For the first time in forever, I can say I’m head over heels for a new Disney animated feature. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy almost all Disney movies but Frozen has truly broken the mold. There’s nothing like it. A spectacle, musically sweet, and a story that’s just plain different. I didn’t know what to expect when I went. The ads looked pretty and I always love something new but I didn’t know just how amazing this film would be.
With songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, Frozen could go from screenplay to stage show in a cold snap. If you have an ear for musical theatre like mine, their sound may remind you of Kerrigan-Lowdermilk, a musical writing duo I loved in college, or… Sondheim. Yes. I swear, during a few of the songs I got a Sweeney-esque feel. Not in a dark way, just in a beautiful, captivating piano kind of way. While we’re chatting musical theatre, Idina Menzel as a Disney Princess is so E-ticket. Also, who knew Kristen Bell could sing? I mean belt, mix, everything. Composed by Christophe Beck, who also scored Paperman and this new age of Muppet movies, the exhilarating score drives the story and amplifies emotions with majestic, chilling tones.
I can usually see a new movie once in theaters and wait for the home release. Not this one. I’m going back tomorrow with my boyfriend. I also want to see it with my mom. And any other friend I can go with! I want to see it as many times as I can because it’s so gorgeous. You know I’m a girl with sparkles in my heart and Frozen has an incredible take on this frigid, Norwegian landscape. Icicles glisten and Elsa’s wintery reach is brilliant.
If you admire animated Disney films as beautiful pieces of art like I do, you’re in for such a treat. If you like to laugh, get ready. If you want to hear a flawless soundtrack, gaze at icy gloriousness and enjoy a story that sets a new precedent, then you must see Frozen.
Disclosure: I was invited to screen this film.
I AM gushing about it like you! I don’t have a flair for musical theatre, but I do agree completely, it would make a great stage show. My hubs thought there were a few too many songs, but I loved each and every one. I think Tangled was a step in this direction and Frozen took it to another level. I love how Disney is telling the fairy tales now.
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Yes, Meghan, I agree Tangled totally brought us this way. It’s such a beautiful new age of animated storytelling. :o)
First thing my mom said when it was over- “This would make a great stage show!”
I loved every minute of this movie! I think what I loved the most was that the focus of it was on the bond of a family. No matter what you do or how frozen you turn your town, your family will still love you and try their best to help you out. I was lucky enough to be able to drag my entire family to see this and they all loved it, even my big sister who can sometimes be a little icy towards me. We even loved the “Get A Horse” short before it (won’t lie, got a little choked up to hear Walt’s voice as Mickey) and my nana is convinced they studied my parent’s goofy dog for the mannerisms of Sven. I need to see it again… and I also should stop singing the songs so loud on the subway. And try as hard as I might, I know that when it snows hard in NYC I’ll be dancing around the apartment singing “Do You Want To Build A Snowman”
Amanda and I saw it last Tuesday and LOVED it! Best Disney animation since The Lion King. I’ve got a few buddies that have seen it but weren’t impressed. I think less of them now…
I. Am. Obsessed. I am not super knowledgeable about theatre, but every single time I listen to the songs I imagine how they would be on a stage similar to the Beauty and the Beast stage show. I really, really want that to happen in the Disney parks’ future! Come on, Imagineers! Haha.