I remember back in my day, Disney animated sequels not only just sucked ass, but they went straight to video. And in our low standards, we were grateful for them.
Frozen II is not from that mold, far from it. Here is a sequel that is not only just great quality, but enriches the first film with pathos, and deeper meaning.
Elsa (Idina Menzel) and Anna (Kristen Bell) are living happily in their kingdom with Olaf the snowman (Josh Gad) and Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) when Elsa hears a voice calling out for her. They trek to a far off land, and it leads them to the truth about their parents.
We all know that the original Frozen was just a powerhouse of a film with its commentary and annoyingly catchy songs, but Frozen II, I dare to say is the better film. Even though there isn’t a showstopper of a song like “Let It Go” the songs featured here are wonderful and enjoyable.
And there is the movie’s greatest strength in that it isn’t trying to replicate what made the first one such a success, but rather it works to enrich and deepen the mythology of the sisters, and truly test their bond.
There is a lot of great fun and humor to be had with Olaf and Kristoff in their own little side story. It’s not all just gloom and doom, there’s fine balance on display here. If you loved those characters in the first movie, you’ll love them in this one to be sure.
I don’t want to spoil any surprises that might be had for those of you going in, but I was reminded of The Empire Strikes Back; a sequel that worked to not rehash more of the same, but to give us a darker, more humane story that is more about the characters than just some catchy tunes. This is way more than we ever got with those bullshit direct to video sequels, go on Disney+ if you don’t believe me.
Return of Jafar my ass.
movieknight23 