DVDizzy Forum

Musical Master wrote:Wow thats coming from the same man who is creating an animated feature based on Edgar Allan Poe.

To me, I couldn't POSSIBLY CARE LESS on what some Academy member thinks.

Yeah, it is probably best not to take other's opinions too seriously and come to our own judgement after seeing the film. Same principle would also apply then to all those gushing opinions.

Sotiris wrote:The most negative critique so far comes from animator/director (and Academy member) Michael Sporn.

Michael Sporn wrote:I was able to switch up my plans to see FROZEN in a theater. It hurt badly. It’s the worst Disney feature I've seen in ages. I won't get into it, but trust me on this one. It’s a horrible attempt to make a long-form feature. I had to walk out at the 2/3 mark. The drawing wasn't all that was wrong. Acting, coloring, songs. It’s a mess. I’ll go a little deeper (but not by much) at another time. See the Miyazaki film a second time instead. Here’s to something better – anything.

Source: http://www.michaelspornanimation.com/splog/?p=12623

I wish he had gone a little deeper -- "much" deeper, in fact. Assuming that he's not simply saying so to sway fellow Academy members toward Miyazaki because of a personal preference, I'd be genuinely curious to know what he found "horrible" about it.

He walked out at the 2/3 mark? Assuming his sense of time is right, and using the book as a measure, that would be (ironically) the Marshmallow/cliff scene. He was probably just guessing as to the 2/3, so I'm wondering what he saw, at whatever point he saw it, that did make him walk out.

Sotiris wrote:

Musical Master wrote:Wow, that's coming from the same man who is creating an animated feature based on Edgar Allan Poe.

Why is that funny?

It's funny to me because an animated film version of Poe's life is absoultely absurd and kind of humorous.

But still, Michael Sporn is not what many people have even heard about or seen his work. But hey it's interesting that there is one negative opinion on Frozen so far.

Musical Master wrote:It's funny to me because an animated film version of Poe's life is absolutely absurd and kind of humorous.

Animation is capable of all types of storytelling just like live-action. There's nothing absurd or funny about an animated feature focusing on Poe's life.

Musical Master wrote:

Sotiris wrote: Why is that funny?

It's funny to me because an animated film version of Poe's life is absoultely absurd and kind of humorous.

But still, Michael Sporn is not what many people have even heard about or seen his work. But hey it's interesting that there is one negative opinion on Frozen so far.

Nah, there have been negative opinions from an insider on the LP boards, a poster on Tumblr and a Twitter account. Also bound to be many more from critics and other viewers when the film is released. That's to be expected of course, every wide release movie will invite many differing opinions.

I know I haven't seen the movie, but come on, this movie has a lot of feeling from what I read about the story and from the clips I've seen. He should give it a full chance, he should watch the full film and then maybe re-watch it to see those little things that make it better. But I say that based on what I know, and that's not the full movie, so I guess I should wait. But still, I know it has a lot of that "Disney" feeling, but being original at the same time.

Sotiris wrote:

Musical Master wrote:It's funny to me because an animated film version of Poe's life is absolutely absurd and kind of humorous.

Animation is capable of all types of storytelling just like live-action. There's nothing absurd or funny about an animated feature focusing on Poe's life.

What I mean by absurd is that it can't be done well because Poe's life was really, really complex and so far Hollywood hasn't exactly done a good job focusing on his life (That god-awful Raven movie proves that). Sporn hasn't done anything yet that would grab my attention to him, but if he does well on this, then maybe an animated film wouldn't seem like a doomed project from the start.

People are already taking the Frozen vs Miyazaki thing seriously. Two of the negative reviews so far mentioned that The Wind Rises was better. There's no reason to compare them other than the fact that they're apparently Oscar competition (and I don't even think Frozen has a chance at winning yet but it's the only competition that has to be destroyed now apparently).

And I can't take any review seriously from someone who didn't even watch the whole movie. It's an animated Disney movie so it can't be that long, and I'll never understand walking out of any movie in general. Plus I've seen enough to know the songs and coloring are very strong. He seemed ready to hate the movie before he started viewing it, hence not even staying for the whole thing.

I'm not expecting universal acclaim for this movie by any means but a lot of these "reviews" from early screenings are just...stupid.

