By: Alex Spindler
Despite what the title may suggest, Disney’s 53rd full-length animated feature, “Frozen,” packs a soaring, heat-infused punch that warms the heart of any movie-goer. “Frozen” bases its narrative on the Danish fairytale, “The Snow Queen,” by Hans Christian Andersen.
This story weaves together the tale of two royal sisters. Elsa, played by Broadway diva Idina Menzel, must learn to live in solitude, devoid of her sister’s love because of her deadly powers to make ice and snow.
Anna, played by romantic-comedy favorite Kristen Bell, only wishes to find love and to reconnect with the sister she once admired.
“Frozen” shines with a beautiful, sweeping score and hum-worthy songs that are sure to make an appearance at next year’s Academy Awards.
In particular, the scene where Elsa escapes her treacherous solitude, she crafts an entire castle made of purple ice and belts at the top of her lungs, “Let it Go,” caused the audience to break out in applause as if they were witnessing a show-stopping Broadway number – a true testament to Idina Menzel’s freakishly wide vocal range and ability.
As with the evolution of 3D pictures and technology, “Frozen” is up to par in terms of animation.
The attention to detail in the ice, snow and frozen landscape of this mythical world paint a stunning scene that constantly keeps the audience’s attention. Not only that, but the film never lets animation outweigh the heart and power of the show.
“Frozen” marks the appearance of two new Disney princesses (Anna and Elsa) but also premieres a movie wholly centered on the relationship between sisters – a struggle not visible in many animated films.
In addition, the movie promotes strong and durable female characters who don’t fall into the clichéd archetypes of “damsels in distress” with men in tow, waiting to rescue them.
Each animated character plays a distinct role in the telling of the tale, allowing for a multitude of singing voices, opinions and views on friendship and morality for the composite film.
Empowering, breathtaking and rejuvenating from start to finish, “Frozen” is a knockout that makes a worthy addition to the Disney animated canon.
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