For the Love of Hans

Just like the rest of this nation, I have been completely caught up in the movie Frozen. I have two little girls, so we have the dolls, the dresses, the music. We frequent YouTube often to enjoy glimpses of the movie. And we're eagerly awaiting March 18th when it's available on DVD.

Yes, I say "we" because I'm equally as excited as my girls.

I fell head-over-heels in love with Tangled. What a perfect story, in my opinion. I even thought Brave was an intriguing story. And at first, Frozen wasn't ranking at the top of the list for me, but after two viewings and multiple listenings of the soundtrack, it has won my heart.

Why?

I'm a Broadway fanatic, and this movie has Broadway all over it. The news recently hit social media sites that Disney will be taking it to Broadway, and I can't wait! With the stage magic revealed for Rodger and Hammerstein's Cinderella last Tony season, it will be interesting to see what Disney does with Frozen on stage.

The music is fabulous. An up-tempo love song, a ballad of hope and wonder...the songs carry it. Although I would have liked to hear more songs in the latter half of the movie. And let's talk about "Let It Go." This song has resonated with so many people, it's become the anthem of multiple generations. My girls sing it word for word and note for note. And every word swells in my heart on a much more personal level. When the first few strains start, I am immediately taken to every instance in my life when I wish I could have said, "I don't care." That song fills me, empowers me, and thrills me. If you haven't heard it, I highly recommend checking it out.

And how many of you out there were totally taken in by Hans? I knew from the start that he was "the bad guy," (I read through one of the kids' books beforehand!) but I refused to believe it! He was perfect. Wonderful. Chivalrous. Everything a prince should be. And then he stabs you in the heart! Perhaps it's just my love for him, but I have to say that he can't really be blamed for his actions. He saw an opportunity, and he took it. Human nature, right?

I'd like to suggest that the real bad guy was Anna and Elsa's father. For the way he treated Elsa. Of course, it was a natural reaction, but the way he injected fear into their lives, especially Elsa, created the whole ice storm, if you will. Without this, there would be no story, but it's certainly a lesson we parents can take away. Nurture your kids. Don't isolate them because of their differences. Help them find a way to embrace who they are.

And yes, I know these are fictional, animated characters. But when you're listening to the "Ice Breakers" (as my kids call the opening sequence) for the 1000th time, these thoughts go through your head.

It is pretty awesome having two female protagonists. My girls are both enamored with Elsa, so I get to sing Anna's part during their duets. And I don't mind that one bit! I love Anna! Of course, I get to sing Hans during the love song. Good thing I can handle harmony.

All this to say, if you haven't seen Frozen, you should. There's something in it for everyone. Strong females, daring heroes, deceptive villains, comedic sidekicks, and trolls. I'm waiting for the troll merchandise to hit the shelves. Although I must commend the merchandising of this movie--it hasn't been over the top. Just enough to whet the appetite and make parents crazy to find items right before Christmas. (Shop early next time! Thankfully, I found the full set of dolls before they disappeared!)

Thanks, Disney, for another solid story. Can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve next!