Frozen II (2019)

Take the fact that I watched this with my 4-year old on her first trip to the cinema as a grain of salt with my assessment of both the film’s flaws and strengths: the plot’s hard to follow (thanks for the running commentary, dear daughter) but damn if it wasn’t just a magical experience (that look of awe on her face I’ll never forget). A beautifully animated tapestry of mysticism, memory, music, and humour with a great set of characters (see the surprising but appropriate resolve to Elsa’s arc).

8

Zootopia (2016)

In a city of anthropomorphic animals, a rookie bunny cop and a cynical con artist fox must work together to uncover a conspiracy. (IMDb)

A solid buddy-cop detective tale provides a convenient basis for a thorough and engaging exploration of the vibrant Zootopia–a modern city cleverly contorted to house anthropomorphic animals of all kinds (the DMZ sloths, Mr. Big, and the nude commune were three hilarious highlights)–which, in turn, was the perfect setting for a pointed discussion (heavy-handed at times) on racial stereotyping and discrimination. An imaginative and well voiced and animated film with a good–if not nuanced–message.

7.5/10 (Really Good)

Frozen (2013)

When the newly crowned Queen Elsa accidentally uses her power to turn things into ice to curse her home in infinite winter, her sister, Anna, teams up with a mountain man, his playful reindeer, and a snowman to change the weather condition. (IMDb)

The real strength in this film is its subversive take on the typical princess story, as it is ultimately about a sister relationship and not a romantic one: e.g. the “act of true love” that saves one of the sisters’ life is not a kiss from a loving prince (as was supposed), but her own sacrificial act to save her sibling. Unfortunately, this refreshing plot goes by almost too quickly to really sink in, but it remains an enjoyable snowy journey punctuated by fun characters and great songs.

7.5/10 (Really Good)