Nah, there have been negative opinions from an insider on the LP boards, a poster on Tumblr and a Twitter account. Also bound to be many more from critics and other viewers when the film is released. That's to be expected of course, every wide release movie will invite many differing opinions.

You sure are hellbent on making sure people know there are people who hate this movie. We get it.

Lady Cluck wrote:People are already taking the Frozen vs Miyazaki thing seriously. Two of the negative reviews so far mentioned that The Wind Rises was better. There's no reason to compare them other than the fact that they're apparently Oscar competition (and I don't even think Frozen has a chance at winning yet but it's the only competition that has to be destroyed now apparently).

And I can't take any review seriously from someone who didn't even watch the whole movie. It's an animated Disney movie so it can't be that long, and I'll never understand walking out of any movie in general. Plus I've seen enough to know the songs and coloring are very strong. He seemed ready to hate the movie before he started viewing it, hence not even staying for the whole thing.

I'm not expecting universal acclaim for this movie by any means but a lot of these "reviews" from early screenings are just...stupid.

Nah, there have been negative opinions from an insider on the LP boards, a poster on Tumblr and a Twitter account. Also bound to be many more from critics and other viewers when the film is released. That's to be expected of course, every wide release movie will invite many differing opinions.

You sure are hellbent on making sure people know there are people who hate this movie. We get it.

I agree Lady Cluck, Sporn should've stayed to the entire movie to be FAIR about it but no, he walks out (which really grinds my anger rage side of my brain).

Yeah, I mean, if you walk out of "Les Miserables", I'll understand you a little bit more (Even though I like some of the songs) because It's way too long and I think it's annoying. But a DISNEY movie, specially this one that is supposed to last 1h and 25 m... I mean, come on!

Musical Master wrote:Sporn should've stayed to the entire movie to be FAIR about it but no, he walks out (which really grinds my anger rage side of my brain).

I don't mind the walking out so much. I've walked out of my fair share of movies when I've been too disgusted by them to stay till the end.

What annoys me is the lack of elaboration. One thing about newspaper reviews: at least they're long enough that reviewer has to back up his praise or criticism with a little substance.

I don't mind reading the negative opinions that anyone might share here, because I already know how I assess the film (or at least the story, based on the book), and I'm curious to see what responses it might generate, good and bad.

In moments like this we should quote Elsa and follow her advice

I don't care what they're going to say
Let the storm rage on
the cold never bothered me anyway

Today "Libre Soy" (I'm Free) the Latin American Spanish version of Demi's Let It Go was released in Radio Disney sung by Martina Stoessel (Violetta). This is the version we Latin Americans will be hearing in the end credits. I liked it, Martina's voice is better than I thought, but the rest, well, It sounded exactly like Demi's. I thought the translation would be worse by the way.

Guys, we just got the final version of the clip from August

http://news.moviefone.com/2013/10/29/frozen-preview/

Oh, and Demi's vid is coming on Friday

tomakpo wrote:Drawing? Did he mean the animation?

This got me too. How strange that an animation historian doesn't use the right terminology - at all.

I think reviews from either extreme end of the spectrum are fairly ridiculous. I think it's fairly safe to say that this isn't THE WORST Disney movie "in ages", while at the same time it's also not the second coming of Christ. In general, the response has been mostly favorable thus far. I think that's all that matter. You're always gonna have crazies on either end.

I'll also say that I think walking out on a screening is absolutely uncalled for - and most certainly at an advanced screening where people involved with the film to some extent were almost certainly there. At the very least representatives from Disney were there. Just rude.

TheBlibaBlob wrote: Best song?
Were the visuals lackluster or amazing?
Rating on a scale from 1-10?
How was Kristoff's reindeer voice?
Fave moment?
How was the opening song?
How was the ending?
Best climax scene?
Hans, awesome or tool?

I don't really care about this or not but do you think it could win best animated feature?

I couldn't say what was "best,' but my favorites were probably Love is an Open Door and For the First Time in Forever (esp the reprise with Elsa, really really good stuff). Let it Go was great of course. Kristoff's little song was cute and made me wish he did more singing, but ah well Really I liked all of them for different reasons. Do You Wanna Build a Snowman stood out to me as being a) very meaningful and b) having gorgeous instrumentals.

