Review: Disney’s “Frozen Fever” short film & “Cinderella”

Like any 5 year old girl, my daughter, of course, has a favorite princess.  These day’s it’s Elsa.  Although if we want to be technical, Elsa is her favorite Queen.  However, before the Frozen film and it’s attached mania consumed the Disney set, my daughter’s favorite was Cinderella.  So attending a screening of the new Frozen Fever short film and the Cinderella movie was practically a dream come true for my little princess, thanks The Moms, Oral B + Crest.  Although, I was a little apprehensive because at 5, almost 6, we are just breaking out of watching all animated films- so it’s a toss up if she’ll really be interested in films with actual actors.  But, probably like many a mother before me, I am thrilled that we are crossing that hump and moving into “real” movies that can actually be enjoyable for adults too.  In this facet, the Cinderella movie absolutely did not disappoint.  It was indeed quite enjoyable for both of us!

But first, let’s talk Frozen Fever.  When I first heard there was a Frozen short before the Cinderella movie I thought “ugh, more Frozen?!” Don’t get me wrong, Frozen is probably my favorite of the newer Disney films.  I’m a sucker for the whole “not being saved by a Prince thing;” but like many of you I have heard “Let It Go” somewhere long past, “oh that’s actually a good song times” and more into “I’d rather cut my own ears off than hear that song again times.”   (And if you’re wondering, my ears are still attached and we still listen to that song probably once a day.  The things we do for our children!)  Nonetheless, I found the Frozen Fever short to be refreshingly new.  It was the same personalities we love, with a new story line, showing a glimpse of the much anticipated life after Elsa returns to the castle.  The short itself, is the story of Elsa throwing a birthday party for Anna.  Of course, like any animated short there is some mishap and in true Disney fashion it results in cuteness overload and a little lesson to boot.  When it was over, I had that same feeling after the first Frozen film- Bravo Disney.  We loved it.

Of course, those folks at Disney are really quite clever.  Here’s what you Frozen addict parents REALLY need to know about the short.  It involves, new dresses for Anna and Elsa from the birthday party day.  That’s right folks, new Anna & Elsa dress-up and new dolls!  If you think that snuck past my kindergartner, think again!  But more on that later.  If you hurry to Amazon, they have the dolls in stock now.  If you wanted dress-up, you’ll need to hit up the Disney store- where the dresses are sold, wait for it, only in pairs!  Clever and annoying.  Oh but they are out of stock online so if you really want one, I would suggest heading to your local Disney store ASAP while the short is still new.

Next, came the Cinderella film.  My girl was very excited for this.  She was all decked out in her vintage Cinderella (aka, a hand-me-down Cinderella costume from her now 13 year old cousin).  When we arrived at the theater there were other girls in the new Cinderella dresses from the Disney store (again, clever Disney, issuing a new dress-up style dress for the new movie), but no dress compared to the one’s Lily James, Cinderella herself, wore in the film.  You know how I mentioned not being sure if it would hold my little one’s attention?  Bright colors, cute animals, and beautiful (I mean jaw dropping-ly beautiful) costumes were more than enough to do the trick!  Even the wicked stepmother’s, played by Cate Blanchett, wardrobe could best be described as fierce.  She was easy to love to hate, but no one could hate on her clothes!   What I loved about the film was that it stayed true to the classic Cinderella story we all know.  Very few, I mean very few, liberties were taken with the script.  Making it pretty much the anti-Frozen, not exactly for the feminist set.  But if you like romance and a heart warming story, you can certainly swoon over this film.  There is a line, repeated a few times in the movie, that creates a wonderful message for the little ones “Have Courage and Be Kind.”  Which I felt was a very appropriate message for the elementary aged set.  Although I’m sure many adults could use this reminder as well; particularly of the latter part!

So what really makes this new Cinderella special from the classic 1950 animated film for this new generation?  I’d say it was the visual stimulation- a true feast for the senses.  It was beautifully done.  Every costume, every scene.  And yet, in an audience of mostly adults, there was cheering and clapping!  Those of us who knew the Cinderella plot felt hatred, hurt and despair right when we should, and we were thrilled (and clapped!) when the story would take a turn for the better, like we new it would.  I would certainly recommend this film to the families of any Disney Princess lover.  It’s a good transition movie from animated classics to non-animated film.  It didn’t have the humor many of the Disney films do, but that’s probably because it really stayed true to the original Cinderella plot; only, presented in a way that could only be done in this modern age of film.

There is a line, repeated a few times in the movie, that creates a wonderful message for the little ones “Have Courage and Be Kind.”

And again, what do us Mom’s of the Disney set need to know worry know about?  The movie is great, but your kids will love it, so be prepared for the marketing!  Of course, like I mentioned earlier, the Disney store has a new Cinderella dress up version of the costume.  However, they also offer a fancier version for a mere $199.95 and the shoes to boot at $79.95!  And because there is the royal wedding in the movie, there is also a dress-up version and fancy version of the wedding dress available.   Already a day after seeing the movie, on a quick trip to Target I spotted a girls clothing line from the film.  Kohl’s has similar, Mattel has new dolls from the movie, there are even items marketed for the adults- MAC has a Cinderella line, HSN has jewelry, Swarovski sells crystal Cinderellas and slippers, even Jimmy Choo made a Cinderella inspired pair of shoes.  I’m sure my husband won’t be mad if I forgo the Jimmy Choo’s and buy my daughter the costume, right?  By comparison it’s a bargain.  Did I mention she’ll be turning 6 soon?  And still loves dress-up?  And the movie was a visual attack of the senses (in a good way)?  And the costumes were amazing?  Grandma and Grandpa, if you’re reading this, Disney store gift cards this year for sure!

Well done Disney, we loved Cinderella!  The Cinderella movie featuring the short Frozen Fever opens today, Friday March 13th!  Go see it.

Disclosure:  I went to a screening of Cinderella as press, no other compensation was received.  As always all opinions are my own and 100% honest.  There are affiliate links in this post.