Walt Disney Animation Studios – We Are Movie Geeks

STRANGE WORLD – Review

UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE STORY – Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Strange World” introduces a legendary family of explorers, the Clades, as they attempt to navigate an uncharted, treacherous land. The original action-packed comedy adventure features the voices of Dennis Quaid as legendary larger-than-life explorer Jaeger Clade; Jake Gyllenhaal as Searcher Clade, a family man who finds himself out of his element on an unpredictable mission; Gabrielle Union as Meridian Clade, an accomplished pilot and Searcher’s partner in all things. Jaboukie Young-White as Searcher’s 16-year-old son, Ethan, who finally finds the adventure he’s always wanted; and Lucy Liu as Callisto Mal, fearless leader of the mythical Avalonia who spearheads an exploration into a strange world. “Strange World” opens in theaters nationwide on Nov. 23, 2022. © 2022 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

In order to continue the big holiday festivities, the “mouse house” is releasing another full-length animated feature to enjoy with the whole family once the leftover goodies are sealed off and sent to the fridge. But you can enjoy this if you’re celebrating solo, too. Now a few days ago, I praised a remake. or re-imagining, of one of their iconic animated classics, and I was lukewarm on their own sequel to a popular hybrid (live and ‘toon) from 15 years ago. So, naturally, they’re sending out an original cartoon flick, not a sequel, prequel, or spin-off. And it’s not set on an Earth-bound fantasy kingdom, but on another world. Ah, but then so was last summer’s LIGHTYEAR from sister studio Pixar. Nope, this is from the artists that really delivered the previous year with ENCANTO (just an opening title song here), Walt Disney Animation Studios, who hope that you’ll join them in a journey to a truly STRANGE WORLD (cue the theremin).

Yes, the title tune brings us up to speed in the film’s first few minutes, giving us the “4-11” on the world of Avalonia, a technically primitive society (horse carts, windmills, and such) that yearns to see what’s beyond the massive mountains that surround them. Why, that’s a job for their most intrepid and adventurous explorer, Jaeger Clade (voice of Dennis Quaid), and his teenage son Searcher (Jake Gyllenhaal). All’s going well until a most dangerous passage reveals a weird, glowing plant called Pando, It emits crackling electric-life energy, and Searcher wants to harness it for the Avalonians. This prompts a stand-off as Jaeger insists on forging ahead despite almost certain doom. And thus begins a parting of father and son, as Jaeger continues, while Searcher and the rest of the crew return home with the Pando. Several years passed and the plant has indeed changed the planet, powering new contraptions and transports, and also providing a plentiful food source, So plentiful that Searcher oversees his own massive Pando farm along with his wife Meridian (Gabrielle Union) and their teeage son, who has gotten his grandpop’s explorer genes, Ethan (Jaboukie Young White). Jaeger never returned, so a statue of him along with his son tower above the nearby village. All seem’s well, until the Clades notice that part of the crop has no, well, spark. It’s a bust. This precedes an unexpected visit from former crew member, and current president of Avalonia, Callisto Mal (Lucy Liu). She’s discovered that all the Pando crops are connected via their roots to a massive “heart’ deep underground. And that central “organ” is failing. She implores Searcher to join her and her aides aboard a massive airship, the Venture, on a journey into the dark depths to save their precious food/energy source. Searcher bids his family farewell and boards the Venture. As it begins its mission, Searcher is stunned to see that Meridian is tailing them in a small one-person crop duster. It turns out that it’s a family reunion because she tells him that Ethan and the family pooch are stowaways on the ship. Before Meridian can return with them the Venture comes under attack and gets two new crew members. When they finally escape the threat, the ship lands in a bizarre world filled with weird unknown creatures. What new dangers await them and their cohorts in this odd hostile new environment? Can they save their precious Pando?

