it looks like the story of Anna and Elsa will be a Christmas staple on BBC1 for years to come. Frozen fans with cable might also want to check out Olaf's Frozen Adventure, a 20-minute Christmas special centred on snowman sidekick Olaf, which will air on Sky Cinema on Christmas Day.

Cinderella

When's It On? - Christmas Day at 3:10PM (BBC1)

This Christmas Day, Disney's recent live-action remake of Cinderella enjoys its terrestrial premiere on BBC1, becoming one of the major highlights of their Christmas Day schedule. Director Kenneth Branagh applies his signature spectacular style to the fairy tale, with Downton Abbey star Lily James playing Cinderella and Kate Blanchett as the wicked stepmother Lady Tremaine. This new version gives increased depth and complexity to characters who were mere plot devices in the original (such as the Prince and the Fairy Godmother) but manages to retain the simplicity and charm of the original story. With its incredible visuals, compelling story, and powerful messages about the importance of kindness and tenacity, Cinderella is one of the standouts in Disney's recent crop of live-action remakes, making it excellent entertainment for viewers of all ages. 

Dumbo

When's It On?  - Christmas Day at 4:30PM (Channel 4)

Disney were struggling financially in 1942, but their adaptation of the obscure short story Dumbo, about an elephant with unusually big ears, was the hit they needed to turn their fortunes around. At just 65 minutes long, Dumbo is far shorter than any of the other movies on this list, but it provides the impressive animation and memorable characters needed to compete with the longer, flashier films. Whilst some elements of Dumbo have not aged well, the simple but timeless story of a misfit learning how to make use of his unique gifts remains universally appealing. A live-action adaptation of this film arrives in 2019, so now is a good time to make yourself familiar with the original.

Song of the Sea

When's It On?  - Boxing Day at 6:40AM (Channel 4)

Many people use Boxing Day as an opportunity to enjoy a well-earned rest after the chaos of Christmas Day. However, it is definitely worth getting up early to watch Song of the Sea, an Oscar-nominated movie from the acclaimed animation studio Cartoon Saloon. Like their 2009 film The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea is based on Irish folklore, using myths about Selkies, fairies and witches as the basis for a unique and magical story. The movie deals with weighty topics such as bereavement, but it has enough comedy and adventure to keep younger audiences entertained, and the relationship between protagonist Billy and his mute younger sister Saoirse is incredibly easy to relate to. However, the best things about Song of the Sea are the beautiful hand-drawn animation and the Celtic-inspired soundtrack. Overall, the movie is a real treat for children and adults alike, and it will hopefully inspire viewers to check out other Cartoon Saloon projects, such as their forthcoming film The Breadwinner. 

Mary Poppins

When's It On? - Boxing Day at 3:45PM (BBC1)

Disney's 1964 movie Mary Poppins is easily the most iconic of the numerous live-action films created by the studio, and really deserves its status as a mainstay of Christmas TV. Loosely based on a series of novels by P.L. Travers, it tells the story of a mysterious nanny who arrives at the house of Mr Banks and his family and changes their lives. With memorable performances from Julie Andrews, David Tomlinson and Dick Van Dyke, and the brilliant soundtrack from the Sherman Brothers (who can forget songs like 'Feed the Birds', 'A Spoonful of Sugar' or 'Step in Time'?), Mary Poppins continues to weave its powerful spell on audiences all over the world. The forthcoming sequel, Mary Poppins Returns, is one of the most anticipated films of 2018, but it will find it incredibly difficult to emulate the success and longevity of its predecessor.  

The Little Mermaid

When's It On? - Boxing Day at 4:20PM (Channel 4)

When it was released in 1989, Disney's upbeat adventure musical The Little Mermaid was a major critical and commercial success, starting the purple patch known as the Disney Renaissance. Almost three decades after it first arrived in cinemas, it remains one of Disney's most enjoyable movies. Red-headed protagonist Ariel was the first in Disney's long line of adventurous and assertive female leads, and she is joined by a memorable cast of supporting characters, including Sebastian the crab, Flounder the fish, and the wonderfully diabolical baddie Ursula. The movie also features some of the greatest Disney songs ever, including 'Part of Your World', 'Under the Sea' and 'Kiss the Girl'. Even if you take issue with Ariel's search for love, it is impossible to deny the impact of The Little Mermaid - rewatch it yourself and see how much the recent Wonder Woman movie borrowed from it...

