Tangled is pretty much an American version of The Hole. The premise, setup and characters are very similar, and while the setting is different, if you've seen The Hole you will instantly notice the correlations between the two.
That said, I like this movie better. Maybe it's the likable leads, maybe it's the fact that the movie is still interesting outside of it's flashbacks, but if pushed, I'd say Tangled has the edge. It benefits mainly from having a key cast that only numbers 4 characters, and concentrating on developing these leads as opposed to confusing matters by adding lots of extras.
Tangled is very much a character piece, with most of its shocks and twists coming from alterations in behaviour and unexpected actions as opposed to physical violence or graphic visuals. All three teens in the love triangle are initially likable, vulnerable characters and it's only as the movie develops that you find some of them are not the people you believe them to be. This slow drip feed of information is addictive, and keeps you glued to the screen. Extra credit must go to the three leads, Rachel Leigh Cook, Shaun Hatosy and Johnathan Rhys-Meyers for putting in such charismatic performances, with Rachel Leigh Cook's twitchy acting style greatly suited to such a role.
Most of the movie, like The Hole, is told in flashback. Where Tangled departs most from The Hole is that the interlocking segments are as full of useful information as the flashbacks. Indeed as the movie progresses, more and more hinges on the aftermath of events as opposed to events themselves. This gives the movie a steady sense of development as opposed to the stop-start of most non-linear narratives, and eases your enjoyment of the film.
Basically I'd be lying if I said this movie was entirely original. It's very similar to The Hole, and it reminded me a lot of American Perfekt in parts as well. However I would still highly recommend it as it is a greatly enjoyable, well acted piece that deserves a lot more recognition than it seems to be getting, given it's only just come out in Britain this year, but was made 4 years ago. Go find a copy, stick it in your VCR and get watching.
That said, I like this movie better. Maybe it's the likable leads, maybe it's the fact that the movie is still interesting outside of it's flashbacks, but if pushed, I'd say Tangled has the edge. It benefits mainly from having a key cast that only numbers 4 characters, and concentrating on developing these leads as opposed to confusing matters by adding lots of extras.
Tangled is very much a character piece, with most of its shocks and twists coming from alterations in behaviour and unexpected actions as opposed to physical violence or graphic visuals. All three teens in the love triangle are initially likable, vulnerable characters and it's only as the movie develops that you find some of them are not the people you believe them to be. This slow drip feed of information is addictive, and keeps you glued to the screen. Extra credit must go to the three leads, Rachel Leigh Cook, Shaun Hatosy and Johnathan Rhys-Meyers for putting in such charismatic performances, with Rachel Leigh Cook's twitchy acting style greatly suited to such a role.
Most of the movie, like The Hole, is told in flashback. Where Tangled departs most from The Hole is that the interlocking segments are as full of useful information as the flashbacks. Indeed as the movie progresses, more and more hinges on the aftermath of events as opposed to events themselves. This gives the movie a steady sense of development as opposed to the stop-start of most non-linear narratives, and eases your enjoyment of the film.
Basically I'd be lying if I said this movie was entirely original. It's very similar to The Hole, and it reminded me a lot of American Perfekt in parts as well. However I would still highly recommend it as it is a greatly enjoyable, well acted piece that deserves a lot more recognition than it seems to be getting, given it's only just come out in Britain this year, but was made 4 years ago. Go find a copy, stick it in your VCR and get watching.