Winter may be coming, but the Mouse House is on fire in this enchanting reworking of Hans Christian Anderson’s timeless fairy tale The Snow Queen.
Far from leaving me cold, Frozen once again proved that when Disney gets it right, no-one else comes close
Disney’s affiliation with Anderson’s work is a long one; from its Silly Symphony short of The Ugly Duckling in the 1930s through to its hugely successful version of The Little Mermaid in 1989, which spawned a renaissance in animated features by the studio.
Although not a straight adaptation, Frozen fulfills the dream long-held by Uncle Walt to bring The Snow Queen to the big screen and does so in a way that would have made Disney extremely proud.
The sumptuous visuals in Frozen
A chunk of the credit for the Mouse House’s creative and critical upturn should go to Pixar head honcho John Lasseter, who was appointed Disney’s Chief Creative Officer back in 2006 and since then has overseen a fresh resurgence in the studio’s output.
It’s also notable that of Disney’s last four animated movies, three have featured strong female leads, with Frozen‘s Anna (voiced by Kristen Bell) and sister Elsa (Idina Menzel) among the most tenacious yet.
Snow Queen Elsa (Idina Menzel) in Frozen
Elsa has the ability to create ice and snow and locks herself away to maintain her secret, even from Anna. When her powers are unintentionally revealed Elsa, in the process of escaping, unwittingly unleashes an eternal winter on the kingdom. Anna goes after her sister to save the kingdom from her icy spell and on her quest is joined by mountain man Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), his faithful reindeer Sven and a funny little snowman called Olaf (Josh Gad).
The dashing Prince Hans (Santino Fontana) sweeps Anna (Kristen Bell) off her feet in Frozen
This wouldn’t be a Disney film without the musical numbers and Frozen upholds this fine tradition right from the off with the catchy men-at-work Frozen Heart that brings to mind Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs‘ Heigh-Ho.
The plaintive Do You Want To Build A Snowman? does what Disney does best – a heartfelt tune matched by swirling visuals that progresses the story and sticks in the mind, while a group of diminutive trolls are oddly reminiscent of the Fraggles (remember Fraggle Rock? No? Just me then) when they sing Fixer Upper.
Olaf (Josh Gad) just wants a hug in Frozen
The relationship between Anna and Elsa is both simple and complex; they clearly love each other deeply, but time and Anna’s secret has driven a wedge between them, as evidenced by their awkward exchanges during Anna’s coronation as Queen. Disney has been guilty many times of drowning its films in saccharine sweetness, but it’s also the studio that respected its young audience enough to make them deal with death in Bambi and The Lion King.
Heroic mountain man Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) aboard his trusty reindeer Sven in Frozen
It pretty much goes without saying that the animation is stunning, but it’s always worth drinking it in regardless, especially the rendering of ice and snow which is simply beautiful. Likewise, the film rattles along at such a pace that you forgive its rather lacklustre plot.
Strong female characters aside, Frozen‘s most memorable character is the loveable Olaf, a figment of Anna’s childhood imagination brought magically and amusingly to life by Elsa’s magic. A lover of “warm hugs”, Olaf is well written and acts just as you’d imagine an imaginary friend brought to life would. Gad’s lively performance elevates Olaf into the premier division of Disney sidekicks next to Pinocchio‘s Jiminy Cricket, the Genie from Aladdin and The Jungle Book‘s Baloo.
Far from leaving me cold, Frozen once again proved that when Disney gets it right, no-one else comes close.
three rows back 
Great review. I’ve got the complete series of Fraggle Rock at home; haven’t seen it in a while though. I’m betting that this gets the Best Animated Feature Oscar.
Glad I’m not the only one! I’d go along with that bet too.
Totally agreed. This is a great movie.
Thanks man; too kind 🙂
Good review. It’s one of those very rare animated flicks that works perfectly for anybody who wants to see it, regardless of age, race, or even gender.
Too true. Disney is fantastic at these sort of movies when it’s on its game. Cheers.
Fine review Mark. Really glad you liked this one, I thought it was absolutely charming. Great animation, great songs (although surprisingly few of them) and the characters were brilliant.
You’re too kind Chris. Charming is a lovely word to use mate; it put a big smile on my face.
Great review, I had a great time watching it, really fun and a great return of form for Disney 😀
Thanks Tim. Enchanting is the best word I can use. A genuine pleasure.
That’s a good word 😀
Splendid Mark!! I love what you said at the end. Yes, it’s so far from being a cold movie. As we’ve been drown in the crazy Polar Vortex, I didn’t want to be watching a movie called FROZEN but I’m so glad I did!
As you can see, it’s now on my top 5 of the year. There are so many great characters here, and I didn’t even see the twist coming. Plus I just love the songs! I’m still humming ‘For the First Time in Forever’ 😀
Indeed. I thought the opening number was brilliantly done: pure Disney. As for the weather… you guys are having a tough time aren’t you?! Frozen by name, but not by nature though 🙂
Nice review. Agree with you on the opening number – although as it started on the breaking ice I did, for a very brief second, think I might be watching Rise Of The Guardians again. A great, modern addition to the Disney catalogue with a neat blend of nostalgia.
Not seen Rise of the Guardians yet, so will have take your word for that! Thanks for the feedback my friend.
Solid work man. I have to say that despite all the praise it’s getting, I am probably going to let it slide by me because it just doesn’t appeal. Not anything against it, and in fact I’m quite surprised that all these great reviews (including this one) haven’t changed my mind. Strange. All the same, more power to Disney for doing things right !
Appreciate that Tom. Fair dues. It’ll be on Netflix soon enough I reckon; so it might be worth catching it then. I think you’ll like it!
Didn’t like it as much as Tangled, but it was still charming and fun. The animation is incredible in it, especially during ‘Let it Go’
Great review!
Much appreciated. Haven’t seen Tangled but it’s on the list. You simply can’t beat a quality Disney flick.
Who doesn’t remember Fraggle Rock?! : ) Excellent review! I LOVED this film. I think it’s the best Disney film in years. And I want an Olaf. : )