Matthew Bourne's Cinderella

When's It On? -  Boxing Day at 5:35PM (BBC2)

Although this is technically not a movie, the television broadcast of Matthew Bourne's Cinderella is feature-length, and is definitely worth mentioning in this article. For his spin on Prokofiev's ballet Cinderella, the iconic choreographer/director relocated the traditional story of Cinderella and Prince Charming to WW2-era London. Bourne’s production uses dancing, costumes, sets, and cutting-edge projections to invoke nostalgia for the culture of the period whilst highlighting the chaos and destruction caused by the German bombing raids at the time. If you are unable to see Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella in person at Sadlers Wells Theatre this Christmas, then this TV screening allows you to enjoy it from the comfort of your own home. Seasoned Matthew Bourne fans will have a great time watching this, and for those not familiar with his work, it represents an excellent introduction.

The Princess and the Frog

When's It On?  - Wednesday 27th December at 10:45AM (BBC1)

When it was released in 2009, The Princess and the Frog was the first traditionally animated Disney movie in five years, and the first Disney Princess movie since Mulan over a decade earlier. A reworking of The Frog Prince set in 1920s New Orleans, it pays loving tribute to the bayous, parades and jazz music which defined that time and place, whilst also providing a modern and assertive protagonist in the shape of the hard-working Tiana, a waitress who gets mistaken for a princess and ends up going on an incredible adventure. Although it was not successful enough to permanently revive traditional animation, The Princess and the Frog generated renewed interest in Disney's fairy tale formula, paving the way for the likes of Tangled and Frozen. It has often been overshadowed by its successors, but it is a colourful, charming throwback which will entertain viewers of all ages.

The Red Shoes

When's It On? - Wednesday 27th December at 12:10PM (BBC2)

Made by the iconic writer/director duo Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, The Red Shoes has fascinated and haunted audiences all over the world since it was first released in 1948. The movie centres on Victoria Page, a dancer preparing to star in a ballet based on the titular Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. Like the protagonist of that story, Victoria finds herself unable to stop dancing, and her inability to control her passion leads to tragedy. With its sumptuous technicolour cinematography, impressively detailed sets, and Moira Shearer’s magnetic performance in the lead role, The Red Shoes has become recognised as one of the greatest British movies of all time. If you haven’t already seen this enthralling and atmospheric movie, this Christmas is the perfect time to check it out for yourself.

Brave

When's It On?  - Friday 29th December at 4:20PM (BBC1)

Pixar’s animated films are traditionally set in modern times, with male protagonists, but for their 2012 film Brave, they adopted the signature formula of parent studio Disney with a female-centred adventure story set in ancient Scotland. The rebellious Princess Merida rejects traditional gender roles, choosing to pursue her interest in riding and archery instead of searching for a mate, and her strained relationship with her mother Queen Elinor provides a welcome contrast to Disney’s traditional emphasis on father/daughter dynamics. The Scottish forests and highlands provide Brave with a magical, mystical feel and allow it to maintain the family-friendly appeal of Disney and Pixar’s output, even as it deviates from many of their traditional conventions. 

Ever After: A Cinderella Story

When's It On? - Saturday 30th December at 12:50PM (Channel 4)

Ever After is the third adaptation of Cinderella mentioned on this list, but it is definitely unique and entertaining enough to stand out, updating the source material to reflect modern, progressive values whilst staying true to the elements which made it so popular in the first place. In this version, Drew Barrymore plays Danielle, a feisty young woman forced into servitude by her tyrannical stepmother, who finds herself falling in love with the handsome Prince Henry. Set in 16th Century France, Ever After downplays the fantasy elements which define most versions of Cinderella, with the legendary inventor Leonardo Da Vinci taking the place of the Fairy Godmother and using science to help Danielle on her path to a happy ending. However, it provides more than enough adventure, comedy and romance to please fans of the traditional story. Since its release in 1998 Ever After has gained a substantial fanbase, with many regarding it as one of the best adaptations of Cinderella. Any fairy tale enthusiasts who have previously overlooked Ever After should see it during the festive period. 

