Family Movie Review: Frozen

Well I finally had the chance to sit down and watch Disney's Frozen, an animated film inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, The Snow Queen.  With two tween-aged boys in the home, this movie wasn't top of our list to watch.  However, I was teaching Kindergarten when the movie was released and, in my own way, lived and breathed it for months on end, despite having never actually seen it! 

This is not your ordinary Disney fairy tale.  There is no knight in shining armor to the rescue, like we've seen in countless other Disney "princess movies." In fact, I will go all out and say that this may be the first time Disney got it right.  When only an act of true love can save our heroine, the audience is understandably to assume that our male protagonist, Kristoff, is the one to do the saving. Nope! This story of true love touches on the bonds between family - sisters in this case. The heartwarming end left me with the urge to text my own sisters a quick "I love you!"

"Some people are worth melting for." ~Olaf

The story is a powerful look at the struggle Elsa must face to regain her true identity. Forced to suppress her power for years, Elsa must learn how to take back her life and embrace her magic.  Through her sister's love, she learns how to turn what has been perceived by outsiders as her curse into a gift. 

The film is filled with lovable characters.  From spunky and determined Princess Anna to the charming yet down-to-earth Kristoff, this movie will inspire young viewers to look inside themselves for strength.  Olaf, our magical snowman, and Sven, Kristoff's pet reindeer, give much comedic relief to the story.  I wish there was more of them in the film. 

Here's why all young girls need to see this movie.  From Elsa to Anna, this movie is filled with strong female role models.  Disney is famous for having it be completely acceptable for their heroine to fall deeply in love with the first handsome prince that comes along. Well, not this time!  In Frozen, there is the very powerful theme of infatuation vs true love as we see in the scene where Kristoff questions Anna's judgement for getting engaged to a prince she just met! 

I must admit, though, I am a bit baffled as to why Princess Anna wasn't more popular with young female viewers.  All the girls I know were obsessed with Elsa.  However, Princess Anna is the true heroine of this film even if Elsa rocks the best song of the movie, "Let It Go," which gave me chills.  

"And the fears that once controlled me, can't get to me at all." ~ Elsa

Overall, the movie is enjoyable and touches on some wonderful themes.  It makes a great family movie night for those with younger children and will, no doubt, remain a Disney classic for years. For me, however, I thought the story lacked any real substance.  I feel they could have cut some of the music (this was NOT my favorite Disney musical score) and focus on developing the complex story and characters further. The film is rated PG for some action and mild rude humor. 

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