I had a lot of expectations for “Frozen 2” before I watched the movie. I figured that it would be a cute movie full of kindness, sisterly love and of course the many musical numbers that are a staple in Disney’s children’s films. I thought it would be enjoyable, but I also believed that it would hide in the shadow of the original, like so many sequels do. I figured there was no way it could meet the hype of the original, let alone exceed it. In my mind I had set the bar low, and I was so, so wrong.
“Frozen 2,” which debuted in theaters on Nov. 22, 2019, is not some spinoff created to prey on the success of the original film. It blew every expectation I had out of the water. It is beautifully animated, and the attention to detail is incredible. From the scenery to the outfits to the individually animated strands of hair, it’s clear that no efforts were spared in the making of this movie. The soundtrack showcases the amazing voices of Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell, who voice Elsa and Anna, respectively. Stellar performances from Josh Gad (Olaf) and Jonathan Groff (Kristoff) are also featured in the film. The songs range from uplifting and inspiring to intense, darker tones. The songs are just as catchy as they were in the original, and “Into the Unknown” rivals “Let it Go.” The “Frozen 2” soundtrack even made it to the number one spot on the Billboard Top 200. No full length soundtrack has accomplished that since “Frozen.”
Throughout the movie, viewers witness Elsa and Anna discover secrets about their family’s past, and watch as Elsa confronts the calling she feels as her powers grow stronger. Kristoff tries to figure out how to take his relationship with Anna farther, with the help of Sven of course, and they meet some new companions along the way. Anna desperately tries to protect her sister, and they develop the relationship they were denied as children. Whenever tension starts to rise, Olaf steps in with some perfectly timed comedic relief. “Frozen 2” is adventurous, intense, funny and sweet, filled with enchanted forests and magic. The movie contains themes of self-discovery, love and loss, the effects of greed, peace and sisterly-love.
The only critique I have of “Frozen 2” is that they didn’t include more backstory on the Northuldra people. They introduced an entire village of people that have been living in a, previously thought to be uninhabited enchanted forest for years. While the history of the Northuldra people is explained, individual characters aren’t really developed.
Overall, “Frozen 2” is incredible. It topped the box office for three weeks in a row, and has made it in the top five for seven weeks as of Jan. 9. It has brought in $1.325 billion at the global box office, making it the highest grossing animation of all time. In 2020, it has been nominated for multiple awards, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film, Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Animated Feature, and the ADG (Art Directors Guild) Excellence in Production Design Awards- Animated Film. I believe that “Frozen 2” deserves every bit of the attention its been given, and I would highly recommend it.
Rate: 8/10
By: Madison Hall, Feature Writer
