“I believe in you, Elsa. More than anyone or anything.”
Right as the thought of Frozen becomes a distant memory, children everywhere will dust off their Elsa dresses, put on their Anna pigtails, and watch as the new story unfolds with Frozen 2. Frozen 2 brings back the old gang (Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf) to once again set off on another thrilling adventure. When Elsa hears a woman’s voice singing in the distance, Elsa feels as though she must leave her beloved Arendelle, and travel with her friends to a northern, enchanted forest. As our favorite characters arrive, and learn more about the events that took place in the forest, it may not be the heroic history they were taught to believe for so many years. And as a result, putting the characters, and Arendelle, in danger. If you are one of the ones who’s craving another entertaining film like the first, you will be pleasantly surprised at how Disney builds on this magical world.
Idina Menzel’s performance as the ice queen, Elsa, is incredibly powerful. Though this time around there are no poignant songs like “Let It Go,” Menzel’s performance of the independence anthem, “Into the Unknown,” makes for some fantastic singing material. But it goes without saying that Menzel’s talents will envelope you, and help you to fully become embraced by the film’s enchanted aesthetic. It’s Menzel’s songs that will be played in your ears long after you leave the theater.
But Frozen 2, in all its glory, can’t be fully described without mentioning the outstanding supporting cast. Kristen Bell as Anna, and Jonathan Groff as Kristoff, have their own moments to shine. More importantly, Anna has her moments to become the backbone of the story and the one who will step up when all hope is lost. Not to mention, Anna and Kristoff’s ongoing relationship storyline, which I’m sure many can sympathize with. Groff’s performance of the 80s ballad, “Lost in the Woods,” is creative, and will make for some funny, more adult, humor. A delicious treat for those parents coming along with their children. But when it comes to funny there’s none other than Josh Gad’s, Olaf. Olaf’s onscreen time adds that little bit of sweetness that the film needs every now and again.
It would have been easy for Disney to just phone it in with a simple script that fails to appease its devoted fans. Especially the children who fell in love with these characters the first time around. I mean, Disney would have gotten its money either way. But no, Frozen 2 expands on Arendelle and the surrounding worlds. And in doing so, creates a heartier development for the characters, and a darker story in the process. There are places where the script brushes over a few plot points, and lacks the ability to elaborate on some interesting aspects. But these qualities are easy to look past, when the story, humor, and music, blend so well together.
Frozen 2 is a solid effort. With so much weighing heavily on its shoulders, the film brings back great characters, throws in some hilarious humor, and blows your mind with the beautiful music. The original Frozen may stand taller, but no matter what, you will have fun with this film no matter your age.
Frozen 2
Directed by: Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee
Starring: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, Sterling K. Brown, and Evan Rachel Wood
Rating:
Little Movie Reviews 