Alice in Wonderland

When’s It On? - Saturday 30th December at 6:20PM (BBC2)

Although Disney had remade some of their animated films in live-action before, Tim Burton’s 2010 adaptation of Alice in Wonderland (both a remake and a sequel at the same time) turned these re-imaginings into the cornerstone of Disney’s live-action division, and helped fuel the growing trend for darker and edgier fairy tale adaptations. Burton’s Wonderland is a grim dystopia, but it allows the director to show off his signature twisted and imaginative visuals. Mia Wazowskia plays a teenage Alice, whilst Burton’s muses Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp play the Queen of Hearts and the Mad Hatter respectively. They are joined by a cast of British acting icons (ranging from Stephen Fry to the late Alan Rickman), who voice the eccentric inhabitants of Wonderland. Alice in Wonderland is one of the darker films on the list, but is still recommended for Tim Burton fans and those who would like an alternative to the more sugary and upbeat fairy tale films traditionally shown over Christmas. 

Into the Woods

When's It On? - New Years Eve at 8PM (BBC2)

When it made its debut on Broadway in 1987, Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's musical Into the Woods attracted the attention of numerous actors and producers with its intelligent deconstruction of classic fairy tales and the messages they teach us. It did not reach the big screen until 2014, but it is testament to the enduring power of Into the Woods that this adaptation featured household names such as James Corden, Emily Blunt, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine and Meryl Streep in the leading roles. Although several key elements of the source material were cut for the film, most of Sondheim's songs (including 'Hello Little Girl', 'Agony' and the beautiful 'No One is Alone') remain intact, and it is great to see the all-star cast put their spin on these classics. 

Hugo

When's It On? - New Years Day at 1:10PM (Channel 4)

Famous for violent, profane and gritty crime movies such as Taxi Driver and Goodfellas, Martin Scorsese is one of the last directors who you would associate with the fairy tale genre. However, his 2011 film Hugo is a magical change of pace, blending fairy tale tropes with early 20th century technology such as movie cameras and automatons. Based on a novel by Brian Selznick, it tells the story of Hugo, a boy living in 1930s Paris, who befriends the daughter of the legendary film-maker George Melies. Melies used pioneering special effects to create a wide array of spectacular silent movies (including one of the first cinematic adaptations of Cinderella), and Hugo provides a fascinating introduction to his life and work. With its incredible visuals and an excellent cast (Including Asa Butterfield as Hugo and Ben Kingsley as George Melies), Hugo is an enthralling tribute to the power of cinema to bring the most incredible dreams and fantasies to life. 

Maleficent

When's It On? - New Years Day at 5PM (BBC1)

Following in the path of revisionist fairy tale hits such as Wicked and Once Upon A Time, Maleficent puts a new spin on the titular villain from Sleeping Beauty, showing that the 'Mistress of all evil' is not as nearly as nasty as Disney's 1959 classic would have us believe. In this adaptation, Maleficent seeks revenge on the tyrannical King Stefan, but soon finds herself forming a friendship with Princess Aurora. Although Sleeping Beauty purists will despise the changes made to the characters, it is always interesting to see familiar characters get depicted in new and unusual ways, and Angelina Jolie provides an impressive portrayal of Maleficent, replicating the voice and mannerisms of Disney's iconic villain whilst taking her down a more sympathetic path. 

Future Fairy Tale TV Series #1 - Tangled: The Series

In November 2010, Disney released Tangled, their take on the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale Rapunzel. Depicting the adventures of Rapunzel, a sheltered teen with 70 feet of magical blonde hair, and the charming outlaw Flynn Rider (real name: Eugene Fitzherbert), Tangled marked Disney's return to form after over a decade in the wilderness, making over $590 million worldwide, and paving the way for the likes of Frozen and Moana. Although the protagonists of Tangled appeared in a 2012 short called Tangled Ever After, which depicted Rapunzel and Flynn getting married, Tangled has been overshadowed by Disney's more recent hits. However, Rapunzel, Flynn and their friends are about to return, as Tangled: The Series, which is set between the film and Tangled Ever After, will arrive on the Disney Channel next month, almost 2 years after it was initially announced.