Now here’s a rollicking adventure tale with satiric touches, imaginative creatures and backdrops, cool gizmos, and a family saga at its core (which is the setting for most of the really wild antics). Plus it features a terrific vocal ensemble. Quaid provides the macho blustering as Clade senior, Jaeger, and Gyllenhaal scores a good many laughs as the dad who just wants his kid (and his pals) to think he’s the cool papa. Union’s a no-nonsense mom that keeps her family grounded(and alive). And Young white bursts with youthful yearning. Oh, I hinted at the look of the film, which is eye-popping. The Pando-fueled transports have a retro beauty, a mating of steampunk and Flash Gordon with intricate little flourishes and fins. Now the underground world is a rainbow pastel explosion with curving slopes and jagged edges. And the wildlife, wow. Check out those magenta-glowing dragons. Or the horses with exlpoding worms for a head. All seem to be a candy-colored mix of Dali and Dr. Seuss. As a bonus, we’re treated to a cool comic book-inspired prologue with the classic 2D animation accented with old-school printers’ dots enhanced by a rousing choral march right out of a grainy TV ‘toon. So, it’s a true visual delight, but something just feels off. The characters look like true caricatures (Jaegar owes much to the bulk of Bluto, Popeye’s arch nemesis), but the movie gets bogged down with the bickering between the different Clade generations. And the ecological message is often pretty heavy-handed, even as we marvel at the weird sidekick Splat who resembles a shiny strobing rubber beanbag filled with gelatin. What may be at fault is the nearly two-hour running time (so many this film year) making several of the non-stop perils fairly repetitive. There are countless wonders to dazzle the senses in this STRANGE WORLD, it’s just a shame it doesn’t engage our hearts and heads.

3 Out of 4

STRANGE WORLD is now playing in theatres everywhere

ENCANTO – Review

MEET THE MADRIGALS – Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Encanto” introduces the Madrigals, a compelling and complicated extended family who live in a wondrous and charmed place in the mountains of Colombia. Opening in the U.S. on Nov. 24, 2021, “Encanto” features the voices of Stephanie Beatriz as the only ordinary child in the Madrigal family; María Cecilia Botero as Mirabel’s grandmother, Abuela Alma; Angie Cepeda and Wilmer Valderrama as Mirabel’s parents, Julieta and Agustín; Jessica Darrow and Diane Guererro as Mirabel’s sisters Luisa and Isabela; Carolina Gaitan and Mauro Castillo as Mirabel’s aunt and uncle, Pepa and Félix; and Adassa Candiani, Rhenzy Feliz and Ravi Cabot-Conyers as Mirabel’s cousins Dolores, Camilo and Antonio, respectively. © 2021 Disney. All Rights Reserved.

So, you didn’t think we’d go through the year’s last two big holidays without a brightly-wrapped animated gift from the “Mouse House”? Of course not, because we’ve all been “special good’ in 2021 (well most of us). In case you’re wondering, this is our second film of the past year from the very talented folks at the Walt Disney Animation Studios (after RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON). Not that the Pixar crew has been idle, as they cooked up that tasty Italian dish LUCA a few months ago, And it would seem that the spirited competition (well friendly might be more applicable) has elevated all their efforts. Oh, and the WDAS artists are teaming up again with one of Broadway’s brightest talents for lots of intoxicating tunes. As a bonus, we’re heading into fairly unexplored territory (hey, SALUDOS AMIGOS and THE THREE CABALLEROS are from the 1940s), way, way south of the border. It’s the perfect family flick to savor after getting together after the big meal, because a big extended family is its focus, along with their home, the extraordinary ENCANTO.

