I have been eagerly anticipating the opening of Disney’s new animated movie, Frozen, for months. The teasers were terrific. Would it live up to the hype? Would I be disappointed?
I found the movie incredibly charming. The story, based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen”, is of two sisters (voiced by Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell) torn apart by an icy secret. After their city is enveloped in frost and snow in the middle of summer, they must remember the power of true love to reverse the curse.
The characters are fantastic. Anna and Elsa are modern day princesses, both beautiful, determined AND strong. You’ve probably seen clips of Olaf, an adorable snowman who kids of all ages will fall in love with, and a goofy reindeer named Sven. (Hello Christmas presents!)
If You Like Music, Get Excited!
The music, which I was quite eager to hear as Idina Menzel has one of the best Broadway voices ever in my honest opinion, is fantastic. I did feel that a few of the numbers missed the mark, but nothing drastic. I am a huge fan of the songs in Tangled and I don’t feel like all the music of Frozen quite lived up to the same standard.
Don’t get me wrong; some songs are stellar, like “Let It Go” (an Idina song!). It’s emotional, powerful and Elsa belts it like a champ. Then there’s the song everyone will be humming for weeks – “Do You Want to Build a Snowman”. Even with my small critiques, I’m hoping the soundtrack shows up in my stocking this year.
While I wasn’t blown away by all the music, I am pretty confident that this movie is destined to become a Broadway musical a la Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King. The story is there and the music is close. There were just a few numbers that left me wanting more. No matter; I’m sure the songwriters, Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, of Avenue Q and The Book of Mormon fame are already working on it. I can’t wait.
Will My Kids Like It?
There is no doubt in my mind. My almost five year old loved it, although at this age, I think a lot of the plot line went right over his head.
Here is the conversation we had on the way home:
Me: Did you like the movie honey?
Him: Yup!
Me: What was your favorite part?
Him: When the snowman said his nose was like a tiny baby unicorn.
Me: Who was your favorite?
Him: The Snow Man. What was his name again?
Me: Olaf. Did you like the princesses?
Him: No.
Me: Did you like the music?
Him: No.
Me: Um, but you liked the movie?
Him: YUP! It was totally AWESOME!
So there you have it from the mouth of a four year old boy. Clearly he knew what he liked about it even if he couldn’t verbally tell me what is was.
Now there are a few mildly scary scenes and some thematic elements. In typical Disney tradition, the family faces a tragedy in the beginning of the movie. If you have a sensitive child, just be on the look-out. There is a scene with some wolves, but nothing in the same realm as the bear scene from Brave. Point of note, there isn’t actually a villain in this movie. Sure, there are a few not so nice people (and a nice plot twist by Disney), but no major villain like Rapunzel’s mother, Cinderella’s stepmother or Maleficent.
I think it’s a definite must see this holiday season. There’s music, humor, a love story (or two!) and a fabulous plot. Adults and children alike will enjoy it, so add it to your Thanksgiving weekend plans.
Frozen is rated PG and has a run time of 100 minutes.
It was so fun! My whole family enjoyed it-even my husband and 15 year old. Disney really nailed it with this film.
I took my 2 oldest girls (4 and 10) on Sunday and they both loved it. I really liked it as well, tho I really hate that Disney has a thing with killing off parent(s) and starting their films off depressing. My 10 yr old hated all the songs–she said they were lame and it was overkill. I really enjoyed the 2 songs you mentioned but as for the rest, not a fan. My 4 yr old LOVED the movie. She typically whines in moves and gets too tired sitting there, but as soon as the credits rolled she said “again!” Needless to say, I think we’ll be back to see it before it leaves the theater and it’s a definite buy for us when it hits the shelves. All in all, I was very impressed. It was unlike any princess movie out there and I loved the story. Very heart warming!