Tangled:The Series is the thirteenth animated series to be spun off from a Disney animated film, following in the footsteps of shows like Aladdin: The Series and The Lion Guard. It will begin with a TV movie called Tangled: Before Ever After, which will air on the Disney Channel on Friday March 10th, with the series proper starting on March 24th. Tangled: The Series will last for three seasons, consisting of a total of 78 episodes. In addition, there will be two further TV movies after Tangled:Before Ever After, one airing in November, and the other airing in February 2018. There will also be four animated shorts released on April 11th (It is currently unknown whether these shorts will be standalones like Tangled Ever After, or form a continuous story like Frozen:Northern Lights). All in all, it seems like Tangled fans will be kept happy for a very very long time...

The Plot

Tangled:Before Ever After picks up where the movie left off, with Rapunzel being reunited with her parents, the King and Queen of Corona. However, whilst her father and Flynn (now back to being called Eugene) want her to settle down and embrace the responsibilities of life as a princess, Rapunzel would prefer to explore the world beyond the castle walls, aided by her new lady-in-waiting Cassandra. During the course of one adventure, Rapunzel comes across a set of mysterious stones, which causes the enchanted hair that got cut off at the end of Tangled to magically grow back. The rest of Tangled: Before Ever After, and the subsequent TV series, will depict Rapunzel's attempts at dealing with the return of her hair and healing powers, and her relationships with her friends and family.

The Characters

The two main characters in Tangled: The Series will be the movie's central couple, Rapunzel and Eugene, with Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi returning to voice them. Rapunzel wants to make up for 18 years stuck in a tower by doing as much exploring as possible. Meanwhile, after years as an outlaw, Eugene would prefer to live a normal life, hence his return to using his birth name. They will be accompanied by Rapunzel's two animal companions, her pet chameleon Pascal and crime-fighting horse Maximus, both of whom will probably steal as many scenes as they did in the movie. Also returning are the "pub thugs" who Rapunzel befriended in the original movie, such as Big Nose and Hook Hand. Their menacing looks contrast with their friendly personalities and passion for innocent hobbies such as piano playing and collecting ceramic unicorns. One of the most important reasons for Tangled's success was the strong  and appealing set of protagonists, and it will be great to see them go on new adventures.

Rapunzel's parents will also be central to Tangled:The Series Although they appeared in Tangled, they were not named and did not speak. They will have a much larger role here, with Rapunzel's father, King Frederic, being voiced by Clancy Brown, and her mother, Queen Ariana, being voiced by Julie Bowen. Both of these actors are intriguing choices. Aside from his portrayal of demanding boss Mr. Krabs in Spongebob Squarepants, Clancy Brown is almost entirely known for his villain roles (whether in live-action films such as Highlander and The Shawshank Redemption, or animated shows such as Superman:The Animated Series and Avatar:The Last Airbender), so it will be interesting to see him apply his signature deep and powerful voice to a loving (albeit overprotective) father. Meanwhile, as Queen Ariana, who shares her daughter's free-spirited nature, Modern Family star Julie Bowen is replacing Ashley Judd, who was originally cast in the role. It seems like Rapunzel's relationship with her parents will provide the series with its emotional core, and the 78 episodes and 3 TV Movies planned for Tangled: The Series represent an ideal opportunity to explore this in greater depth.

There will also be a variety of entirely new characters. The most prominent of these is Cassandra (voiced by Eden Espinosa), a feisty handmaiden who aspires to follow in her father's footsteps and join the Royal Guard. Other characters include a pirate called Lady Caine (voiced by Laura Benanti), who will be the primary villain in Tangled:Before Ever After, Lance Strongbow, one of Eugene's former associates (voiced by James Monroe Iglehart, who won a Tony for playing the Genie in the Broadway version of Aladdin), Varian , a teen alchemist (voiced by Jeremy Jordan), a Blacksmith called Xavier (voiced by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje), and Old Lady Crowley (voiced by Ursula herself, Pat Carroll, who is nearing 90 but still sounding awesome). We know little about these characters at the moment, but given the high-quality voice cast, we can assume that they will be pretty memorable.

The Animation

In contrast to the movie's elaborate CGI 3D animation, Tangled: The Series is animated in 2D. The 2D animation style used has a rougher, more primitive look similar to concept art. It also resembles children's storybooks, such as the Little Golden Books series. However, whilst it's not going to emulate the finesse and detail of the original film, the animation for Tangled: The Series is bright and expressive. Tangled was the first Disney Princess film to be made with 3D animation, so it's really nice to see Disney return to their roots in traditional animation with this series.