We get the backstory of the magical Madrigal family from their matriarch, Abuela Alma (voice of Maria Cecilla Botero). Long long ago a tiny village was besieged by attackers, causing its residents to flee into the jungle. Unfortunately, the evil forces caught up to them, and only the sacrifice of Alma’s husband (and father of their triplet babies) could ensure their safe escape. But it seems his loss sparked some enchantment as their only candle continued to burn without melting. Then the trees and hills guided them to a new village and a seemingly living, ever-expanding mansion for the Madrigals, called Encanto. One part of its wonders becomes an annual tradition as the children who reach a certain age (looks to be about 8 or 9). It produces a golden glowing door for each, and when opened a special power, a “gift”, is bestowed upon the child. One lad is a “shape-shifter”, a lass is super strong, another can control the weather by her emotions. But then came bespectacled Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz) whose door gave her…nothing. No powers…nada. But she carries on, and helps for the newest ceremony as her sister Isabela (Diane Guerrero) is being prepped to capture the heart of the handsome villager Mariano (Maluma). Then Mirabel notices cracks in the house’s perfect floor, then slight tremors. Is the magic fading? But can she even convince anyone of this since they think she may be just seeking attention? And could that mysterious figure dashing down the hallways be her long-missing uncle, the “unmentionable” Bruno (John Leguizamo)? Could he be the cause of this impending catastrophe? Oh my, the candle’s flame is sputtering…it’s almost going out….

Such a joyful celebration, this is an explosion of color and music. Speaking of the latter, the witty, top-tappin’ tunes are from that very busy mega-talent Lin-Manuel Miranda (his third feature effort this year), while the bouncy soundtrack comes from Germaine Franco. But back to those songs that reveal so much about the lead characters while advancing the story and never slowing down the flow of the film. Now as for the former, the color palette nearly bursts off the screen (I may need to return for the 3D version), mixing bright pastels with glowing golds and the lush greens of the surrounding jungles and hills. Needless to say that the intricate background settings benefit also, with the house becoming as much of a character as the Madrigal family and the villagers. Speaking of characters, big kudos to the artisans giving them form and features. Each one beams with originality, as we can easily tell then apart merely from the silhouettes. But just seeing the shapes you couldn’t marvel at the distinctive and expressive faces (jumping back to color, this film sidesteps the controversy earlier about the Latinx tones of IN THE HEIGHTS as every skin variance is represented). I must single out a few of my favorite designs: the muscular Luisa, the beefy but graceful dancer Felix, and the frantic Bruno. The last is matched perfectly (what incredible body language) with the energetic comic timing of Leguizamo, while Beatriz is a singing emotional dream as the lead Maribel. She’s a great new addition to the Disney Princess line (those blue glasses are a great visual touch), as she never allows herself to wallow in misery over the lack of getting a “gift” (her attitude and intelligence make up for a “super-power). And she’s proactive, not sitting and waiting to be helped or rescued. That’s all from the delightful script by Jason Hand, Nancy Kruse, Mirando, and the titanic trio of directors, Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Charlie Castro smith (usually I snark about “too many cooks” but the end feast is so delicioso). This is a beautiful tale in every way with an incredible roster of diverse talents working at “the top of their game”. During the holiday rush take time to spend a few (very) minutes exploring the dazzling, exuberant fantasmagorical wonder that is ENCANTO.

4 Out of 4

ENCANTO opens in theatres everywhere on the evening of Tuesday, November 23, 2021

RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON – Review

We’re still a few weeks away from the big Spring break (even with the past year’s at-home learning it’s still a big deal), but the major film studios aren’t holding back their big “family-friendly” flicks for virtual and in-theatres (welcome back NYC and LA) viewing. The last couple of them were live-action/animation hybrids with rendered (CGI and some classic hand-drawn) characters interacting with flesh-and-blood actors. First was the pixel-powered furball at the center of FLORA & ULYSSES, streaming on Disney+. And last weekend saw the big-screen return of the chaos-causing cat and mouse TOM AND JERRY careening through the canyons of the Big Apple, and filling up movie theatres while streaming for a few weeks on HBO Max. Speaking of mice, the “mouse house” strikes back today with a feature that harkens back to those iconic full-length fairy tales and fables from their golden age. Of course, this one uses the latest tech to give us its fully rounded heroes, villains, and magical critters. Now to be clear, this is from the Disney Animation division, a separate entity from the Pixar people, though they’re all “under the same tent” (and with the acquisition of Fox they’re joined by Blue Sky). While the Pixar products of last year were wowing critics and audiences (ONWARD and SOUL should both get Oscar noms, with the latter being the front runner for Animated Feature and Music Score), the Disney Animation artisans were crafting this fantasy fable from a far-off land all about RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON.

