Frozen Review. (Spoiler free)
To put it lightly, this film is the best throwback we have seen to date to the wonderful Renaissance era that helped cement Disney to a whole new generation. I don’t say that lightly, while I loved Tangled I couldn’t help but feel something was missing, or maybe it was just too familiar either way I believe it was an excellent film but still a bit to far from the its predecessors. I can happily say that isn’t the case with Frozen, every beat, every song all weaves into a story so compelling its hard not to get swept into the film. But I digress, many of you know the simple plot elements so I won’t be digging into that, I can say the opening title sequence blew me away, it did what the classics did, open a story through a fantastic musical number. Showing off the beautiful landscapes while at the same time having such an epic number couldn’t help but make my jaw drop a little. To call this film beautiful would be a disservice, frozen is an artistic delight and frankly one scene in particular feels just as iconic as a dance in a ballroom, a mermaid singing on a rock, and a couple flying away on a carpet. That scene in question is during Let it go, which I assume shall be the audition song staple for many young women and men for years to come. While viewing the song in action I couldn’t help but think “this is it” the new number that is going to be the it moment for this film. The beauty alone in that scene is so amazing, I just couldn’t help but realize what I was seeing was a defining moment in Animation history.
The amount of artistic work and detail is astounding, from the physics of the snow, to the lighting on the ice all I have to say is someone needs to create Elsa’s ice castle somewhere at Disney property ASAP. Even the character models have significantly improved since tangled, you will notice when characters sing their throats move quite realistically with each note and breath, clothes all have detailed fabrics you can see how they would feel if you were to run your hand on them.
Beyond the visuals the most important thing that appeals to me is the music, while these songs are not the pop ballads we are used to in Disney films they are simply full blown Broadway infused pieces of music. So if you are looking for a completely catchy tune you might be disappointed, this film is definitely done as a Broadway Musical. Where dialogue is sung even if the words aren’t that pretty “Don’t know if I am elated or gassy” comes to mind. That doesn’t mean this songs aren’t amazing quite the contrary, they are now ranking with some of the best Disney tunes in my opinion. The humor is abundant in the songs thanks in part to Kristen lopez and Bobby Lopez who have bested Tangled and Princess and the Frogs soundtracks. From the heartbreaking (seriously who said that was alright) Do you wanna build a snowman (Which Kristen bell killed), to the endearing and laugh inducing Love is an open door. They have managed to craft a new flavor of Disney magic, this is one soundtrack you are going to want to buy. Also expect a Broadway show from this film, its like they just handed this to Disney and said hey make more money, your welcome.
Music aside the Story while sticking to Disney formula manages to improve upon the past without being degrading. Not making fun of folks for wishing on stars, or saying hey you are girl why are you doing this? Not once is Anna’s ability to lead is ever questioned in this film, in fact all she does is kick the entire movie, whether its making you laugh, or warming your heart. She is a fully modern princess, something they tried with Tiana and Rapunzel but I feel got it extremely correct with Anna. Also I want to add not once did I think she looked or acted like Rapunzel in this film (Folks look out for Rapunzel in this film she makes a cameo much like belle did in Hunch back) . Anna couldn’t be more unique and I think we have Kristen bell to thank for that whose performance was spectacular. She is weird, she is goofy, she is perfectly flawed and best of all she doesn’t apologize for any of it. This film has some great Feminist themes in it and surely will be appreciated by many for it. Like I said it still sticks to the Disney Formula happy ending and all, but what is different here is unlike many other films, you really don’t know how we are going to get to that ending. Which is a welcomed surprise, also don’t worry about the men or romances over highlighting the film, make no mistake this film is about Anna and Elsa whose relationship is brought to the front of the story.
Elsa like I thought she would be is a wonderful allegory for anyone who has grown up being LGBT. Beyond that her character is fantastic (and quite surprisingly sassy!), however I couldn’t help but want to see more screen time between her and Anna. Even so its sad to see how much time was lost to fear and anguish, this film has its dark moments that much is sure. As for olaf, don’t worry he will manage to put a smile on your face more than once, and warm your heart. Unlike many sidekick characters in films not once is he crass, rude or annoying, instead he is charming and frankly the embodiment of what a child’s love is or something along those lines. So bottom line is Frozen is a fantastic film, one that left me wanting to go back just to see it again. A feeling that I haven’t had with a Disney film in quite some time. I expect them to make a killing on the characters, so I don’t see this film fading into obscurity at all. If you have free time and some cash this holiday season I suggest you take your family or whatever you consider family to go see it, you will be glad you did.
