It’s no secret that people love Frozen, it is the second highest grossing animated film of all time. And for good reason, great writing, loveable characters, and music so catchy whether you like it or not, it was destined for success. But now, 6 years later, we return to the kingdom of Arendelle for a new adventure in Frozen 2, a faithful, good, if just a little too safe sequel. Sure to please the kids, but leave parents wanting more.
The original 2013 film left such a big mark on the world, it somehow feels obvious and risky to make a sequel. It’s so big, you have to, yet it’s so big how can you possibly live up to it?
Well Frozen 2 doesn’t try to surpass its predecessor, it simply captures the same spirit (or spirits in this case) and tells you a new story with these same characters. Though in the process, doesn’t manage to evolve all that much.
6 years after Anna went on the journey of a lifetime to save her sister. Elsa is now hearing a voice thought to be from stories their mother used to tell when they were young. And when the spirits of air, water, earth, and fire push the citizens out of Arendelle, it is up to Anna, Elsa, and their friends to journey to an enchanted forest, in search of this voice who may have a way to save their home.
It's Time to Build a Snowman
The music this time around is wonderful. Indina Menzel yet again gets to show off just how big of a vocal powerhouse she is. While nothing quite feels as catchy as Let it Go, there still are a few boisterous and fantastic pieces here. Same thing goes for everyone else. Nothing quite as memorable, but still wonderful to listen to and even watch. In some cases, the visuals compliment these songs wonderfully.
The performances are also very good. Though the story doesn’t give them anything to sink their teeth into. But it does make attempts, that it ultimately drops. Things like Olaf “getting older” and thus learning about the complicated emotions and rules that permeate life, something so interesting that could be explored in great detail and deliver a compelling message to youth about maturity. It just gets dropped in favour of a happy ending with a neat little bow.
Without getting in to spoilers, almost all of these characters experience something so deliciously complex, like relationships, guilt, the unknown, or even betrayal. All of these follow familiar formulas that lead to obvious conclusions and ignore any potential impact worth making.
The film is gorgeous. Disney once again flexes its finesse with animation and art direction as every location, character movement, and colour just pops off the screen. It’s all of the small details, like a young Anna snuggling into bed with her mom that truly make this film come alive.
The Verdict
Fans of the original Frozen, musicals, any of Disney’s previous animated films, and younger children will enjoy Frozen 2. The Ho-Hum story is made up for with wonderful performances and spectacular visuals that will delight all audiences.
Frozen 2 chills the senses with it’s visuals, but melts down with its safe storytelling, and freezes up before it can do anything truly interesting.
Frozen 2
6 out of 10.
1 Hr 43 Mins. Animated, Musical, Fantasy.
Directed by Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck.
Starring Indina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, and Jonathan Groff.
Now playing at Film.ca Cinemas, Cineplex Winston Churchill, and Cineplex Oakville and VIP. Also in IMAX.
