Given Elsa's snow powers and Arendelle's winter setting, it's about time Disney released a Christmas special. And I think as everyone knows, it was intended to be a special that would air on ABC, but somehow wound up being shown in front of Pixar's Coco (sadly leaving us without a heartwarming Pixar short), but was pulled after two weeks because of massive backlash and went back to being the special it was intended to be. I guess Frozen Fever finally made the public crack on top of the Broadway show (which I got to see). However, in my native UK, we got the short on Sky Cinema and in front of the annual Frozen cinema re-releases. So I managed to watch it last Christmas and...let's get on with the review before I think of any cheesy ice or Let it Go puns.
Story: The story follows Olaf searching for a Christmas tradition for Anna and Elsa after they reveal they don't have one because of their years of separation. Going through various holidays and musical numbers, I think it's safe to say a happy ending through sisterly love is inevitable in anything Frozen related at this point. I can't really say it's predictable because some of it was surprising considering Olaf is the lead, but the message of family love feels like it's been overdone after the movie and Frozen Fever short that it makes you feel like screaming "I GET IT, OKAY?!". The humour is also a mix, with some of Olaf's quips being funny, while others feeling a bit forced and immature. I'll get to the characters in a minute, but the story honestly didn't make me feel invested in their relationships as it felt disjointed in focusing on Anna, Elsa and Olaf while characters who I feel deserve more screen time were wasted for a one-off joke. And for a 20 minute short, it's safe to say it felt like a chore to watch. How people managed to before a 90 minute film and after 30 minute trailers surprises me because I was on the verge of falling asleep just from watching this special. And to say that about a Frozen short just shows how souless it feels. I don't think it's worth all the hate with being released with Coco, but this one just felt like a meh, which is honestly a shame considering how beloved Frozen is to me.
Animation: Still as beautiful as the film, the animation is easily the best part of this short. With Christmas decor and blue colour scheme adding to the winter feeling. The textures have also improved, with the backgrounds of Arendelle cottages giving a cozy feeling with their thatched wooden interiors, forests and castle filled with Christmas trees. The character designs also remain consistent with the movie's appearance, but seeing other animals around the kingdom and diverse holidays being celebrated by the Arendelle denizens shows how much effort the animators put in to make holidays like Hanukkah feel authentic. And of course Elsa's powers shine from a technical standpoint along with the snow, fire and Oaken's sauna steam. While the musical numbers showcase the best animation, I will say some parts looked creepy, especially during an odd moment in That Time of Year when it suddenly shifts into knitted Nordic style. It's honestly better than I was expecting, so if you're looking for something amazing in this short, you'll have to thank the animators who really made an effort.
Characters: While I love the characters, the problem is they feel like they're reduced to their stereotypes. Anna is still the eccentric free spirit who loves her sister, and...has no development. Elsa on the other hand feels like she's regressed to her self doubting when it comes to the holidays and her sister, but. Kristoff is pretty much useless besides being Anna's boyfriend and spouting exposition about his troll holiday traditions (even if it finally takes advantage of Jonathan Groff's beautiful singing). And as for the central character, Olaf, his shift from comedic sidekick just shows how he isn't strong enough to carry his own special. However, I'll admit his determination to find a tradition for Anna and Elsa is pretty sweet as it's the primary catalyst, and seeing how much he means to everyone in Arendelle during the climax adds to the heartwarming, even if his arc felt a bit confusing. Sven doesn't appear as much besides being Olaf's comic sidekick and being Kristoff's best friend, but I think it's safe to say I'd rather watch a short featuring him than Olaf. Oh yeah, and Oaken appears in a cameo to do a nude joke and queerbait everyone again. It's almost ironic in a short that drags on too long than necessary that none of these characters are given any development.
Songs: Oh boy, Kristen and Robert are missed in this one. You can clearly tell these songs aren't because they felt like they dragged on with cheesy melodies and lyrics which do too much telling and not enough showing. Ring The Season is the opening number Anna and Elsa sing while preparing for their Christmas party which felt pointless and annoying (and wasted Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel's singing talents). I'd say Elsa's reprise was better, even if it just repeats her self doubt from the other Frozen related specials. The Ballad of Flemmingrad is also pointless and superfluous as Kristoff explains an annual troll tradition which is never brought up again despite showing off Jonathan Groff's singing. That Time of Year is probably the best song as it highlights Josh Gad's singing and comedic timing ("
So you cut down a tree and then you dress its corpse with candles?" cracked me up) while Olaf learns about other holiday traditions. When We're Together is the cheesiest of the lot as everyone in Arendelle celebrates Christmas with their loved ones. I know I don't have much to say on these numbers, but that's only because they were so dull and lifeless.
If I had to pick the metaphor for,my feelings towards this special it would be when the sled full of Christmas decor caught on fire while Olaf remained oblivious. It's not terrible, what with its beautiful animation and a few funny and sweet moments, but to say I cringed at something Frozen related was probably. Forced and inauthentic, I'd only recommend this if you've been dying to see a Frozen short before the sequel comes out next year. As for the rest, just stick to the film over the holidays in case you're not sick of seeing it all year round.
Story: 4/10
Animation: 9/10
Characters: 5/10
Songs: 4/10
Overall: 5/10
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