The two people most responsible for the animation on Tangled: The Series are Alan Bodner, the Art Director, and Claire Keane, who will be Visual Development Artist. The daughter of veteran Disney animator Glen Keane, Claire worked on the original Tangled, and her colourful approach (she created the murals which Rapunzel paints in her tower during the movie) is perfect for the series. Though the hair does not look as realistic, the animation for Tangled: The Series is pretty good when you consider the pressures of working on an animated series (you need to produce much more material in a far shorter time period),  and it provides a very distinctive look, but one which emulates the style of the original film enough to be recognised as part of the same universe.

The Songs

Claire Keane, Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi are not the only people from Tangled to return for the Tangled: The Series, Alan Menken and Glenn Slater, who wrote the songs for the original movie, will create new songs for the show. One of the songs they wrote for Tangled:Before Ever After, "Wind in My Hair", has just been unveiled. It's a catchy little pop song, which does a great job of conveying Rapunzel's free spirit and passionate nature. Another tune, "Life After Happily Ever After", will be released online the morning before Tangled: Before Ever After premieres. Alan Menken has earned his status as a Disney Legend, and Glenn Slater has worked with him as a lyricist since 2004. Hopefully, they will ensure that the songs in Tangled: The Series will be worthy of standing alongside the likes of "When Will My Life Begin?" and "I See the Light".

Summary

Whilst the original movie tried to please as wide an audience as possible, Tangled: The Series will seemingly be aimed primarily at preteen girls. However, this isn't a bad thing, as long as there is enough to keep other viewers interested and engaged, and those outside the target demographic will probably enjoy Tangled: The Series as well. Judging by what we know so far, it seems like it will retain the spirit of the original film, whilst taking Rapunzel's story into exciting new territory. This means that it is going to be a must-see for Disney fans, and enjoyable entertainment for children and parents.

Christmas TV and Films

During the Christmas Season, the British TV schedules include a number of excellent TV programmes and films which aim to provide enjoyable escapism for the whole family on the dark, cold December nights. Here is a list of particularly interesting TV programmes and films airing during the last fortnight of 2016, all of which are based on, or inspired by, fairy tales, mythology and classic children's stories. In order to make this list easier to put together, I am only including films and TV programmes on Britain's five terrestrial channels - BBC1, BBC2, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.

Television

Paul O' Grady's Favourite Fairy Tales

When's It On? - Tuesday 20th December at 9PM (ITV1)

TV presenter Paul O'Grady, currently playing the Wicked Stepmother in the London Palladium's Christmas pantomime version of Cinderella, presents this documentary about the Brothers Grimm. In it, he looks at the German locations which inspired classic fairy tales such as Rapunzel and Snow White, and how these stories have evolved throughout the centuries. This documentary seems like it will be entertaining viewing for families and fairy tale enthusiasts, even if you are familiar with the insights which O'Grady offers.

Dancing The Nutcracker: Inside the Royal Ballet

When's It On? - Christmas Day at 4:00PM (BBC2)

The Royal Ballet's version of The Nutcracker, being performed to mark the 90th birthday of famed choreographer Peter Wright, is on at the Royal Opera House until January. In order to co-incide with its run, the Royal Ballet has provided a rare opportunity for TV audiences to see what life is like behind the scenes, as the company prepares for the production. Across three months of rehearsals, we get to see the cast, which ranges from 11 year-old pupils at the Royal Ballet School, to the woman playing the Sugar Plum Fairy herself, practise for their roles. We also get to see the technical crew in action, as the special effects are brought to life. If you are interested in seeing how an iconic ballet is made, or want an intelligent documentary to contrast with the usual Christmas Day entertainment, then then Dancing The Nutcracker: Inside The Royal Ballet is a must-see.

The Nation's Favourite Disney Songs

When's It On? - Boxing Day at 1:40PM (ITV)

This special was aired last year, but is being repeated during Boxing Day. If you haven't seen it already, The Nation's Favourite Disney Songs provides a countdown of the Top 10 Disney songs (according to a poll conducted by ITV), including classic tunes from iconic Disney films such as The Lion King, Frozen and The Jungle Book. The magician and TV presenter Stephen Mulhern narrates, as a number of celebrities, including McFly member Harry Judd and Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips, talk about why they love the songs on the countdown, with their children often providing additional praise.  In addition, a number of people involved in the production of the Disney films mentioned, ranging from Mary Poppins star Jane Dotrice to Aladdin songwriter Sir Tim Rice, provide insight into what it was like to work on a Disney film and hear the classic songs being brought to life. This countdown provides a strong list of  Disney songs, and even if you don't agree with it ("Classic" films from Walt Disney's lifetime are a little too dominant) it is interesting to see fans and experts talk about why these tunes are so appealing.

