"Frozen"

Based on the trailers, “Frozen” seemed to be just another one of those annoying animated movies kids drag their parents to the theater to see. Yet viewers have and will continue to be pleasantly surprised by the humor, catchy songs and family values in Disney’s newest film.

“Frozen,” based on The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Anderson, is set in the quaint kingdom of Arendale. It features two heroines - sisters Elsa and Anna, the only remaining royalty of Arendale.

Elsa, voiced by “Wicked” Broadway star Idina Menzel, is the older of the two sisters and is preparing to assume her role as queen. However, she possesses magical ice powers that she struggles to control, causing tremendous inner fear. Elsa locks herself in her room in efforts to protect those around her, especially Anna.

Anna, Elsa’s spirited, playful and awkward younger sister, provides contrast to Elsa’s solemn character. Voiced by Kristen Bell, known for her role in the television series “Veronica Mars,” Anna quickly becomes an audience favorite as she displays her clumsy disposition and strives to reach her older sister.

When Elsa can no longer tame her powers, she runs away, leaving the kingdom to Anna. Anna feels it’s her responsibility to find her sister and make things right again, so she sets out on a blistering journey through the mountains. Along the way, she meets Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), ice trader and mountain man, his reindeer Sven and Olaf the snowman (Josh Gad), all of whom aid her in her search.

Beginning the film with scenes centering around the main characters as young children tugs at the heartstrings of every audience member. The kids’ big eyes, small hands and childish mannerisms have females displaying the universal sign of adoration (i.e. “awww…”).

Anna and Hans (Santino Fontana), a handsome and fine man she meets at the coronation ball, sing a catchy duet together titled “Love Is an Open Door.” They sing about how they’ve finally found someone they can relate to (each other) and how they are so alike. Coupled with their quirky actions, this song produced several hearty laughs. Close-knit harmonies written in the chorus make it appealing to the ear. The song has more of a rock vibe than most songs found in Disney movies, but I loved it nonetheless.

Jamie Sparer Roberts’ (casting director) decision to cast Menzel as the voice as Elsa was a mixed one. At times, I was really happy with the casting. Elsa has an independent personality and Menzel succeeded in portraying that. However, there were times during songs that her singing voice seemed too harsh for a Disney princess. Menzel’s voice is edgy and occasionally it just didn’t fit with Elsa’s character. It was noticeable during “Let it Go,” the song Elsa sings as she decides to stop holding back her powers.

The animation in "Let it Go" is breathtaking. Disney did a masterful job of painting the lyrics of the song. Thousands of fine ice crystals cover an elegant ice staircase Elsa creates. Ice shoots skyward, building an intricate ice structure. An ornate chandelier forms at the crest, hanging at the top of the elegant ice palace. Elsa’s presence, creations and new dress exude power.

As I watched the first teaser trailer for “Frozen,” my primary thought was, that snowman is going to be obnoxious. To my surprise and delight Olaf, the oddly shaped snowman, made me the obnoxious one as I noisily laughed in my seat. Not only did he make witty comments right and left, the irony of a snowman who longed to experience summer was well-played. Olaf’s solo, “In Summer,” was one of the highlights of the movie with lines such as “my snow up against the burning sand, probably getting gorgeously tan in summer” and “just imagine how much cooler I’ll be in summer.” “The Book of Mormon” star, Josh Gad, definitely delivered well as Olaf, providing comic relief throughout the entire film.

To add to an already entertaining film, Disney threw in a fun cameo appearance of Eugene Fitzherbert (Flynn Rider) and Rapunzel in the middle of the number, “For the First Time in Forever,” as well as a hefty plate of colorful chocolates from the home of Vanellope Von Schweetz in "Wreck-It Ralph."

“Frozen” isn’t just entertainment, either; Disney teaches valuable lessons through the story. Two that stood out to me were 1) the value of family, especially sisterhood, and 2) be yourself. Both of these principles are important for all of us to learn, no matter the age.

Because of its uplifting messages, humor and music, “Frozen” reaches people of all ages. The characters are relatable, providing opportunity for connection from many audience members. I recommend it to everyone - no matter who you are, it’s worth the money to experience this movie. “Frozen” may be packed with snow and ice, but viewers are sure to leave with a warm heart.

The Last Word: A Must-see Disney classic

P.S. Sorry, the formatting is slightly off at the end. Not sure what happened.