Regardless of it's icy title, "Frozen", Disney's most recent animated film, is sure to melt your heart.
The movie, which is loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen", was released in theatres on November 27. Since then, it has grown into a box office success with a world wide total gross of $759 million as of Sunday surpassing "The Lion King" as Disney's top grossing animated film of all time.
"Frozen" has racked up a Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film and two Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for the powerhouse number "Let it Go." The movie's soundtrack is also going on its second week at number one on the Billboard 200 giving Queen Bey's newest album the cold shoulder.
The talented Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee directed the movie, along with composer Christophe Beck. The star-studded cast list includes Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad. The casting crew clearly knew what they were doing when it came to deciding on such a musically talented ensemble. Most of the voices heard in the film already have big names in the world of Broadway: Idina Menzel ("Wicked"), Jonathan Groff ("Spring Awakening") and Josh Gad ("Book of Mormon").
As I sat down for my first showing of "Frozen", I was eager as the previews began to play. I had heard phenomenal reviews and almost everyone on all the social media outlets were either raving about the movie, or quoting the lyrics.
Unfortunately, "Frozen" was one of those movies that were extremely over hyped before I got the chance to see it.
"Frozen" was incredible, there's no doubt. The graphics were flawless and went as far as making sure each individual snowflake in the opening sequence was different. It would be an understatement to say the soundtrack was melodic genius and Olaf's cute and quirky comedic relief was enough to make those of all ages burst out laughing.
A considerable part of what makes the frosty flick such a massive success is the fact that the "damsel in distress" is saved by another damsel, not a "prince charming."
Undoubtedly, women every where clapped and cheered when Queen Elsa was saved by her young sister who, in the end, chose the love of her sister over the love for another man.
I understand that it is a tremendous step in the patriarchal world of story telling to have the queen save the princess, but I don't believe that Disney was boldly trying to start a feminist wave. Personally, I feel the feminist view of "Frozen" was and still is too hyped up for me.
Truth be told, the male audience was actually a more important focus to the marketers of "Frozen." According to Forbes, the marketers purposely had commercials and trailers focus on Olaf and his comedic personality and left out the songs to make the movie appear more "boyish" so they could gather a greater male audience. It wasn't until the release date crept up that the trailers began to show the musical aspect of the motion picture.
As the credits were rolling, I couldn't help but think that the movie screen was holding back the true potential of the story. I'm not saying that I didn't like the movie, but compared to "Tangled", which was created from the same makers of "Frozen", the overall movie just doesn't compare.
On the other hand, I believe that "Frozen" will be show stopping in the spotlight. Sometime last week, it was confirmed that "Frozen" would be adapted into a Broadway show. Smart move, Disney.
Before I sink into the depths that is the Disney and Musical theatre fandoms, let me say that being born and raised in Florida and one hour away from Disney World, you could say I have a vast amount of knowledge on the place "where dreams come true."
I have trained in musical theatre since the age of six and have come to love everything about the theatre from sitting in the audience to being in the spotlight and everything in between.
That aside, I truly believe that the movie does not do the story or the music justice, and that "Frozen" will flourish with even more success than it has now as a Broadway show.
Why? Most importantly, the musical numbers in the film are on par with those on Broadway. After each number I was utterly floored, especially after Queen Elsa belted out "Let it Go". They are far more powerful and mature than the cookie-cutter songs in past musical movies such as "Tangled," and that doesn't come as a surprise.
Robert Lopez, the acclaimed songwriter of Broadway hits such as "The Book of
Mormon" and "Avenue Q," came together with his wife to write the soundtrack of "Frozen, " including the Oscar nominated tune "Let it Go."
That said, "Frozen" definitely has the musical credentials to make it big on Broadway. Add in the story line that's already making hundreds of millions of dollars in the box office, sprinkle on some of the famous Disney magic and "Frozen's" got gold.
Overall, this movie is undeniably going to be another one of Disney's vault classics, but it has the potential to thrive as a sellout sensation on Broadway. See the movie so you can learn the songs before it hits the stage, but keep your eyes peeled for that playbill because it won't be long until "Frozen" sweeps the Tony Awards.