“Frozen 2,” released on Nov. 22, is one of the most anticipated movies to hit the big screen this fall. With all the hype, you might be wondering if it really is worth seeing. I can assure you that after sitting through the feature with nearly a hundred young children shouting out Olaf’s name and throwing their sour patch kids in excitement, it was still worth it. “Frozen 2” is funny, innovative, pleasing to the ears and a wonder of animation.
While you might have had a few good laughs in the first one, “Frozen 2” will have you laughing even harder. Since Olaf is present from the very beginning this time, his ridiculous antics and remarks are with us the whole film. And yes, he does have another solo performance with his catchy and clever song called “When I’m Older.” The song ends with the lines, “I’ll just dream about a time when I’m in my age of prime cause when you’re older absolutely everything makes sense.”
Kristoff and Sven also make a brilliant duo, providing many smiles and laughs throughout the film. Kristoff often embarrasses himself in front of Anna, which provides both laughter and relatability to the experience. Sven even has the opportunity to meet and interact with other reindeer as well throughout the movie, adding a new element of humor to the mix.
Later, Kristoff brings back a clever song called, “Reindeer Are Better Than People” about his relationship with Sven. In the song, Kristoff alternates between Sven’s voice and his own, which really just means he is talking to himself. The song includes several funny lines such as, “But reindeers smell better than people, Sven don’t you think that I’m right?”
Moving on from the laughs, “Frozen 2” is extremely original and innovative in terms of its plot. Before viewing the film, I expected Hans to return and disrupt the peace as so many Disney villains have done in other sequels such as Peter Pan’s “Return to Neverland” and “The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea.” Unlike these classic Disney sequels, the villain did not return in “Frozen 2”; in fact, the storyline doesn’t have a real antagonist.
“Frozen 2” pushes the fairytale plot arc to new heights with Elsa’s character, who has saved Arendelle several times without a husband or some sort of magical savior. This differs from the classic Disney films in which the main protagonist was saved by a kiss or a fairy godmother. But the story isn’t only about saving oneself; it’s about doing right for others, which is much more important.
Aside from the plot, “Frozen 2” contains important themes for all ages, like teaching us to overcome our fears. The themes of fear and anxiety were also present in “Frozen” when Elsa lived with constant worry over people discovering her magic — resulting in the song “Let it Go,” which indicates that she is ridding herself of that anxiety. Elsa finally learns what it means to feel free of that fear for once. In the sequel, she sings again about fear when she travels into unknown territory. This time, after getting over her fear, Elsa saves hundreds of people from the destruction of their enchanted forest.
Elsa and Anna also portray the strong bonds of sisterhood because the pair is always looking out for one another. Even if they don’t say it out loud, this shows that they love each other. The theme of Elsa and Anna’s love is there to show young girls that friendship and sisterhood are important forms of love — just as important as romantic love.
Yet another theme in the film is righting a wrong. When Elsa discovers that her grandfather is the one responsible for the enchanted forest’s destruction, which is home to many humans and magical creatures, she takes responsibility for what her family has done. This is a very important lesson for both children and adults because sometimes we need to right the wrongdoings of others, even though it might feel like it is not our job. Elsa shows great compassion as well as strength and perseverance. She proves herself to be a hero once again and shows us all what it means to be one.
Just like the original “Frozen,” the sequel is a musical with incredible vocals and song lyrics. The film opens with a song titled “All Is Found,” by the incredibly talented Evan Rachel Wood. I also very much enjoyed the song “Some Things Never Change,” sung and performed by a large ensemble including all the main characters.
I personally found “Into the Unknown” by Idina Menzel, who plays Elsa, to be the hit musical experience of the movie. Menzel’s voice is perfect for this piece about fear. This song is sung at the beginning of the film, as well as reprised at the end. Lastly, Jonathan Groff, the voice of Kristoff, sings a song called “Lost in the Woods” with a very catchy melody.
The last stunning element of the film is the animation. Elsa’s powers provide for such great opportunities in this realm. Not only does she turn objects into ice in “Frozen 2,” but she also makes herself a frozen horse to ride and puts out large fires with her hands. As Elsa’s power increases, so does the animation and the sight is spectacular.
“Frozen 2” has so much to offer including important themes and lessons, hilarious commentary, great music and incredible visual effects. The film is a universal masterpiece — entertaining and fun for all ages. “Frozen 2” is both a film and experience you don’t want to miss.
