Frozen is Disney's latest adaptation of a classic children's story. The animation is recognisably Disney, as is the obligatory comic sidekick. It is an action-packed adventure with laughs and lessons and romance and the audience I belonged to never lost attention despite the longish running time (108 minutes).
It's a good children's film, and I did not doubt it would be. My interest, though, is in whether it is a good musical. Yes, there are songs too! One half of the song-writing team is best known for his work on such risque material as Avenue Q and The Book of Mormon, so how do he and his wife fare writing material appropriate for children? For the most part, the songs are immediately likable and serve to advance the story as well they should. The film opens with a chorus of voices singing traditional Scandinavian music. It is beautiful. Henceforth, however, the music is more Broadway-influenced. That makes for a slightly awkward transition, but it is no worse than the blend of pop/traditional achieved by The Lion King. If I have any complaints about the existing music it is that I would have preferred fuller orchestral backing, it often sounds a little thin. My other complaint is about the non-existent music. The front of the film is densely packed with strong, dramatic songs. As the story gets going, though, the songs became sparse and less integrated to the plot. The musical climax is the arresting Let it Go, which is really just the first turning point to set the action in motion.
So, the film starts off like a musical, then ends up like a film with songs. It's a good film, with good songs...but to really work as a musical it needs one or two more dramatic songs at key points later in the story.
See it with a child you love. Have tissues handy.
SIDENOTE: I saw the 3D version. It adds nothing to the film, just an extra few dollars to your entry ticket.
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