And just what is that far-off place? Why the Asia-inspired land known as Kumandra, or really formally “known as”. The story actually begins 500 years before, when some demonic creatures known as the Drunn (whirling magenta-colored storm clouds) attacked the villagers, absorbing souls and turning the people to stone. Luckily their dragon protectors came to the rescue by pooling their magic auras into a small round blue-glowing orb. Ultimately the Drunn turned all but one of the dragons to stone. Their lone survivor Sisu used the orb to banish them and return the statutes of the villagers to life. But there was not enough magic to save her dragon family and Sisu went into hiding. In tribute to their rescuers, the land was divided into five countries, each named after a part of the dragons: Tail, Talon, Spine, Fang, and Heart, where the orb is hidden and guarded. Its main guard and Heart’s leader is General Benja (voice of Daniel Dae Kim) who is training his young daughter Raya as a protector. But Benja has a dream to unite the five lands into Kumandra, once more, and so invites people from the other four lands for a discussion. Unfortunately many believe that the orb has gifted Heart with prosperity (rich crops, good soil, etc.) which inspires an act of deception that reveals the orb’s location. The resulting struggle shatters the orb into several pieces, each scooped up by different countries. It also brings back the Drunn who turn Benja into stone. Several years later, the now-teenage Raya (Kelly Marie Tran) roams the land on her pet Tuk Tuk (a weird armadillo, pill bug, bear mix), searching for the pieces and hoping to find Sisu. But even with the help of the last dragon, and a motley crew recruited from each land, can she defeat the Drunn and be reunited with her beloved papa?

Once again the formidable talents at the Disney Animation Division “step up their game” in a spirited competition with their sister studios in which the winner, or winners, are the lucky lovers of superb, superior cinematic storytelling. Viewers will be initially stunned by the eye-popping visual delights on display, from the cool blues of Benja’s palace (loved the water running up the stairs) to the warm deserts of Fang, each of the background designs is worthy of a gallery display (or a lush “coffee-table hardcover collection). Luckily these mesh seamlessly with the inventive character designs. Though at first, she may seem to be the simplest of characters, Raya may be the most complex in the visual representation of her emotional states. In a nod to a favorite cinema hero, her shape prior to engaging in battle, with her wide-brimmed hat and cape/robe, is a near match to “The Man with No Name”, Clint Eastwood’s Italian Western icon of the 1960s. My favorite human design of Raya’s crew would be the bulky Tong, a gentle one-eyed giant whose noggin resembles a battered football though is still capable of tenderness. And then there is the fantastical menagerie of creatures. We see the Tuk Tuk go from cuddly “kid critter” to an affectionate armored speedster. There’s the simian-inspired trio of ‘kleptos” called the Ongis. Then there are, of course, the dragons, well dragon. Sisu, with her blue and violet-tinted fur, moves with the grace of a swimming eel with a touch of a boa (the snake and the feathery costume accessory), while her feline face accents her wide quizzical eyes. These wonders were given animated life by a legion of skilled artists led by the inspired direction of the filmmaking foursome of Don Hall, Carlos Lopez Estrada, Paul Briggs, and John Ripa.

