Not being a big fan of animation, preferring real people over fanciful drawings and images, it was with a touch of suspicion that I and my family went to see Frozen. My fears increased as I sat through nearly 20 minutes of cartoon ads and a dull Mickey Mouse cartoon. Nearly falling asleep and dreading more animation (yes, I know I can be a grump at times), the movie began.
Not sure exactly when I got drawn in. Perhaps it was the girls building a snowman or the precision of the animation or events of the first few minutes, but I really believe it was the great music. The snowman song was terrific and after the girl got hurt, the score suddenly became ominous with rich orchestral sounds followed by rhythmic energy and complex but tonal harmonic motion. Rather than hearing sound effects from the orchestra, we heard an eclectic mix of orchestral sounds that incorporated thematic motives juxtaposed with appropriate contrasts perfectly aligned with the events on the screen.
The story proceeds rather typically in a type of allegory about power, kingdoms, love, confusion, relationships, and comic relief. In a broad sense, it was a classic "love solves all" kind of plot with some twists and turns including bad guys, good guys, and plenty of tension. But underneath the rather cliched story we find great characters, stunning visual effects, amazing and beautiful crystals, and a depth rarely found in movies today. Little Olaf was absolutely hilarious and the snow monster scenes were intense and spectacular. The hints of anti-totalitarianism, of the value of charity, the problems with isolationism, the value of family, the way human actions spawn events that have far-reaching implications, and the joy of those who are outside the mainstream of looks and behavior all came together for a movie to be enjoyed by all ages.
The images were magnificent and the energy moved forth all the way to the end where everything turned out well. But aside from the tension, the interesting dialogs, the amazing graphics, and the physical comedy, it was the songs that jumped out as outstanding. In a musical theatre style, each song contained harmonic interest, rhythmic complexity, memorable melodies, zippy texts, and goal-directed dynamic growth. In short, simply great songs all the way through the movie. If anything, I wanted more and am hoping to see this show on the stage someday. Probably worth traveling to London if it makes to the West End!
Wonderful movie for all ages. I encourage everyone to experience Frozen. As in all great art, you will be changed in some magical way.
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