Friday 29 November 2013

Frozen (Animation 2013)

Monster’s University (Pixar), Epic (TCF), Turbo (Dreamworks), Planes (DisneyToon) and we have our 5th nomination from the year for next year’s Academy Awards in the category – Feature Film (Animated).  MU and Epic need not feel worried about their place in the nominations since there is nothing else due this year.  Unless of course the Academy decides to pick only 3 instead.


Frozen, is undeniably Disney’s best movie this year (if you consider Monsters/Planes as not from Walt Disney Animation Studios). Adapted from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairly tale – The Snow Queen, Frozen takes you through the tale of Ana (Kirsten Bell / Livvy Stubenrauch) and Elsa (Idina Menzel / Eva Bella) who are princesses of the Kingdom of Arendelle, somewhere in Scandinavia.

Elsa has a gift.  She can cause the air to freeze by mere thought an action.  She, however, cannot control it and as the Troll says, “Fear is your worst enemy”.  As children, Elsa and Ana are all but inseparable.  But on a not so lucky night, Elsa manages to hurt Ana with her power of freezing.  It is an accident.  But one that leaves the entire family scarred.  To keep everyone safe, Elsa is kept in captivity and the palace doors are never opened.

However, when the King and Queen pass away in a shipwreck, it is Elsa’s turn to be Queen.  Many years have passed but Elsa still cannot control her power.  While the coronation passes off smoothly, Ana manages to put Elsa off by announcing her engagement to Prince Hans (Santino Fontana) who she has met only a few hours ago.  Elsa refuses to bless the union and in the anger, freezes all of Arendelle.

Frozen is an absolute adventure from frame one.  The script is beautifully written – ala Disney.  There is so much of cuteness (that’s the best I could come up with given my limited vocabulary) in the first few minutes that you cannot help but smile from the bottom of your heart.  Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee set the platform early in the movie and ensure that the tempo never falls.

The voice overs are fabulous and the quality of animation is endearing.  It will not take you too long fall in love with Frozen.  And when it comes to your kids they will probably not stop talking about it for a few more days after.  It’s a world called Fairy Tales.  It is what Disney is most comfortable with.  They have stamped their authority on the genre once again. Make it a part of your weekend.  8 on 10 from my side but may not be enough to get the statuette.  I am tipping Planes or Turbo for that.


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