In addition to those talents, a gifted acting ensemble gives voice to these colorful characters and creations. Tran conveys the heartache and determination of Raya, while Gemma Chan is her rival Namaari, who reveals a touch of empathy and becomes the rare villain with a chance at redemption. Kim is warm and nurturing as father Benja, and Benedict Wong is full of bluster and pathos as Tong. And what of that “last dragon”? Sisu is giving voice, and lots of sassy attitude, by Awkwafina. Her rapid-fire, “street-smart’ line delivery infuses the film with unexpected energy. Plus her magic and allow Sisu to take a human form that closely resembles…Awkwafina herself, though with an unruly mop of white hair (with that same blue/violet tinge). She adds lots of infectious humor, but also creates a jarring shift in the narrative. Up until her intro, the story is set on a fairly straight heroic saga, a classic fable or quest. The zany antics, and modern slang, and vernacular of Sisu don’t quite mesh with the drama of the previous sequences. Luckily the pacing gets back “on track” as Raya’s own version of the “magnificent seven” jells. Perhaps the writer wanted to evoke the antics of Robin Williams’ Genie or even Eddie Murphy’s tiny dragon Mushu, but the story’s flow is disrupted to the point of near derailment. However, everything does come together again, leading to a most exciting and emotional finale, full of heart and action (did I neglect to mention the nifty weaponry Raya wields). Thanks to all these terrific talents RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON is a most delightful allegory about reaching out to unite for the common good. Especially now, that’s a most welcome notion truly for “all ages”.

3 out of 4

RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON opens in select theatres and streams exclusively via Premier Access on Disney+.

Walt Disney Animation Studios Reveals Plans For CG-Animated Comedy-Adventure MOANA

Walt Disney Animation Studios revealed plans today for MOANA, a sweeping, CG-animated comedy-adventure about a spirited teenager on an impossible mission to fulfill her ancestors’ quest. In theaters in late 2016, the film is directed by the renowned filmmaking team of Ron Clements and John Musker (“The Little Mermaid,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Aladdin”).

“John and I have partnered on so many films—from ‘The Little Mermaid’ to ‘Aladdin’ to ‘The Princess and the Frog,’” said Clements. “Creating ‘Moana’ is one of the great thrills of our career. It’s a big adventure set in this beautiful world of Oceania.”

In the ancient South Pacific world of Oceania, Moana, a born navigator, sets sail in search of a fabled island. During her incredible journey, she teams up with her hero, the legendary demi-god Maui, to traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous sea creatures, breathtaking underworlds and ancient folklore.

“Moana is indomitable, passionate and a dreamer with a unique connection to the ocean itself,” Musker said. “She’s the kind of character we all root for, and we can’t wait to introduce her to audiences.”

Get A First Look At Winston From Disney Animation’s FEAST

Check out this preview of Disney Animation’s FEAST.

A new short from first-time director Patrick Osborne (head of animation, “Paperman”) and Walt Disney Animation Studios, FEAST is the story of one man’s love life as seen through the eyes of his best friend and dog, Winston, and revealed bite by bite through the meals they share.

FEAST’s producer, Kristina Reed, produced 2012’s Oscar-winning short PAPERMAN.

Director Patrick Osborne, who joined Walt Disney Animation Studios in 2008 as an animator on Bolt, took part in the Studio’s Spark program – which invites artists to explore their own unique ideas in a month-long project that is presented to the Studio team. His experimental short “Pet” was a hit among his fellow Disney artists. Osborne, whose credits Disney’s 2010 feature TANGLED and 2012’s Oscar-winning short PAPERMAN, for which he served as head of animation, was later tapped as co-head of animation for the upcoming feature BIG HERO 6.

But his plans changed when he pitched the idea for FEAST as part of WDAS’ new shorts program – the project was greenlit with Osborne as director.

The short opens on Nov. 7, 2014, in front of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ BIG HERO 6.

Meet “Winston” In New Photos From Disney Animation Studios’ FEAST

Check out the two photos from FEAST, a new short from first-time director Patrick Osborne (head of animation, “Paperman”) and Walt Disney Animation Studios.

FEAST is the story of one man’s love life as seen through the eyes of his best friend and dog, Winston, and revealed bite by bite through the meals they share.

The film is from the producer of 2012’s Oscar-winning short “Paperman,” Kristina Reed.

