Frozen

Release Date: Nov 27, 2013
Runtime: 1 hr. 48 min. 
Director: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee
Cast: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, Alan Tudyk.

A great, animated Disney movie usually possesses three decisive qualities: memorable songs, lovable characters and invaluable lessons. They're what reinvigorates our childhood and induces excitement – a simpler time when life was sung by melody. With claims boasting this latest as Disney's best animated feature since "The Lion King," it's a tall order to fill thanks to heightened expectations. But "Frozen" deftly performs above and beyond, and is one of the most charming films to release in recent memory. Similar to "Tangled," it's a modernized fairy tale, based loosely on Hans Christian Andersen's story of the Snow Queen. Lighthearted and sweet, and filled with toe-tapping numbers, it's impossible to watch without a smile on your face. Kristen Bell leads the voice cast of Broadway regulars, including Idina Menzel of "Wicked" fame. Though Bell fits the mold well of Disney standards, Menzel feels miscast in the voice of Elsa who appears not much older than Anna (Bell). Gifted with an incredible voice, she almost seems too 'old' for the role and therefore too powerful. This may be attuned to the given song choices, which sound decidedly younger and somewhat 'pop-pier.' Josh Gad provides the comic relief, as the magical snowman Olaf who brings a majority of the laughs. He's just one of the many gems found in the novelty of "Frozen," and that's in addition to the gorgeous animation. Disney has come a long way from 2D renditions and their 3D has only gotten better. One can't help but get lost in the beautiful, arctic landscapes, especially when paired with the catchy tunes. Though gone are the days of classic animation, it's nice to see the continuance of boundless imagination. Case in point: make sure to catch the short film (only in 3D) before the feature presentation. 

Rating: 4½ stars