Frozen brings numerous classical elements to the table that have made Disney such a masterpiece-churning machine since Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, but the characters in Frozen are ultimately why I keep coming back for more time and time again. There is a legitimate reason to why so many people initially loved this film and why it grossed over a billion dollars worldwide, and while the songs may receive all of the rightful publicity, it is these characters that are the true stars of the film. Anna (voiced phenomenally by Kristen Bell) is an immediate Disney legend. In literally every stage of her life, she exudes exquisite character development that is a highlight in studio history (more on Anna below). Queen Elsa (voiced by the queen herself, Idina Menzel) actually is not afforded an immense amount of screentime in Frozen, but when her majesty is on screen, pure Disney magic happens. From the early isolation to finally letting it go, Elsa is a character for the ages, firmly asserting herself as one of the best Disney royals in the studio's history. This sister dynamic that Disney brings to life in this film is so flawlessly executed. Anna and Elsa's relationship is so genuine and authentic that you believe them wholeheartedly during every step of their journey. Sure, these are animated characters we're talking about here, but Anna and Elsa are incredibly relatable, which allows the viewer to fully invest in their lives and actions. We cheer for them while also hurting with them, and that is a testament to the brilliance of Disney.
Anna and Elsa's supporting characters are some of the best sidekicks and bad guys in the animated canon. Of course, everyone's favorite snowman Olaf is the scene-stealer of the film, and he definitely deserves that title no doubt. Olaf enters the film late, but he hits the ground running, thoroughly entertaining us while also providing a certain heart to the film as well. Josh Gad turns in a career-best performance here, effortlessly singing his way into our hearts forever. The duo of Kristoff and Sven are also superb. Kristoff is much more than the stereotypical brute assigned to help the princess; instead, Kristoff is a charming, well-developed character that becomes one of the most dimensional leading men in a Disney animated film to date. Jonathan Groff provides the perfect voice for Kristoff in yet another casting stroke of genius from the studio. Then, we have Sven, who makes it virtually impossible to do anything but love him. Additionally, joining the ranks of Lotso and Mother Gothel as one of my most hated characters in the best way possible, Hans is a character that I would love to punch in his perfect little face just as Anna did near the film's conclusion. The twist of Hans not actually loving Anna blew me away during my first viewing of Frozen, and even today, I find myself hoping the outcome turns out different this time around. Frozen works primarily because its characters become legends instantly. There is no weak link in this ensemble; from top to bottom, it is one of Disney's crowning achievements in regard to characterization.
The aspect of Frozen that catapulted it into the international spotlight, though, is its soundtrack. Now I will concede that I do not live with small children, so I have been able to avoid hearing these songs constantly on repeat for days upon days because I know if that were the case, my opinion here may be a little different. However, I must say that I believe Frozen's soundtrack is the best soundtrack produced by Disney since The Hunchback of Notre Dame in 1996 (with all due respect to the fantastic soundtracks of The Princess and the Frog and Tangled). These songs are Renaissance era worthy, and that in and of itself is quite an accomplishment. "Do You Want to Build a Snowman" features an excellent blend of entertainment and story/character development. While we will undoubtedly leave singing the catchy parts of this song ("Hang in there, Joan."), when we stop and consider how much this song progresses the story while also providing great insight to Anna and Elsa's unique personalities, that is when we will truly be amazed. "For the First Time in Forever" is a wonderful number yet again progressing the story superbly while also continuing to develop Anna and Elsa as characters. Olaf's "In Summer" is a delightful show-stopper that is a splendid introduction to this lovable sidekick, and the trolls's "Fixer Upper" is supremely fun.
Then, of course, we have the big one. While parents who have heard this song more times than they can count might disagree with me, I think "Let It Go" is one of the pinnacles of Disney songwriting, a genuine highlight belonging in the pantheon of great Disney songs and sequences alongside the "Circle of Life" sequence from The Lion King and the "I See the Light" sequence from Tangled. This song/scene so eloquently captures the message and spectacle of this entire film, and if you leave uninspired after this song, something is wrong with you. I honestly think that is applicable to a bunch of opinions regarding Frozen. Some of us haven't yet recovered from the onslaught that continues today in the aftermath of Frozen's release, and because of that, we want to hate the film. However, if we were really being honest with ourselves, I think the majority of us would conclude that Frozen is a modern day masterpiece. Don't allow the last three years or so to blind you to Frozen's greatness. Despise and reject the commercialization all you want (I'm right there with you, in fact, to some degree), but this film deserves nothing less than our highest praise and adoration.
Rating: 10/10
Historical Significance: The film is based on "The Snow Queen" by Hans Christian Andersen (side note: the character names of Hans, Kristoff, and Sven pay homage to the legendary author). Disney tried to initiate production on a film based on this story on numerous occasions in the early 2000's, but they could never get something to materialize. Their first attempt was in 2002, but animation guru Glen Keane notoriously quit the project and basically took the whole thing down with him. In 2009, John Lasseter returned to the project and rejuvenated the passion to tell this story. He recruited Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise (directors of Beauty and the Beast, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Atlantis: The Lost Empire) to helm the project. Producer Don Hahn (Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, The Emperor's New Groove, and more) was also brought in as well as Linda Woolverton (2010's Alice in Wonderland, Maleficent) to write the script. Even Alan Menken, along with partner Glenn Slater, was tasked with writing the film's songs, but in 2010, Disney was not satisfied with the direction of the film. Instead of scrapping the entire project and starting from scratch again, the film was simply put on hold as Disney brought in a new crew. Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee directed the film (Lee also wrote the screenplay) while Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez wrote the music and Peter Del Vecho produced. Frozen would go on to become the highest grossing animated film of all-time, and it became the first Walt Disney Animation Studios film to win an Academy Award since Tarzan in 2000 (Chris Buck's previous Disney film). Frozen won Best Animated Feature and "Let It Go" took home Best Original Song.