Osborne, who joined Walt Disney Animation Studios in 2008 as an animator on BOLT, took part in the Studio’s Spark program—which invites artists to explore their own unique ideas in a month-long project that is presented to the Studio team. His experimental short “Pet” was a hit among his fellow Disney artists. Osborne, whose credits Disney’s 2010 feature TANGLED and 2012’s Oscar-winning short PAPERMAN, for which he served as head of animation, was later tapped as co-head of animation for the upcoming feature BIG HERO 6. But his plans changed when he pitched the idea for FEAST as part of WDAS’ new shorts program—the project was greenlit with Osborne as director.

The short opens on Nov. 7, 2014, in front of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ BIG HERO 6.

For more information, like on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DisneyAnimation, and follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DisneyAnimation.

BIG HERO 6 Poster And Teaser Trailer

In the 54th feature film from Walt Disney Animation Studios, here’s the first teaser for BIG HERO 6. It’s super cute too.

Inspired by the Marvel comics of the same name and featuring comic-book style action, BIG HERO 6 is directed by Don Hall (WINNIE THE POOH) and Chris Williams (BOLT), and produced by Roy Conli (TANGLED, TARZAN, HERCULES).

The voice cast includes Josh Hutcherson, Freddie Highmore, Maya Rudolph and Samuel L. Jackson.

(Yahoo Movies)

BIG HERO 6 is a heartfelt comedy adventure about robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who learns to harness his genius – thanks to his brilliant brother Tadashi and their like-minded friends: adrenaline junkie Go Go Tamago, clean freak Wasabi No-Ginger, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon and fanboy Fred.

When a devastating turn of events catapults them into the midst of a dangerous plot unfolding in the streets of San Fransokyo, Hiro turns to his closest companion—a cutting-edge robot named Baymax – and transforms the group into a band of high-tech heroes determined to solve the mystery.

The film hits theaters in 3D on November 7, 2014.

Like BIG HERO 6 on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DisneyBigHero6

Follow Big Hero 6 on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DisneyAnimation

Official Site: www.Disney.com/BigHero6

First Look At FEAST

Here’s a first look at Walt Disney Animation Studios’ new short FEAST.

Making its world premiere at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival June 10, 2014, the short is from first-time director Patrick Osborne (head of animation, PAPERMAN) and Walt Disney Animation Studios.

The story of one man’s love life is seen through the eyes of his best friend and dog, Winston, and revealed bite by bite through the meals they share.

The short will open in theaters in front of WDAS’ new action-packed, big-screen adventure BIG HERO 6 on November 7, 2014.

Walt Disney Animation Studios Debuted Newly Restored, Once-Thought-Lost 1928 Oswald Short HUNGRY HOBOS At Telluride Film Festival

Walt Disney Animation Studios (WDAS) debuted a newly restored digital print of the once-thought-lost 1928 Oswald the Lucky Rabbit animated short “Hungry Hobos” at the Telluride Film Festival on September 2, according to Dave Bossert, producer/creative director and head of special projects for WDAS. The film, which was found in a private film vault in England in 2011, was acquired by Disney that same year and has undergone extensive digital restoration. “Hungry Hobos” will debut in Telluride, Colorado as part of a special animation shorts program presented by leading film historian and restoration expert Serge Bromberg. Also on the program (“Serge Bromberg’s Retour De Flamme”) was a sneak peek at Disney’s newest animated short “Paperman,” which premiered at this year’s Annecy International Animated Film Festival, generating excitement in the industry for its innovative hybrid use of computer animation and hand-drawn techniques.

“Hungry Hobos” was overseen by Walt Disney in 1928 as part of a distribution deal with Universal Pictures. It was the 20^th short film (out of 26 made by Disney) starring Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, a long-eared precursor to the more famous Mickey Mouse (who appeared for the first time later that year in “Steamboat Willie”). The film follows the misadventures of Oswald and his roughneck pal, Putrid Pete, as they ride a freight car loaded with animals and devise ways to cook a meal using the tools at hand. When a policeman chases them off the train, the duo poses as a hurdy-gurdy man and a monkey as part of their escape.

