Favorite Non-Animal Sidekick

Olaf from Frozen.

When I first saw Frozen I didn’t really like Olaf. I thought he was annoying and something about him being a snowman annoyed me even more – maybe I had a less neutral reaction because The Snowman cartoon is banned in my family’s house because it makes my brother cry. Doesn’t matter that Walking In The Air is covered by one of my favourite bands.

But on subsequent viewings I found Olaf positively charming. He’s so funny and innocent and quirky.

I grew to adore Josh Gad’s performance, especially his rendition of In Summer.

It was Gad’s performance of Olaf that led me to being more interested in the musical The Book of Mormon, in which he was an original major role.

Olaf has been pretty influential on me. I got married shortly before Frozen became a huge hit, and Olaf said something that really resonated with me.

Shortly after I got married, my husband decided to seek treatment for his mental illness, and that meant I was to become his carer. That meant putting his needs before my own. At first it was a bit of a struggle, but I’ve learned, thanks to the wisdom of a comic relief sidekick snowman.

Favourite Animal Sidekick

My favourite animal sidekick is Pascal the chameleon from Tangled.

It’s so unique to have a chameleon, let alone one named Pascal. For a long time I thought it was meant to signify something – I did film studies at University, so I’m always looking for the symbolism – like Percy the pug in Pocahontas symbolises the cruelty that comes with selfish wealth and later the acceptance of the Native American.

But it turns out Tangled’s director met a staff’s pet chameleon called Pascal and fell in love with him, so added him to the film when they were thinking of an animal sidekick.

Pascal, despite his size, serves as a protector and confidant of Rapunzel. It’s not clear how they came together, but they’re inseparable. He encourages her to be brave and comforts her in time of need.

He’s also pretty tough for his size. He’s not afraid of Flynn or Maximus the horse. Some of the best parts in the fil comes from when Flynn’s reacting to Pascal. Flicking him off his shoulder, grabbing him and making his eyes bulge, setting him down on the boat. And of course, who can forget Pascal’s not-so-gentle way of waking Flynn up?

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Best Hair

The Disney Princess with the best hair, by far, is Pocahontas.

This is because she spends most of her time outside with the wind sweeping it around and it looks luscious.

It’s jet-black, thick, and long, and looks wonderful on her.

Favorite Couple

Elsa from Frozen and Jack Frost from Rise of the Guardians don’t count?

Too bad!

People everywhere ship Jack and Elsa.

I have this whole headcanon that when Elsa was struggling with her powers as a child, Jack Frost appeared at her window and taught her how to control them.

Jack’s playful nature brought Elsa out of her reserved shell.

As she grew up they fell in love.

Saddest Moment

 

That moment, just before Raunzel’s parents set off the lanterns. When they’re getting ready in their chambers to perform the ceremony. They look at each other. The king cries a single tear. The queen wipes away that tear. No words needed. Their grief is deep enough. It gets me every time.