Behind the Scenes: You can blame Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez for the worldwide phenomenon created by Frozen and especially its music, and according to the Lopez duo, they wrote "Let It Go" in a single day. Anderson-Lopez stated: "We went for a walk in Prospect Park and threw phrases at each other. What does it feel like to be the perfect exalted person, but only because you've held back this secret? [Robert Lopez] came up with kingdom of isolation, and it worked." Lopez reportedly improvised the song's first four lines right there in the middle of Prospect Park. They returned home to finish the song by day's end. "Let It Go" would, clearly, go on to become a gigantic success worldwide. Not only did it win the Academy Award, but it also became the first Disney song since "Colors of the Wind" from Pocahontas in 1995 to reach the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 ("Colors of the Wind" peaked at #4 while "Let It Go" got as high as #9). The Lopez duo did not produce a one-hit wonder soundtrack, though. Another great song is "Do You Want to Build a Snowman" Three different actresses provided the voice for Anna during this song. The youngest Anna was actually voiced by Katie Lopez, the daughter of Kristen and Robert, while Agatha Lee Monn, the daughter of writer/director Jennifer Lee, voiced teenage Anna. Kristen Bell obviously voiced adult Anna, fulfilling a lifelong dream of hers to voice an animated character. She was inspired to do so after watching The Little Mermaid in 1989, prompting her to record her rendition of "Part of Your World" in a voice box. Jennifer Lee actually listened to that voice box and claimed that it was a big factor in casting Bell for the role.
Favorite Character: In an ensemble filled with some of the best characters in Disney history, it is rather difficult to single out just one, but since I must choose a favorite, I am going with Anna. From the moment she first arrives on screen, Anna wins the heart of the viewers. Her desire to live a normal life with her sister, Elsa, is on full display in a immensely admirable way, and even though she is a princess, Anna could not be more relatable. She is jovial, exuberant, a little clumsy, headstrong, and the list could go on. Kristen Bell shines in this role that fits her skills perfectly. In her own right, Anna is a tremendous character, but in addition to being a terrific individual character, she also inspires the change that takes place in the lives of Kristoff, Olaf, and Elsa. Anna is the heart and soul behind Frozen. She not only drives the progression of the story; she is the story. Think about it. Without Anna, Elsa would have never been trapped inside her kingdom by her parents, therefore never feeling the need to conceal her magic. While that would have made for a much better life for Elsa, it would have caused Frozen to be incredibly dull film. This conflict, initiated by Anna, sets this fantastic story in motion. Without Anna, Kristoff and Sven would have continued to unsuccessfully sell ice and never upgrade their life. Without Anna, Olaf would have aimlessly desired his summer to no avail, but with Anna, Olaf discovers his true purpose in life. As much deserved hype that is lavished upon Elsa, Anna is the unrivaled star of Frozen, and for that reason and many more, she is my favorite character from the film.
Favorite Scene/Song: You knew this was coming, right? Folks, there is a reason that this song and sequence defined popular culture for so long, and that is because it is one of the greatest song/scene combinations in the history of Disney animation. As I wrote earlier, you can hate on the over saturation of the market with Frozen, but the commercialization of the film should not cause you to hate the film itself. The same is applicable when discussing Elsa's anthem, "Let It Go." Sure, we have heard it countless times in the past three years, but that is simply because it is one of the best numbers ever written for a Disney film. Its powerful and profound message is something never before heard in a Disney song, and obviously, its lyrics are quite good and incredibly catchy. Idina Menzel absolutely slays with this song, truly a legend-defining performance. Additionally, the animation during this sequence is a masterclass in artistry. Every frozen fractal is expertly animated to instigate a sense of awestruck wonder in the viewer's eyes. The moment Elsa begins to form her ice castle is a moment I will not soon forget because it is such a beautiful scene. I still remember watching this scene unfold for the first time on opening night for Frozen in November 2013. I was completely and utterly amazed, and watching it in 2016, nothing has changed whatsoever. This is one of the greatest songs accompanying one of the greatest sequences we have ever witnessed in the history of Disney animation, and if you disagree, you need to just let it go (shameless incorporation of the song's lyrics into the review: check).Updated Ranking: I can sense the torches and pitchforks firing up as I write this, but remember that this is my opinion, not yours. My opinion is that Frozen belongs firmly in elite company.
- Beauty and the Beast
- The Lion King
- Aladdin
- Tangled
- The Little Mermaid
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
- The Hunchback of Notre Dame
- Peter Pan
- Cinderella
- Frozen
- The Jungle Book
- Sleeping Beauty
- Lilo & Stitch
- The Princess and the Frog
- Hercules
- Mulan
- The Emperor's New Groove
- Tarzan
- Pinocchio
- Lady and the Tramp
- Wreck-It Ralph
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Alice in Wonderland
- Dumbo
- Bambi
- 101 Dalmatians
- Pocahontas
- Treasure Planet
- The Great Mouse Detective
- Fantasia
- Winnie the Pooh
- The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
- The AristoCats
- Fantasia 2000
- Meet the Robinsons
- The Rescuers Down Under
- Fun and Fancy Free
- The Fox and the Hound
- Robin Hood
- Bolt
- Dinosaur
- Melody Time
- The Three Caballeros
- Saludos Amigos
- Brother Bear
- Oliver & Company
- The Rescuers
- Atlantis: The Lost Empire
- The Sword in the Stone
- Make Mine Music
- The Black Cauldron
- Chicken Little
- Home on the Range
Tomorrow, Marvel helps out Disney in their inaugural partnership with Big Hero 6!
-Cody Fleenor
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