Disney animation isn’t what it used to be.
Since Disney launched its own computer-animated movie
line (not driven by Pixar), we’d been awe-gazing at the animation but longing
for deeper storylines and better music similar to the likes of “The Lion King”
and “Mulan.” Disney tried to tie the ends between classic Disney and slapstick
Dreamworks-style with “Tangled” in 2010, but something just seemed missing.
Disney doesn’t come anywhere near “The Lion King” with “Frozen,”
but it does come close enough to, ahem, melt
the heart of any fan, young or old.
What it’s about:
“Frozen” tells the tale of two orphaned sisters: Elsa,
the graceful queen of Arendelle gifted with powers to create ice and snow; and Anna,
the fun-loving yet dorky little sister desperate to find the proverbial “true
love.” Elsa’s powers eventually become too difficult to control; hence, she freezes
all of Arendelle in snow and, in fear, runs away to isolation in her own ice
castle in the mountains. Anna goes on a mission to bring her sister back to restore
the summer, but must also face the consequences of Elsa’s uncontrollable power.
What was done
right:
-
A
soundtrack that brings the chills. If you’re going to see “Frozen” for any
one reason, let it be the music. Idina Menzel’s Broadway belt is as powerful as
Elsa’s snowstorm and pairs well with Kristen Bell’s clear, “classic princess”
voice. Their vocal trade-offs are beautifully written, especially in the
rousing number, “For the First Time in Forever.” “Do You Want to Build a
Snowman” is a certain tear-jerker, but Elsa’s empowering “Let It Go” stands as
the solid favorite.
-
Depth.
“Frozen” has what most other children’s animated films do not—an emotional
story. It throws in a whirlwind of action, music and laughs. But in the end, it
takes you home. That’s what a good movie is all about.
-
Breathtaking
animation. “Frozen” is aesthetically gorgeous. The filmmakers undoubtedly
capitalized on Elsa’s ice powers, creating intricately designed snowflakes
against magnificent Scandinavian-inspired landscapes.
What could’ve been
done:
-
Don’t
kill the emotion. Disney has been trying to emulate the brash, punchy
attitude of movies like “Shrek,” but sometimes the throwback to modern day ruins
the emotional moment. When you’ve locked us in the emotion, keep us there. A little
comic relief doesn’t hurt once in a while, but not every time.
-
Less
cartoony characters. With all that breathtaking animation, you’d think the
characters would be no less, right? Unfortunately, Elsa and Anna bare uncanny
resemblances to previous female characters like Rapunzel or Violet from “The Incredibles.”
The “big eyes, little mouth” caricature is getting a bit overdone now, and sometimes it just looks silly with the actors’ strong performances.
-
Cut and
condense. The movie runs 108 minutes. Do you think the average four year old
will be able to sit through 108 minutes? You’d be glad if they sat through ten.
What’s the
verdict? “Frozen” is overall refreshing in the midst of mediocre animated
films and quite possibly the best animated film of the year.
It was…
Oscar-worthy.
Amazing.
Good.
Okay.
Awful.
Two hours of life wasted.
