Disney gets back to classic elements with ‘Frozen’

Jan. 30, 2014 |

By Molly O’Neil molly@thereminder.com The new animated film “Frozen” restores my faith in Walt Disney Pictures and their ability to create classic family movies. “Frozen,” winner of the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature and a multi-Oscar nominee, follows the royal sisterhood of Anna, voiced by Kristen Bell, and Elsa, played by Idina Menzel. Elsa can form ice out of her hands, so she protects the world from destruction by locking herself in her room. At Elsa’s coronation ceremony, Anna confronts her about the absence, which angers Elsa into running away and freezing the kingdom of Arendelle. The moral of the motion picture is that true love conquers all but with a slight twist: familial love is placed above the importance of romantic love. “Frozen” is the only Disney love story that I know of where the “true love’s kiss” was pushed aside. Along with the story line, the musical aspect of “Frozen” was incredible. I loved the music throughout because it was a perfect ratio of singing to speaking. From the chants of workingmen cutting ice in Arendelle to Kristoff, the lead male character voiced by Jonathan Groff, singing a duet with his best reindeer friend, there wasn’t a song in the film that I didn’t enjoy. One of my favorite songs is “Let it Go,” which is played when Queen Elsa runs away from her kingdom and can finally use her powers. The track has received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. I could imagine “Let it Go” being on the radio and making it to the top of the charts. Another amusing musical number appears when Olaf, the loveable snowman sidekick voiced by Josh Gad, fantasizes about summertime. Olaf doesn’t know that he will melt into a puddle when he’s exposed to the heat, which is the main example of his ignorance and hilariousness. Children might not be able to understand the genius of this character, but teenagers and adults will. “Fixer Upper” was the only song in the movie that made me feel slightly uncomfortable. A family sings about how all Kristoff needs in his life is love, when it’s obvious that love isn’t the only aspect of life that makes people happy. My only major complaint with “Frozen” was the animation because I don’t like how bubbly, unrealistic, and shiny the computer-animated images appear. I would have preferred this movie to be made of cartoon drawings. Overall, I was able to ignore my dislike for the artistic style and enjoy the film. Even though I am a teenager, I wasn’t bored at all while watching “Frozen.” I’ve been suggesting it to my friends and family, because Olaf’s humor and the plot twists will be enough for adults to keep watching, and the story and musical numbers are entertaining for children. The film won’t be out of theaters anytime soon as it has taken in more than $712 million at the box office since its release in November 2013.

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