Visuals were beautiful, obvious answer, next

Again, my personal rating probably means nothing to most people, especially since I love Tangled and hated Brave and Up (just as examples), which a lot of people love for their own reasons. To me it's an 8, for whatever it's worth.

Reindeer voice was adorable, he only uses it on like 2 occasions so if you were thinking you'd find it annoying, don't.

Fave moment is a spoiler lol: I was waiting for when Hans was revealed as the villain, and literally the entire room GASPED ALOUD. It was f*cking awesome haha. Also there's this bit at the very end when Kristoff lifts Anna & spins around with her that like, I swear, either they actually slowed the shot for a second or time just slowed down, but it just really struck me. I loved it. Plus they had a pretty nice kiss, hehe.

Opening song is that chant we heard a while ago, fading into Frozen Heart. Liked a lot, baby Kristoff and Sven were extremely cute.

Ending I loved it, although they axed the part where Kristoff punches Hans, which I was looking forward to for totally selfish reasons haha. Hans is instead thrown back when his sword hits Anna. When he gets up later, Kristoff looks like he wants to go punch him, but Anna stops him and does it herself, which is great.

Best climax scene....? I'm not sure how to answer this

Hans is awesome, of course

BTW, we figured the movie is about an hour and a half/ 40 mins. Couldn't quite tell as I wasn't wearing a watch. Also Demi's song is the one that starts after the credits, followed by score, and a little secret scene (think its called a stinger) afterwards. People were laughing so hard at some points I couldn't hear what was being said.

There were very few empty seats. We got there an hour early and there was a decent line already. Although one guy was "saving" 3 seats but it turned out one of those was apparently for his wife's purse

Hi phan258!

It's nice to hear that you really liked it. Must be shocked about my 15 questions right?

How do Anna and Elsa stack up against the other princesses? Who do you expect to be more popular?

Musical Master wrote:Hi phan258!

It's nice to hear that you really liked it. Must be shocked about my 15 questions right?

Haha I'm sorry, I didn't forget you I took a break to eat dinner.

Lady Cluck wrote:How do Anna and Elsa stack up against the other princesses? Who do you expect to be more popular?

I will go ahead and say I LOVED both girls, immensely, and I imagine people who found Rapunzel just this side of annoying will prefer Anna (I don't find Rapunzel annoying, but I know the bouncy chipper slightly manic thing grates on nerves sometimes haha). She's silly and funny without being irritating, and very genuine. I think you could liken her to Ariel, with her desire to explore beyond her narrow world. Also it is made very plain during the first part of FTFTIF that Anna is very interested in love and romance.

Elsa is so beautiful and more expressive than you are led to think by both the marketing and Elsa herself, while she's still "in hiding" if you will. You can literally see her "let it go" during her song, with her body language and so forth. The creation of her icy dress outfit will require you to suspend your disbelief a bit, but cmon, it's pretty and magical, just roll with it (I think this could apply to a lot of nitpicks that will start arising re: this movie lol).

As for who will be more popular, gosh, I really couldn't say. Elsa has magic powers and an awesome outfit, Anna is funny and snarky and meets all the cute boys

Musical Master wrote:Boy do I have a truck load of questions for you.

How did the audience react to certain moments in the movie?
How are the songs and do they hold up with Disney's best?
What did you think of Kristen Anderson-Lopez's work on Frozen's lyrics?
Is there a Disney choir in the finale or is it an orchestral reprise of a song? (Like "If I Never Knew You" from Pocahontas)
Where do you rank this movie in your favorite Disney movie list?
Is the movie's story done well and paced well?
How are the characters in the movie and how did you like Anna and Elsa as characters?
What was your favorite song?
What was your favorite scene and what scene got the most emotional response?
Is Olaf a good sidekick or a meh one?
What did you think of Hans?
Is the art direction by Mike Giaimo really amazing as it looks?
Does this movie take time to develop the romance between Kristoff and Anna?
Is the scene where: Hans and the guards fight Marshmallow and Hans defeats him in it?

And my final question is this: Is it better than the previous 5 Disney movies of recent memory and can it hold up to the Renaissance era?

