When a young princess named Elsa, with the magical power to create wonders of snow and ice, accidentally injures her little sister Anna, her parents encourage Elsa to hide herself and her powers from everyone.
Growing up and apart in seclusion, Elsa learns to control her powers better by paying the price of loneliness. An unfortunate accident on a sea voyage leads to Elsa’s coronation sooner than expected and she almost immediately loses control of her frosty magic, resulting in her expulsion from the community.
Will Anna be able to convince Elsa to return to the country she should be ruling? Will Elsa be able to control her powers? Will the community except her abilities as a gift rather than a curse?
We say, “Frozen is a cool Disney fairytale.”
TAYLOR: The first thing that impressed me about Frozen is that it doesn’t contain any timely pop culture references. This is a film that would have held up to scrutiny 40 years ago and will likely be enjoyed by kids 40 years in the future.
HOWE: It reminds me of the Disney hit Tangled from a couple of years ago, not just because of the animation style that was involved, but Frozen is also an old-school Disney musical. The only drawback that I found with it is that I didn’t find it very exciting, but my little boy loved it.
FENIN: Daaaaaad, you didn’t find the snowman funny when his nose kept coming off?
HOWE: Yes I did.
FENIN: Or when he was melting?
HOWE: Yes, Fenin, I did.
TAYLOR: The film couldn’t possibly offend any sane person. Sometimes in kids movies there are jokes for the adults or material questionable for very young audiences. For instance, it might be scary or rude. Frozen is as squeaky clean as the falling snow. It’s a story of magic, acceptance and the power of true love wrapped up in a story you’ve heard before and will hear again. Some of the songs were memorable. I left the theatre with their “main theme” stuck in my head. Still, this one seems to be only for the kids. I applaud Disney for making a film that will stand the test of time, but it’s a little underwhelming, unless you’re very young.
HOWE: Another thing I have noticed in the last few Disney movies is that they have gone away from the princesses (here’s two more to the ever increasing collection of dolls) falling in love with the Prince Charming character and replaced him with a lovable rogue. I just think it should be time for Disney to mix it up a little bit. Use a prince as the main role rather than the same old storyline. Dreamworks did it with Shrek.
– Howe gives Frozen 3 sleighs out of 5.
– Taylor gives it 3 magical kisses out of 5.
– Fenin gives it 5 carrots out of 5.
The film is currently showing at the Galaxy Cinemas in Vernon.
— Brian Taylor and Peter Howe are film reviewers, based in Vernon, B.C., whose column, Reel Reviews, appears in The Morning Star Fridays and Sundays.
