Olaf wins all kinds of special awards for overcoming the fact that the trailer made you think you were legitimately going to hate him in Frozen. He definitely had the potential to be that super annoying comic relief character usually voiced by a big name comedian that everyone just can't stand. But then you go see the movie, and he's the sweetest, most adorable character ever. All of his little quirks are hopelessly endearing when paired with the unbridled enthusiasm that Josh Gad brings to the role. Olaf just has such a good nature and a genuinely kind temperament. The idea of behaving meanly towards anyone never even crosses his mind, and the fact that he is such a good person gives us added insight into the moral character of his creator. The combination of a fantastic musical number and hilarious ad-libs keep the character from feeling too overwritten as a goofball. By the end of the film, you're rooting for Olaf more than anyone else, and you just want him to get that little taste of summer (without dying a horrible death, of course).
Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.
