©2013 Disney
Frozen
Disney
UK Cinema Release: Friday 6th December 2013
Frozen is the best Disney film I have seen for years. Directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, the movie has all the ingredients of a classic Disney musical film (think The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Lion King etc...) but also brings something new and very refreshing to the table to make it relevant in 2013.
Inspired by The Snow Queen, Frozen tells the story of sisters Elsa (Idina Menzel), who has magical icy powers, and Anna (Kristen Bell). Elsa manages to keep her powers hidden until Anna drops the bombshell that she is marrying a Prince whom she has only known for a matter of hours. Understandably this infuriates Elsa (all this just happens to take place on her coronation day) and she loses control of her powers and casts a never ending winter over her kingdom before escaping to the mountains. Anna then sets off to track down her sister, befriending mountain man Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and larger than life snowman Olaf (Josh Gad) along the way.
The entire cast are terrific and Disney must be applauded for casting highly talented theatre stars over Hollywood names. Kristen Bell's vocals are smooth and gentle. Her endearing performance portrays Anna's good heart, optimism and clumsiness perfectly. Theatre fans will be thrilled to know that Frozen features Idina Menzel doing what Idina Menzel does best... belting - and she belts like she has never belted before! Menzel's huge vocals contrast and blend with Bell's voice perfectly. She also exposes Elsa's vulnerability and innocence, creating a three dimensional, relatable character.
One or two plot twists are expected but others come out of the blue. Frozen is not as simple as 'boy meets girl, boy rescues girl.' The most interesting and engaging storyline is the relationship between the two sisters with the romance providing a nice side plot. For this reason the movie reminded me a lot of Stephen Schwartz's smash-hit musical Wicked (which Menzel famously starred in on Broadway and in the West End). Stories about friendship are so rare yet so powerful. It is for this reason that Frozen reaches out to so many people. It is truly heart-warming.
"Frozen will be remembered for being one of the best Disney films of all time."
Husband-and-wife song writing team Robert Lopez (who co-wrote The Book of Mormon and Avenue Q) and Kristen Anderson-Lopez have composed the film's terrific musical score. After seeing the movie I immediately downloaded the soundtrack. The stand out number is Elsa's 'Let It Go' which I have had on repeat. Menzel's rendition is the movie's highlight. The song suits her tone and range exquisitely and Menzel tackles it fearlessly. The score is catchy and is classic with a modern twist. The songs have been slotted in perfectly with each number being there for a reason. As the movie progresses long periods of time pass without a character breaking into song, it's not an 'in your face' musical.
Josh Gad brings joy and humour to the film as snowman Olaf who dreams of experiencing summer. His one liners are hysterical and the animators must have had a field day as Olaf's body parts are continuously ripped apart and put back together in the wrong order. The character reminded me of Dory in Disney's Finding Nemo and Donkey in DreamWorks' Shrek. Olaf's solo dream number 'In Summer' is another highlight.
It wouldn't be an easy task, but I would love to see Frozen adapted into a stage musical. With an extended score of the same standard a stage version could potentially become a worldwide sensation; it would certainly be quite a spectacle.
Theatregoers, Idina Menzel supporters, Disney fans, families and anyone who wants to be enchanted by a story of friendship must, must, must go and see Frozen. Upon its US release the movie achieved the largest opening ever for a Walt Disney Animation Studios film. This only confirms my inkling that Frozen will be remembered for being one of the best Disney films of all time.
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com
andrew@westendframe.com
Frozen can be seen in cinemas from today (Friday 6th December 2013).
Watch out for West End Frame's upcoming interview with Directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee.
Nice review Andrew. A sweet movie for the whole family to see during the holidays.
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