Disney’s latest animated feature Frozen ticks the boxes for a children’s film in the festive season. Great songs and a sweet story makes Frozen an entertaining affair.
Anna and her older sister Elsa are close as young girls. As they grow up, Elsa’s icy powers mean she must keep her distance from her younger sister. Anna is determined to track down Elsa however…
Written by co-director Jennifer Lee, Frozen is loosely based on the fairy tale The Snow Queen. The film concentrates on the bond between siblings Anna and Elsa. It is refreshing to see a film such with two female protagonists that does not focus solely on romantic relationships.
The main characters are good overall. The sidekick Olaf imbues the film with humour. The relationship between the sisters is an interesting one. It is most pleasing that the finale goes the way it does; it is a stronger message than the red herring the film dangles to viewers.
There are only two downsides to Frozen. Firstly the pacing could have been tighter. The film ambles around somewhat in the middle section, although it does recover for the finale. Secondly, there is not a strong enough antagonist for create the peaks of drama and tension.
Aside from these factors, Frozen is a most enjoyable movie. The film owes a debt to the musical Wicked. Not only in terms of theme, Frozen’s musical numbers and even the casting of Idina Menzel as Elsa indicate this. This is by no means a bad thing. For one thing, the songs are great in Frozen.
The animation is good, especially in the creation of the palace. 3D could have been utilised more. Casting is good, with Menzel displaying her vocal talents. Kristen Bell is also decent as Anna.
Frozen is not perfect, but it is a enjoyable fantasy with positive messages. Short Get a Horse!, screened before Frozen, is also a lot of fun.
I Heart The Talkies 