Veronica Mars
Directed by Rob Thomas
Written by Rob Thomas, Diane Ruggiero
Starring: Kristen Bell, Krysten Ritter, Tina Majorino, Jason Dohring, Chris Lowell, Jerry O’Connell, Francis Capra, Ryan Hansen, Enrico Colantoni, Percy Daggs III
Running Time: 107 Minutes | PG-13
Warner Brothers
Release Date: March 14, 2014
Limited Theatrical Release, also available via iTunes and VOD
Partially Funded by Kickstarter

It’s been a long time coming, but my fellow marshmallows and I have finally gotten that Veronica Mars movie we have wanted, ever since the television series got cancelled. And if you are even familiar with Kickstarter, perhaps this was the reason you heard about, it wouldn’t have happened without all the fans who donated their money to make this happen. The project broke numerous records as they pulled their forces (91,585 people) and raised $5,702,153.

It started off as a small project, but word quickly spread and the rest is history, leading to this day, when we can walk into a theater and see Veronica Mars on the big screen. As of now, it is showing in limited theaters, for me, my local AMC theaters, but I know it’s expanding into another theater in a few weeks. I am guessing how many more will depend on how well the movie does at the box office. According to Box Office Mojo, it earned just over a million on late Thursday and Friday screenings.

But was it worth the wait? Was it worth my donation? Let’s talk about that more later.

You’ll never want to “let it go” after taking a listen, as the soundtrack for Frozen, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ latest film, freezes your mind (and ears) in captivation. The tunes by Avenue Q songwriters Kristen-Anderson Lopez and Robert Lopez, as well as the strong score by Christophe Beck, swirl together in perfect rhythm. The combination of songs – worthy of being on your iPod playlist – and powerful tracks make Frozen not only one of Disney’s best soundtracks in recent years, but also one of the best film soundtracks you can purchase this year or any year.

Here are some thoughts on the individual songs and tracks from the Frozen soundtrack, which is available now on CD, Deluxe Edition CD, and MP3 Download. I’ve also notate my five favorite pieces.

Frozen
Directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee
Starring Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff and Santino Fontana
Walt Disney Pictures
Rated PG | 108 Minutes
Release Date: November 27, 2013

Breathtaking, bewitching, and beautiful are among the words that come to mind when I see snowfall. Similarly, these same words can describe Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 53rd feature film. Frozen, perhaps the most winning formula for the studio since 1999’s Tarzan, blends together a flurry of deep characters, compelling storylines, masterfully-written music and stunning animation. Brace yourself for a surprising ride that features more unexpected storytelling turns than you might expect. Let’s dash off into a review of Frozen.

Ever since I first heard an early version of the show-stopping ballad “Let It Go” at the August 2012 Destination D event, I knew this film would be special. This tale, loosely-based on The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen, had potential – at least in its music department. But I will dive into that shortly. Let us first explore the story.

The first trailer for Disney’s Frozen was a relatively disappointing one. But you’ll definitely warm up to the full theatrical trailer for the upcoming animated film from Chris Buck (Tarzan) and Jennifer Lee (Wreck-It Ralph).

Watch the full trailer here below.

Frozen centers on Anna (voiced by Kirsten Bell) a fearless adventurer who partners up with Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), an extreme mountain man, to find her sister, the Snow Queen (Idina Menzel), and put an end to a spell that has trapped their kingdom in eternal winter.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ next film is heating up anticipation, and for all the right reasons. Frozen could very well be the next game-changer for the animation house, if any of the footage or singing I caught today at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, CA, suggests its value.

John Lasseter, chief creative officer for Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, concluded the three-hour arena animation presentation with this film, which he described as a very special project. How special? Very much so.

Kristen Bell, the voice of the “funny,” “quirky,” and “magicless” sister Anna. Bell charmed the audience with her natural sharpness and down-to-earth sense of humor. She was that kid who sung Little Mermaid songs on the boombox, always dreaming of being involved with Disney. Now she has that privilege, voicing a character with effortless charisma and sweetness. She “wears her heart on her sleeve,” as the directors described, thus making for some awkward situations.