I had been following the development of “Frozen” since the early releases of its concept art, so it is safe to say I had high expectations for the film. It is also safe to say that this movie met and exceeded these expectations.
“Frozen” is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “Snow Queen.” It revolves around two uniquely different sisters, the young, hyperactive Anna (Kristen Bell) and her older, frostier sister, Elsa (Idina Menzel). Elsa possesses special powers and has placed the kingdom under an eternal frost in the middle of summer. Anna goes on a journey with a mountaineer named Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), his reindeer pal Sven, and the Olaf the snowman (Josh Gad) to bring Elsa back to undo the winter.
Each character was brought to life by their humanlike personalities. In many animated films, personalities of princesses and princes can be very basic, but the characters in “Frozen” were more realistic. They were prone to messing up conversations with awkward remarks, were silly and compassionate, and could pass as friends we know in real life.
“Frozen” is an animated film, but it is also a musical—and the music really stands out. Idina Menzel, the voice of Elsa, gave a stunning performance during the song “Let it Go,” which could easily become an instant Disney classic.
Although the superb musical score and acting set “Frozen” apart from recent animated films, the scenery and animation especially stood out. The scenes when Anna and Kristoff ventured into the wintery woods were beautiful and the ice that Elsa created looked stunning. Disney used software that was able to create each and every snowflake to be unique, just like real snowflakes.
Overall, “Frozen” is an amazing film. It is in no way a typical Disney movie, which often focus on the idea of true love and a true love’s kiss. Instead, “Frozen” focuses on family relationships and shows that that the bonds between siblings is one of the truest forms of love.
“Frozen” brings Disney into a new era. The film’s director, Jennifer Lee, is the first female to direct a full-length Disney animated film. Lee also wrote the screenplay.
Go see “Frozen” before winter storms come. The film will bring you back to the days when you could enjoy an animated film and sing the songs without feeling too old.
Viewers tip: Rapunzel (with her short brown hair) and her boyfriend Eugene from the Disney movie “Tangled” can be seen walking into the castle during the song “For the First Time in Forever.”
5 out of 5 stars
Rated PG for some action and mild rude humor
Running time: 108 minutes