2013 was a dark time for the world. An earworm was released that plagued the world through the airwaves, toys and TVs. Children and community theater moms everywhere were compelled to belt out this audible pestilence as if it gave them a temporary fix. In the six years since, the world has turned and only now recovered from the independence-oriented infestation. The world has finally Let it Go….
Now, like an old war wound that heightens PTSD when the weather turns, Disney presents Frozen 2.
It’s been some time since Elsa has become comfortable with her powers and has enjoyed her complacent life in the kingdom of Arendelle. Life is carefree for she, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven. Though, change is a consistent thing and Elsa is drawn to an enchanted forest to protect her kingdom and possibly find out more about her powers.
While the trailers promise a continuation of epic proportions, it’s best to temper that expectation. Frozen 2 explores a bedtime story told to Anna and Elsa by their father and how those events dictate the world around Arendelle today. The enchanted forest plot feels smaller than what could have been explored in a sequel where Elsa wants to go into the unknown.
Kristoff is given a subplot as he plans to finally propose to Anna, but can’t seem to take advantage of the right moment. He is given one of the movie’s more memorable songs in “Lost in the Woods.” Though, this Peter Cetera-esque rock ballad would fit better in a movie like Shrek.
The existence of magic forces are shown throughout the story, but it feels tertiary to the main plot. These beings/spirits are mostly there to get the characters from point A to point B (and to sell more cute toys). It feels that the writers came to the table with three okay ideas for cute sequel books and compiled them into one movie.
Frozen 2 plays much heavier than the first movie. The journey to self discovery and independence is doubled down on, but with seemingly bigger stakes that affect Anna and Elsa’s family and legacy. Even with this weight, the moments of levity will keep children (or your inner child) smiling.
Fr0zen 2 fixes one of my bigger complaints of the first movie by having songs throughout the experience. There are a few more songs here. They don’t quite stand out like Do You Want to Build a Snowman, Love is an Open Door, or the aforementioned Let it Go. It’s a solid B-side experience to the original soundtrack of the first movie. Elsa gets a few chances to belt out new adult-contemporary hits, but the music seems more tailored for the stage.
My daughters, who attended the screening with me, absolutely loved Frozen 2. They demanded to hear the soundtrack immediately after leaving and were already reciting some Olaf lines. Do I judge them for this? Absolutely. Though, it’s also great to see the effect this movie had on the target audience.
Frozen 2 doesn’t have a plot that justifies a must-see continuation. Though, the incredible visuals and animation, combined with revisiting these beloved characters, makes it a worthwhile Thanksgiving theater experience with the family and then subsequently watching it 327 times on Disney+ a few months later. Also, instead of one power song, theater moms will be competing as they scream through Into the Unknown and Show Yourself. May Elsa have mercy on our souls. B- (if I give it lower, my daughters will kill me)
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