Revolting Rhymes 

When's It On? - Boxing Day and Tuesday 27th December at 6:30PM (BBC1)

Roald Dahl's 1982 book Revolting Rhymes contained six poems which provided twisted and irreverent takes on classic fairy tales. In this two-part animated series, we get adaptations of five of these poems, with "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" being the only one not to be included.

The first episode depicts the friendship between Snow White and Little Red Riding Hood, as the former helps the Seven Dwarves make a fortune through gambling on horse racing, and the latter makes a living by hunting wolves. Meanwhile, the second episode combines the stories of Cinderella and Jack and the Beanstalk, with Cinderella finding out that her Prince Charming is not as nice as he appears, and Jack learning that the only way to get a happy ending is to improve his personal hygiene. A number of British actors, including David Walliams, Rob Brydon and Dominic West, voice multiple roles in both specials. Revolting Rhymes promise to be perfect fun for fans of Roald Dahl, and it seems like it will capture the hilarious tone of the source material.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong

When's It On? - New Year's Eve at 6:20PM (BBC1)

Mischief Theatre have become the one of the biggest names in West End theatre due to farces such as The Play That Goes Wrong and The Comedy About A Bank Robbery. They have become so popular that their Christmas play Peter Pan Goes Wrong will be their first work to air on TV.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong, currently being performed at London's Apollo Theatre, tells the story of an ameteur dramatics society whose Christmas play (a version of Peter Pan) does not go to plan. Though this television adaptation will probably be heavily abridged to fit a one-hour time slot, it will also feature many of the play's most memorable moments as the cast argue and the special effects malfunction. The chaos will be highlighted by narration from Poirot star David Suchet. This looks like it will be great fun for those seeking to end the year by watching an amusing comedy.

Films

Hercules (2014)

When's It On? - Sunday 18th December at 9PM (Channel 5)

The myths about the Greek demigod Hercules have always been popular due to his sheer strength and power. Most films about him have taken his heroism for granted, but this 2014 movie, based on the graphic novel Hercules: The Thracian Wars, provides a revisionist interpretation. In it, Hercules is portrayed as a mercenary who has exaggerated the stories of his "Twelve Labours" in order to improve his reputation. However, it doesn't take long before he has to demonstrate that he's worthy of his heroic status. Dwayne Johnson is the ideal choice to play Hercules, and he is joined by a fine supporting cast, including John Hurt and Ian McShane. This take on Hercules is aimed primarily at teenagers and older males, but it's great fun for anyone who's into the sword and sandal genre.

Puss In Boots (2011)

When's It On? - Wednesday 21st December at 1;45PM (BBC1)

One of the best characters in the Shrek franchise was Puss in Boots, a Zorro-inspired take on the fairy tale feline. In this spin-off, we get a story from Puss in Boots' past, as he teams up with his old friend Humpty Dumpty in order to steal the Golden Goose. Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek and Zach Galifianakis lead the voice cast for a tale which provides a comedic spin on swashbuckling adventure stories, but does not rely on pop culture references as much as the four Shrek films which preceded it.

Saving Mr. Banks (2013)

When's It On? - Friday 23rd December at 8:30PM (BBC2)

Mary Poppins is one of Disney's best-loved movies, and it's become so iconic that there is even a film about how it was made. Saving Mr. Banks tells the story of how Walt Disney persuaded P.L. Travers, author of the Mary Poppins books, to hand over the rights to her property. Walt Disney is played by Hollywood icon Tom Hanks, with Emma Thompson as Travers. Although the movie sanitizes a lot of aspects of this real-life story (such as Travers' opposition to the finished product) it is still an interesting look at the work which goes into making a children's classic.

