Frozen Review - 3½ Stars

The holidays can always use a Disney animated musical and “Frozen” looks like just the ticket.  Based on  Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen” it plays like a Broadway show.  (Hey there’s an idea.)  Kristen Bell plays the youngest girl in the royal palace.  Her older sister, whom she worships, has to live with special powers which she can’t quite control.  One wave of her hand and ice forms.  One day during a play session, Elsa the elder (played by Broadway great Idina Menzel) hurls an icicle at Anna and almost kills her.  The event traumatizes the family and Elsa retreats to her room growing up apart from the little sister who loves her.  At her coronation as Queen, Elsa loses control and throws the kingdom into perpetual winter.  She flees and Anna must go on a quest to find her and make things right.  The music sounds delightful although don’t expect the king of hits that came from “The Lion King” or “Beauty and the Beast”.   Another Broadway star Josh Gad voices Olaf a snowman who comes along for comic relief—(he longs to feel summer not knowing it will melt him.)  “Frozen” runs a few minutes long but plays so well I stayed to watch the credits.  I didn’t want it to end.  I suspect families and children will feel the same.  Does it deliver what it promises?  Disney family musical.  Is it entertaining?  In the classic mode.  Is it worth the price of admission?  A great Thanksgiving holiday present.