“We were so proud to be able to debut ‘Hungry Hobos’ at the prestigious Telluride Film Festival, and to have the world renowned film preservationist Serge Bromberg present it to the public for the first time in over half a century,” said Bossert. “Aside from creating innovative new state-of-the-art animated features like ‘Tangled’ and the upcoming ‘Wreck-It Ralph,’ and shorts like ‘Paperman,’ Walt Disney Animation Studios is dedicated to preserving and restoring our film legacy and the art of animation. In restoring ‘Hungry Hobos,’ we were able to address such issues as warpage, dirt removal, broken sprocket holes, light flicker and film weave. The end result is a highly entertaining and historically important film that is part of our Disney heritage.”

Bromberg added, “We are very grateful to Disney for letting us debut this newly restored Oswald short in Telluride. The film has some wonderful gags, and provides an excellent look at the early work of Walt Disney before he created Mickey Mouse. We salute Disney’s efforts to preserve its cinematic past, while moving forward with such exciting new efforts as ‘Paperman.’”

The Walt Disney Company reclaimed its rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit in February 2006, when Disney CEO Bob Iger initiated a trade with NBC Universal in exchange for sending sportscaster Al Michaels to NBC Sports. Oswald has since been featured in Disney Interactive’s video game “Disney Epic Mickey” and the upcoming “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two,” scheduled for release on November 18.

Walt Disney Animation Studios Unveils Epic Adventure FROZEN – In Theaters November 2013

Walt Disney Animation Studios presents an epic tale of adventure and comedy in “Frozen,” a computer-animated feature film slated for the big screen in November 2013. Directed by Chris Buck (“Tarzan,” “Surf’s Up”) and produced by Peter Del Vecho (“Winnie the Pooh,” “The Princess and the Frog”), “Frozen” features the vocal talents of film/TV/stage star Kristen Bell as Anna, a young dreamer about to take the adventure of a lifetime, and Tony Award ®-winning actress Idina Menzel as Elsa the Snow Queen. The movie will feature original songs by Broadway greats Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez.

In “Frozen,” a prophecy traps a kingdom in eternal winter, so Anna (voice of Bell) must team up with Kristoff, a daring mountain man, on the grandest of journeys to find the Snow Queen (voice of Menzel) and put an end to the icy spell. Encountering Everest-like extremes, mystical creatures and magic at every turn, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom from destruction.

Bell has starred in a variety of films, including the comedies “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Couples Retreat,” and the upcoming films “Hit & Run,” “Some Girls” and the Farrelly Brothers’ “Movie 43.” On the small screen, Bell is currently starring in the Showtime series “House of Lies” alongside Don Cheadle; she has also starred in “Heroes” and “Veronica Mars.” Broadway credits include “The Crucible” and “Tom Sawyer.”

Menzel, who won a Tony Award® as Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Elphaba in Broadway’s “Wicked” (2004), landed her first role on Broadway in 1995 in the Tony Award-winning musical “Rent.” Film credits include “Enchanted” and the feature film “Rent.” She has appeared in a recurring role on TV’s “Glee” and recently released “Idina Menzel Live: Barefoot at the Symphony,” a live concert with anorchestra led by composer/conductor Marvin Hamlisch. Menzel is currently on a North American concert tour.

Robert Lopez is a three-time Tony Award®-winning writer of the Tony and Grammy® Award-winning musical “The Book of Mormon,” which was co-written with Trey Parker and Matt Stone (“South Park”), and the musical “Avenue Q,” which ran for six years on Broadway and four years in London’s West End. Lopez teamed with wife Anderson-Lopez, whose Drama Desk-winning show “In Transit” is Broadway-bound, to write original songs for 2011’s “Winnie the Pooh,” a stage version of “Finding Nemo” and a new musical called “Up Here.”

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