Danielle Solzman
Frozen 2 takes us into the unknown while continuing the adventure and diving into the history of Arrendale and why Elsa has magical powers.
Following the cold open, the film cuts to present day where Queen Elsa (Idina Menzel) is hearing things. We eventually learn that it’s the spirits calling her. Strange things begin to happen when Air, Fire, Water, and Earth force the citizens of Arrendale to evacuate their kingdom. One thing leads to another and soon enough, Elsa, Anna (Kristen Bell), Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), Olaf (Josh Gad), and Sven make the trek towards the Enchanted Forest. This isn’t the same Enchanted Forest that we saw in Once Upon A Time. It’s completely different. In any event, some of the people that they find perfectly complement our favorite people from Arrendale.
We can only hope that Elsa has what it takes as she ventures into the unknown. There is no telling what is going to happen. One thing is for sure–Anna won’t leave her side and for good reason. The two are sisters and they have a strong bond with each other. This film–more or less–is about seeking the truth and doing what is right.
Musically speaking, there are at least three songs composed by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez that are sure to catch on with viewers. Elsa gets another killer number with “Into The Unknown.” Is it a new “Let It Go?” This is hard to say. The song features a similar animation style. Queen Iduna, who has an expanded role, features on “All is Lost.” Finally, Kristoff gets a solo tune with “Lost in the Woods.” Much to our delight, he gets some backing from the reindeer for this tune. I stress these three numbers because they’re the ones that are also featured in the end credits. Anyway, the soundtrack is just as fun as the first Frozen in 2013. All in all, there are seven new songs.
Could Disney have an LGBTQ lead in an animated film down the line? Definitely. Unfortunately, it’s not going to be Frozen 2. I might be transgender but you also shouldn’t do something for the sake of doing it. It needs to serve the story. Elsa’s romantic life is non-existent. As such, giving her a girlfriend would probably distract from the moment at hand. The big focus is on Elsa and Anna especially with their strong sisterly bond. What’s so great about the sequel is that we are able to dive into their backstory. Why is Elsa this way and why is it that Anna doesn’t have the same magical powers? Where were the King and Queen going six years earlier?
Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee are back for another Frozen film because they have something to say. This isn’t a sequel for the sake of making a sequel. Trust me, I’m all about making original films but Frozen 2 is as magical as its predecessor.
Olaf and Sven might just go down in history as some of the best Disney sidekicks. There’s something different about Olaf in the sequel. He’s matured so to speak but there are times in which he comes off as that annoying friend. At the same time, you can’t help but love him. Once more, Olaf gets a fun musical number. It may not be “Summer” but “When I am Older” is still a fun tune.
This is the type of film that will leave viewers smiling when it’s over. Moreover, viewers are certainly going to be singing the songs. Oh yeah, there is also a scene after the credits.
Frozen 2 takes everything we love about Frozen while taking us on a new adventure.
DIRECTORS: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee
SCREENWRITER: Jennifer Lee
CAST: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, and Josh Gad
