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Nov 27, 2013 · The animated, 3-D adventure wants to enliven and subvert the conventions of typical Disney princess movies while simultaneously remaining true to their aesthetic trappings for maximum merchandising potential.
- The Little Mermaid
The songs are good, too. "The Little Mermaid" contains some...
- The Snow Queen
Disney's is about two sisters, one played by Kristen Bell....
- The Little Mermaid
- One of the best Disney animated films since Beauty and the Beast.
- Verdict
- Frozen Review
- More Reviews by Chris Carle
- IGN Recommends
By Chris Carle
Posted: Nov 20, 2013 1:17 am
Disney has built an empire mining fairy tales for their animated stories, so it's no surprise that their 53rd animated feature, Frozen, tackles the Hans Christian Andersen tale The Snow Queen. Given that this is the same team that brought the outstanding Wreck-It Ralph to theaters, it's also no surprise that this is an incredibly heartwarming, hilarious and very memorable addition to the Disney legacy. In fact, it's one of their best homegrown princess movies since the golden age of The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin.
Set in the land of Arendelle, the story follows two princess sisters from early (adorable) childhood: Elsa and Anna. Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel) has the power to magically create snow and ice, but after a near-tragic encounter involving her sister Anna (played by Kristen Bell), she is boarded up in the castle and no longer uses her powers. Anna is saved, but has no memory of the incident.
The girls' parents decide the only thing to do is separate the girls. They live their lives in literal and figurative isolation, each one yearning to be close to her sister. Years glide by in a montage that's accompanied by the touching song "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" and the princesses grow into young women. Anna longs to be close to her sister, but to protect Anna, Elsa hides her power.
But, it wouldn't be much of a story if the powers never came out, and they invariably do. The kingdom arranges Elsa's coronation (after the tragic death of their parents), and Anna is excited that she will be reunited with her sister, but her hopes for a warm reunion are dashed when Elsa shies away. Still, Anna is out of captivity and full of life, and open to all possibilities, including true love in the form of Hans (Santino Fontana), who immediately captures her heart.
Top to bottom, Frozen is a delight. The writing is witty, the voicing is excellent, the story is nuanced and the songs are some of the best since Beauty and the Beast. It's a throwback to a wondrous time in Disney animation, and just a ton of fun.
EDITORS' CHOICE
Review scoring
amazing
This is the best Disney princess movie since the Beauty and the Beast era. Great songs, great fun. Go see now!
- Chris Carle
A consistently delightful animated feature, action-packed, beautiful to watch and studded with strong show tunes, Frozen harks back to the Disney classics. Full Review | Original Score: B+ |...
Nov 26, 2013 · The Times critic Stephen Holden reviews "Frozen." “Frozen,” for all its innovations, is not fundamentally revolutionary. Its animated characters are the same familiar, blank-faced, big-eyed...
- Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee
- Stephen Holden
- 102 min
Beautifully animated, smartly written, and stocked with singalong songs, Frozen adds another worthy entry to the Disney canon. When their kingdom becomes trapped in perpetual winter, fearless...
- (251)
- Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee
- PG
- Walt Disney Animation
Nov 3, 2013 · Film Review: ‘Frozen’. Chilly scenes of widescreen winter and a scene-stealing snowman are the chief assets of Disney's accomplished but formulaic 53rd animated feature. By Scott Foundas....
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Slightly darker sequel charms with catchy songs, messages. Read Common Sense Media's Frozen 2 review, age rating, and parents guide.
