My experience with Frozen:
This movie came out when I was in high school and even high school kids were obsessed. I remember hearing the songs or people singing them in the hallways and being so confused about why this movie would appeal to high schoolers. Then, I watched it and I loved it. The message about the importance of family and the twist in the plot keeps the movie exciting but still meaningful. Since, I have seen the movie five times (of course I had to show my family and every little kid I babysit wanted to watch). Truly, it never gets old, and I am not the only teenager who feels this way. Some are even channeling their look alike qualities for a part time job:
So why was this movie so popular?
This article from Time Magazine describes the science behind why the movie is so popular. First, the author suggests that little kids can relate to Elsa's impulsiveness. Elsa cannot control her powers and often young children are unable to think through their actions. Secondly, the imagination that children have aligns with that of the world Elsa creates through her powers. She creates a castle out of ice and Anna has a fun loving snowman sidekick--every little kids dream. Thirdly, the importance of family really resonates with young kids because they are still strongly attached to those people in their family. I feel that this is the same reason why I care so much, because I am so close with my family. Lastly, the author credits the sing along aspect of the movie to its popularity. Every song in the movie is catchy and allows for fun duets and dances. Personally, I think it also adds to the cuteness.
In a different article, the author adds additional reasons as to why this movie broke records. The author claims that the movie is a throwback. I am not sure that I agree with this, as the argument is that it is like Cinderella and Snow White. These movies have a more traditional storyline, which is incredibly different from how Frozen has two princesses and an unexpected villain. The inclusion of Olaf was praised again for his lightheartedness and humor he adds to the movie. Other additions were about how the movie relates to real life and the feminist movement. The girls save each other, which is a huge step in a Disney movie (however I am watching the election, and clearly America is okay with regressing fifty years).
A film critic wrote a post about how Frozen apparently ruined his life as a parent. I never really understood why this movie could be so annoying, but he describes his children as having a vocabulary of twenty words, two of which are "Elsa" and "Anna." He talks about how his house was being taken over by Frozen coloring books, storybooks, dolls, stickers, games, puzzles, costumes, and nightgowns. How crazy is that? The author says that because of this movie, he is out nearly $1000 dollars trying to please his children with consumer products. What does this say about kids in our society and how do we change their already set mindset of consumerism?
Giroux would suggest that this is the problem with Disney as a whole, not just movies like this. Disney creates these movies to appeal to children so that they can make money in a market of toys, games, accessories, etc. I personally do not think that children consumerism is Disney's fault, as they are a country and are responsible for making money, not educating children morally. That job should be for the parents. However, it is not uncommon that parents also blame Disney for their problems, much like the author of the piece about how Frozen is ruining his life. For example, when 101 Dalmatians came out, many children wanted a dalmatian for Christmas. Many parents were naive and fulfilled their children's wish by getting them a dog, only to take it back. Shelters were flooded with dogs and people tried to blame Disney for this issue, rather than taking responsibility as a parent. I struggle with many of the people who criticize Disney and hope that people open their eyes.
Giroux would suggest that this is the problem with Disney as a whole, not just movies like this. Disney creates these movies to appeal to children so that they can make money in a market of toys, games, accessories, etc. I personally do not think that children consumerism is Disney's fault, as they are a country and are responsible for making money, not educating children morally. That job should be for the parents. However, it is not uncommon that parents also blame Disney for their problems, much like the author of the piece about how Frozen is ruining his life. For example, when 101 Dalmatians came out, many children wanted a dalmatian for Christmas. Many parents were naive and fulfilled their children's wish by getting them a dog, only to take it back. Shelters were flooded with dogs and people tried to blame Disney for this issue, rather than taking responsibility as a parent. I struggle with many of the people who criticize Disney and hope that people open their eyes.
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