Hans Christian Andersen (1952)

When's It On? - Christmas Eve at 8:10AM (BBC2)

Hans Christian Andersen is not a conventional biopic about the legendary fairy tale author, but instead, it is "a fairy tale about the great spinner of fairy tales". Though purists may be annoyed by the lack of historical accuracy, the great Danny Kaye plays Andersen, and the movie contains a number of songs, including "Wonderful Copenhagen", "Inchworm" and "The Ugly Duckling", which still hold up today. It is certainly worth getting up early in the morning to see this.

Jason & The Argonauts (1963)

When's It On? - Christmas Eve at 3:10PM (Channel 5)

Jason & The Argonauts is based on the Greek myths about Jason, who found the magical Golden Fleece. It tells the story of Jason's quest, as he is assisted by figures such as Hercules and Hera. This film is famed for its special effects, created by Ray Harryhausen, as Jason battles an army of skeletons, a Hydra, and a 100-foot tall giant. The 50's and 60's saw a number of sword-and-sandal films, many of which based on Greek mythology, and Jason & The Argonauts is one of the best movies in that genre.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

When's It On? - Christmas Day at 2:10PM (Channel 5)

L. Frank Baum wrote The Wizard of Oz in 1900 in order to provide an American equivalent to classic European fairy tales, and the iconic status of the 1939 adaptation of this book highlights just how successful his endeavour was. The Wizard of Oz airs every in Britain every Christmas, and also appears on TV during the Bank Holidays, but it still feels fresh. It's hard to believe that the film is almost 80 years old, but songs such as "Somewhere over the Rainbow" are classics and characters such as Dorothy and the Tin Man remain appealing even today. The film is also notable for being one of the first to use technicolour, and the transition from the black-and-white world of Kansas to the colourful land of Oz is still a wonderful moment.

Frozen (2013) and The Lion King (1994)

When's It On? - Christmas Day at 3:10PM (BBC1 and ITV)

Christmas is an excellent time to watch a Disney film, as families want familiar entertainment which they can enjoy together. BBC1 and ITV aim to exploit this with a "Disney Duel" on Christmas Day, as Disney's two biggest animated films will be aired opposite each other.

BBC1 is airing Frozen, which is appearing on terrestrial TV for the first time. By now, the adventures of Anna and Elsa need no further introduction, but children (and even many parents) will gladly seize an opportunity to see Elsa sing "Let It Go" once more. Meanwhile, ITV is airing The Lion King, another film whose songs and characters are also incredibly familiar. Both films are worth revisiting time and again, so it will be incredibly hard to choose which one to see on Christmas Day.

Brave (2012) and Sleeping Beauty (1957)

When's It On? - Boxing Day at 2:40PM (BBC1 and ITV)

The second "Disney Duel" between BBC1 and ITV involves two films which are not as iconic as Frozen or The Lion King, but are still fun to watch. Brave, from the Disney-owned animation studio Pixar, is set in the picturesque Scottish highlands, and tells the story of the impulsive Princess Merida and her relationship with her mother Elinor.  Meanwhile, Sleeping Beauty provides an adaptation of the classic fairytale inspired by Tchaikovsky's ballet. It is most notable for its iconic villain Maleficent, the sort of wonderfully diabolical baddie which Disney don't provide anymore.

The Chronicles of Narnia:The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (2005)

When's It On? - Boxing Day at 4:10PM (Channel 4)

C.S. Lewis' classic tale is notable for its blend of epic fantasy and Christian allegory, and this is mostly preserved in this adaptation, which tells the story of four children who discover a fantasy world hidden inside a wardrobe and have to protect it from the evil White Witch. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe has a strong cast headed by Tilda Swinton (who plays the White Witch) and Liam Neeson (who voices the Christ-like lion Aslan), and the appealing story and spectacular battles are enjoyable to watch. In addition, Father Christmas has a cameo, further cementing this movie's status as ideal seasonal fare.

Peter Pan (2003)

When's It On? - Thursday 29th December at 1:15PM (ITV)

There have been a number of adaptations of Peter Pan, and whilst the 1953 Disney version is the best-known, this 2003 adaptation from P.J Hogan is worth checking out. The movie stars Jeremy Sumpter as Peter Pan and Rachel Hurd-Wood as Wendy, with Jason Isaacs chewing the scenery as Captain Hook. This version of Peter Pan is darker than most adaptations, and deals with more mature themes (especially in its depiction of Peter and Wendy's relationship), but it's still suitable for the whole family, and has no shortage of enjoyable action sequences.