Sister-princesses Anna and Elsa are the best of friends as kids. Elsa has ice powers which make her a threat to her sister leading Elsa to make the choice to exile herself from Anna. After her powers are revealed Elsa decides to further exile herself by leaving the entire kingdom causing Anna to go after her, seeking to save whatever remains of her sister and the kingdom itself, which is thrust into an unforgiving winter. Co-director Chris Buck, director of Tarzan, and co-director Jennifer Lee, who has the distinction of being the first woman to ever direct an animated Disney film, team up to create an homage to previous Disney classics that can not only stand on it's own two feet, but also stands above every other animated movie this year.
This movie takes on many themes and does it very well. Early on the film deals with loss and responsibility. The character of Elsa must learn to accept the responsibility of her abilities and her authority and the consequences that they hold. She also serves as a symbol of bullying for children. She is afraid that because she is different she will be hated. The film conveys a message that you should be proud of your differences and not fear what others may not understand. The films also exemplifies the importance of friendship and the power of love between siblings and the idea that no one is ever beyond saving.
Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel star as Anna and Elsa and they sing their heart outs. While Bell is great, Idina Menzel steals the movie when she performs the instant classic song, "Let It Go" which is absolutely fantastic. The song is a big character moment for Elsa which pays off in a big way due to Menzel's incredible vocal talent. Anna and Elsa are joined by a Kristoff, a mountain man, and Josh Gad's hysterical snowman, Olaf. The adorable snow man delivers big laughs and heartfelt moments whenever on screen.
Frozen is a tribute to classic Disney, featuring many nods to classic Disney staples. While it is a tribute to old Disney, it does deliver a breath of fresh air in the romance angle of these movies. This animated musical is a much welcomed return to form by the creators of Tangled and Wreck It Ralph. Unfortunately they haven't out done 2012's Wreck It Ralph. It's hard to beat perfect. The film does have a few too many songs, moments that are too cutesy, and jokes that don't land. However it is worth noting that this is the second year in a row that Disney's computer animation department has delivered a better film than it's in-house competition, Pixar.
Frozen is sure to be considered a Disney classic in the future. It is also guaranteed to win the Academy Award for best animated picture and win best original song for the show stealing "Let It Go". Frozen is a delightful film that is the animated movie of the year.
4/5
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