Writer: Jennifer Lee
Starring: Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Santino Fontana, Alan Tudyk,
Released: November 27, 2013
Genre(s): Animation/Adventure/Comedy
Plot: After Elsa's secret has been revealed her icy powers trap the kingdom of Arrendelle in an eternal winter. Elsa's sister Anna sets off on an epic journey to save her sister alongside rugged mountainman Kristoff and his loyal Reindeer Sven.
4/5 Tonie's
"Some people are worth melting for."
Frozen is yet another princess film released by Disney. This time we follow Elsa, princess of Arendelle, who possesses the power to freeze anything at hand. One night while playing, she accidentally injures her younger sister Anna. The king and queen seek help from trolls, whose leader, Grand Pabbie, heals Anna and erases her memories of her sister's powers. Deciding to keep their daughter's dangerous gift hidden until she learns to control it, the royal family lock themselves away inside their castle. Elsa, scared she'll hurt someone again, spends most of her time alone in her room, creating a rift between the two sisters as they grow up. Then an unexpected tragedy strikes when both the king and queen are killed at sea.
Three years later, Elsa is to be crowned queen. Excited that the castle's gates are open to the public for a day, Anna explores the town and meets Prince Hans of the Southern Isles, with the pair quickly developing a mutual attraction. During the reception Hans proposes to Anna, who without thought accepts. Elsa, refuses to grant Anna her blessing, setting off an argument between the sisters, which culminates in her abilities being exposed to everyone. Panicked, Elsa flees, inadvertently unleashing an eternal winter on the kingdom in the process.
Anna then sets off on a journey to bring her sister back. On the way she meets Kirstoff, Sven, and Olaf who help aid her throughout her adventure.
Frozen was a fun and very entertaining film. Although, there were a few problems.
Like most Disney films, Frozen incorporated musical elements in which we see our characters singing and dancing during a certain emotion or event. This was normal. The problem it faced was the placing of the music itself. The beginning of the film contained three songs that were sung one after the other. Again this felt normal, but that is where it ended. The music stopped and we were given no more music until the credits began to roll. This felt odd. Almost giving the music no rhyme or reason to be there in the first place. I will admit the music was catchy and helped give the audience a more in depth look at who the characters are and what the motive for their actions were. But with that said I still feel as if the film could have done without any of the music or done the opposite and added more. It being in between just did not work.
Another thing I found to be a bit out there was the dialogue, especially when said by Anna. It felt as if it were written by a fourteen year old girl on the internet who is “lonely” and “awkward.” Was it bad? No. I guess it did appeal to it's target audience, but it made the overall feeling quirky rather than sincere.
This film wasn't all bad. The overall story was great. You can tell that Disney is really beginning to mature. Yes, it was a kids films, but in this film and other recent films such as Tangled and Brave you begin to see a theme. They are making our beloved princesses stronger and more independent. Frozen wasn't the cliché telling of a Prince and a Princess meeting and falling in love. What resolved everything was the unconditional love of family. Which is new to the world of Disney. There wasn't a kiss that ended all bad times, but sacrifice for said family that help the characters build, grow, and learn about themselves and those around them. If Disney continues to stride in the route it is now, we may see it's audience build. The tales of Disney princesses wont just be for young girls or children in general.
Frozen also offered a variety of characters that you come to love. They hold something that may reflect an emotion you face or are now facing. A character that stood out the most was Olaf, probably one of the funniest characters Disney has created. He is a naïve snowman who was created by Elsa. His ultimate dream and goal is to skip winter and experience the the beauty and warmth of Summer. Completely unaware of the idea that he will melt. This situation adds comedic relief ,but at the same time gives an uneasy feeling. You know what will happen when summer returns and this makes you upset, but you also want him to know what it is. You want him to achieve his dream. I will admit for a children's movie I was very conflicted in thought.
The film also offers beautiful and vibrant animation. It is similar to that of Tangled, but amplified. From the very start you eye is caught by the beautiful colors and landscape as the men sing their song and work. This artistic style is carried throughout. The detail is fine and sharpened. This may be bold to say, but I feel Pixar has now found competition. Competition that has been right in front of them the whole time.
Aside from the odd placing of the music and stereotypical dialogue, Frozen was a completely enjoyable film. It had me laughing, gasping and yes, even crying. It's lovable characters are something I will not forget and it is safe to to say that I may watch this again sometime in the near future.
Pros: Memorable characters, artistic style, great story
Cons: Outlandish dialogue, odd placing of music
Rating: 4/5 Tonies
Written by Anthony Centeno
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