Just wanted to repeat that things that aren't facts/descriptions of scenes are my opinion, and that even though I loved Frozen I would never tell anyone to go in expecting the greatest film experience of your life. I wouldn't advise doing that ever, as you will guaranteed be disappointed no matter how good what you actually get is.

Please give me specific moments you had in mind haha

I think the lyrics were great, but I mean, they've been (mostly?) transcribed by Stitch Kingdom, so anybody curious can check those out...of course hearing them sung vs reading is different. If that's what you meant then I'd say they sounded great in action, so to speak. OH I forgot to mention Olaf's In Summer was very funny and well done. The audience loved him (yes I am completely serious).

Uhhh hmm, the choir from the beginning repeats during the climax at the end I think, but the very last song was a bit from DYWBAS

My favorites, hm....well I'm not the best person to ask, because I tend to put things into "liked" and "did not like" categories without numbering them, haha. If it helps I love Tangled and Frozen probably around the same amount, for different reasons.

I would say Tangled's story/pacing is stronger but Frozen has superior music. I've been thinking of them like this: Tangled is a story with music. Frozen is a musical with a story. Does that make any sense?

Already discussed the girls, the others: the Duke is very funny and played up for maximum "sneaky little greedy man" effect. Voice acting is perfect. Olaf is great and I only found him mildly annoying maybe once, because he repeated himself one too many times for my taste. Otherwise...get ready to like him in spite of yourselves, hahaha

Sven is just right, I felt, and right at the end, when Kristoff gets his new sled from Anna, Sven walks up and gestures at it like Vana White. Got a lot of laughs.

Hans and Kristoff....well, I'm a straight lady who makes no secret of her appreciation for good looking guys, and wow was I happy haha! These two are gorgeous in both looks and characterization. Kristoff is less grumpy than you might think, and actually very bashful and prone to shy smiles *sigh* I was giggling like an idiot when he asked Anna if he could kiss her. And after she kisses him on the cheek, he pulls her in and gives her a good one on the mouth. Heaven for a fangirl

Hans was surprisingly sexy, lmao. His voice is a pleasure to listen to, and he's even more handsome and charming in motion. At one point Anna gets a little overexcited and smacks him in the face Also there's a mild dick joke that the adults enjoyed, HEAR ME OUT GUYS: Kristoff is grilling Anna about Hans, and one of his questions is "foot size?" to which Anna replies "doesn't matter." Laughs from all the grown ups, not crass at all. Has an "almost" kiss with Anna, right before the reveal, which I was hoping for but didn't think we'd get, so that made me very happy. PS the "cage" he is locked in at the end is actually a jail cell that is for some reason on the top deck of a dignitaries' ship. W/e.

Favorite scene was all of Love is an Open Door, the FTFTIF reprise and the ending Kristoff/Anna spin and kiss Audience reaction/response villain reveal

Olaf is a good sidekick

Art is gorgeous, will not hear otherwise, don't care. It's a treat to watch.

Romance stuff: I think some would argue no, because as I've said this story is shaped more like a musical or play, where big moments happen on big sets with singing all over. They don't fall in love at first sight and Kristoff seems more into Anna, however it is obvious she's attracted to him too. I think part of the reason for this is the focus of this movie is the sisters, and part of Anna's growth as a character is going from focusing solely on love/romance to focusing on reconnecting with her sister, not only to literally save their kingdom but because she honestly loves her and wants Elsa back. Anna claims to not even have known Kristoff loved her until Olaf flat out tells her, and I think this is because she really wouldn't know: she's been growing up in a vaccuum, with only herself and stories of knights and princes to go off of. Of course she thinks Hans and his showy, charming, elegant version of love/day one marriage proposal is how it's supposed to be: why wouldn't she? Part of what she learns is how actions speak louder than words, because Hans says one thing and means another, and Kristoff says grumpy rude things while hiding his face in his hands because he's feeling bashful lmao. The trolls also encourage him to break up Anna's engagement during their song. In the end they are clearly together but there's no mention of getting married anytime soon.

Yes he cuts off Marshmallow's leg and the monster falls off the stairs, which are also a bridge over a canyon. Hans is pulled over the side and almost falls too, but the soldiers pull him back up

1) Do Elsa and Anna sing in the end?
2) How was the Fixer Upper scene ? I am so obsessed with that song right now