Disney movies have found a way into the hearts of many for years. Children and adults alike love the movies that are often based on ideals like friendship, happiness and love.
There are some issues in a few Disney movies, however, that created some nonsensical storylines.
‘Frozen’ (2013)
“Frozen” quickly melted hearts throughout the country, and many children had an interest in the movie that may have bordered on an obsession.
Instead of wondering about Olaf and his “warm hugs,” though, perhaps movie-watchers should have been asking about Elsa’s magical powers.
Where did they come from, anyway? Was she born with them and, if so, why does she have powers while her family does not? There is no mention in the movie describing Elsa’s ability to freeze the world by simply using her fingertips.
While this issue does not completely freeze the plot, there is one that does: why did the villagers forgive Elsa so quickly and easily in the end? After freezing all of Arendelle and storming away to build a private ice castle, Elsa returned and stopped the doomsday that was created through her own doing.
The principle of love solving everything is a classic Disney storyline though, so of course it is logical.
Except that it isn’t, points out Hannah Hutchison, junior in education.
“That doesn’t make sense,” Hutchison said. “That isn’t reality.”
Maddy Croxford, junior in psychology, said she just watches movies like “Frozen” to enjoy them, not think about them in depth.
“It’s a movie,” Croxford said. “It’s not real. It’s not meant to make sense really.”
‘The Lion King’ (1994), ‘The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride’ (1998)
“It means no worries for the rest of your days. It’s our problem-free philosophy; Hakuna Matata.”
These well-known lyrics echo throughout the popular “Lion King” movies. These films are not problem free, however, as they have some major plot holes that may have some people worried.
First of all, Simba and Nala are technically brother and sister. Lions live in groups known as prides. According to the National Geographic online entry on African Lions, “Prides are family units that may include up to three males, a dozen or so females and their young. All of a pride’s lionesses are related, and female cubs typically stay with the group as they age. Young males eventually leave and establish their own prides by taking over a group headed by another male.”
It is highly unlikely that Nala is Scar’s daughter, so while this issue makes sense in nature it is slightly strange to think about the two star-crossed lovers actually both being the spawn of Mufasa.
Secondly, in “The Lion King,” why didn’t Scar just kill Simba himself after the stampede? Scar was quite motivated to do whatever it took to become king, so why did he entrust such an important task to the not-too-bright hyenas?
In addition to this stampede scene hang-up, Zazu said he would get help and was immediately flung into the wall by Scar, causing Zazu to pass out. Later, Zazu does not question this at all. No one was around but Scar, who was determined to be king. Why didn’t this ring any alarm bells in Zazu’s head? The pride trusted Scar’s version of what happened, even though it did not make sense.
The final major plot hole happened in the transition to “The Lion King II.” No one explained where Scar’s pride originated. The Outlands are the home of the banished lions loyal to Scar. Scar, however, was not seen creating his own pride anywhere in the first movie; the pride just magically appeared in the second movie.
When did Scar have a son, and was he adopted? It is known that Scar picked Kovu to be his heir, but when did he do this?
Charlie Rinehart, junior in business administration, said he knows the explanation.
“I think it’s just another way to make another movie, honestly,” Rinehart said. “They did what they had to do.”
As long as viewers stick with the problem-free philosophy of the movie, they won’t have to worry about the plot holes that just don’t make sense. Hakuna Matata.
‘The Little Mermaid’ (1989)
The solution to Ariel’s entire problem in “The Little Mermaid” was possibly too simple. Ariel is obviously literate, because she read and signed Ursula’s contract in which she gave up her voice in exchange for legs.
This, however, begs the question: why did Ariel not simply write Prince Eric a letter describing her situation? Or, if nothing else, she could have just written him a note asking him to kiss her. Either would have solved the problem quickly and simply.
Ariel and Prince Eric could have had their happy ending much sooner, and it would have saved everyone a headache. But then the movie would have been pretty short, and the audience would have been left longing for more than legs.
‘Cinderella’ (1950)
There are two serious plot holes that could potentially wreck the storyline in
“Cinderella.”
First, why is it that all of Cinderella’s possessions turned back to normal at the stroke of midnight except her essential-to-the-story glass slippers? Maybe this was a gift from her fairy godmother, or maybe Disney should have explained this loose thread that threatens to rip apart the design of the beloved movie.
Secondly, the prince’s plan did not carry much logic. Perhaps it is because he was so overcome by love, but did he really believe that there was only one woman in the entire kingdom with the same size feet as his soul-mate? Simply putting out a search for the missing slipper would have been slightly more logical.
Also, why was the prince the one performing the search? Was he so blinded by love that he forgot what Cinderella looked like? The plan in general did not make much sense, but it did portray the prince’s determination.
“It’s very dedicated,” Croxford said. “It’s trying to convey the one true love ideal.”
Disney is known for romantic love stories, but these plot holes stuck around with the slippers after the clock struck midnight.
Overall, Disney movies have a way of capturing the viewer’s attention and drawing them into the romantic stories of love and heroic acts. As long as these movie lovers don’t question the plotlines too closely, they can join the characters of the movies and have their own happily ever after.
