Frozen II (2019 Film) Review
It's been three years since the original "Frozen" and adventure is, quite literally, calling Elsa, the Queen of Arendelle. When she - and she alone - begins hearing voices from the north, Elsa, along with Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven, set out to learn its origin, believing it could save her kingdom and explain her magical ice powers.
Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell return as the two sisters, Elsa and Anna. Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad also reprise their roles as Kristoff and Olaf.
"Frozen II" sees the original film's creative team returning to their roles once more, with Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee directing. Lee wrote the screenplay while Peter Del Vecho produced this film. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures distributed "Frozen II."
Overall Thoughts
Back in 2013, "Frozen" became a phenomenon that Disney Animation had not seen since the days of their late-80s, early-90s animation "Renaissance" era. Since then, it's fair to argue that the "Frozen" mania has died down, particularly after having the short film, "Frozen Fever," and the "short" film, "Olaf's Frozen Adventure," neither of which helped the franchise. Now that it's been six years since the last film, will "Frozen II" prove that the franchise has lost its extensive fan base, or show that it's still going strong all these years later.
Now, personally, I liked "Frozen," but I never viewed it as the Disney masterpiece that others hailed it as. With "Frozen II," Disney has produced a sequel that's better than the original. Like the best sequels, the film furthers the mythology of this world, asking questions that lead to some interesting answers. Unlike the original, this sequel is more complicated and while it can be convoluted in its attempts to branch out, the story here is well worth the growing pains. "Frozen II" holds considerable thematic value, as it's a tale about change, finding yourself, and doing what's right when hope is lost. It shows how change is necessary for self-growth, yet can yield polarizing results at first.
The original cast members fall right back into their roles and the more that I revisit these characters, the more I enjoy watching them interact with one another. As with the first film, the focus of the story is kept mainly on sisters Elsa and Anna. More so than the first film, the sequel hammers in the message of sisterhood. It may be in-your-face, but I appreciated continuing and expanding upon it since Elsa and Anna are the heart of this franchise. Both Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell are as likable and charming as ever and you feel connected to the duo more than ever before. Their chemistry feels so genuine and real, you would think they share the same sisterly relationship off-screen as they do on-screen.
Kristoff, Olaf, and reindeer Sven have more of a comedic purpose, compared to the lead sisters, who hold more dramatic weight. Most of Kristoff's involvement is kept to his own side story about trying to propose to Anna. Considering the two are separated for most of the film, it is odd that this would be the extent of his involvement. I wish his problems were more personal than this. Such issues would've been a great help to building his individuality. Instead, his character trait continues to be that he is romantically involved with Anna, and nothing more than that. With Olaf, he's greatly improved in "Frozen II." This time around, his jokes are consistently funny and he gains a sense of wisdom that makes Josh Gad's voice work funnier. "How I wish it would stay this way forever," he says, "And yet, change mocks us with her beauty." The fact that such contemplative lines are coming out of a walking, talking snowman is so hysterical that it's almost unbelievable how well it works.
Few films have had the musical expectations that "Frozen II" has, but fortunately, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez outdid themselves in this sequel. Hey, I like "Do You Want To Build A Snowman?" and "Let It Go," but the quantity of quality songs here puts the first film at a disadvantage upon reflection. Naturally, some songs are better than others, but even the "worst" is still well done. If you're curious about my favorites, "All Is Found," "Into the Unknown," and "Show Yourself" are the immediate standouts. It's too early to tell if any of these songs will win Best Original Song at the Oscars, like its predecessor did, but what I do know is that Idina Menzel is a musical treasure. More than anyone else, she nails her singing.
Christophe Beck's score compliments the animated visuals shown on-screen. The animation itself is, of course, beautiful. At this point, such quality is expected, as Disney ups their game with each new film. You'll recall that the first "Frozen" was a major breakthrough for animated effects, particularly that of the snowy variety. Well, "Frozen II" continues and updates the original's design. Elsa's powers are a highlight of the effects and while I wished for more, she continues to use her powers effectively and also artistically.
The original cast members fall right back into their roles and the more that I revisit these characters, the more I enjoy watching them interact with one another. As with the first film, the focus of the story is kept mainly on sisters Elsa and Anna. More so than the first film, the sequel hammers in the message of sisterhood. It may be in-your-face, but I appreciated continuing and expanding upon it since Elsa and Anna are the heart of this franchise. Both Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell are as likable and charming as ever and you feel connected to the duo more than ever before. Their chemistry feels so genuine and real, you would think they share the same sisterly relationship off-screen as they do on-screen.Kristoff, Olaf, and reindeer Sven have more of a comedic purpose, compared to the lead sisters, who hold more dramatic weight. Most of Kristoff's involvement is kept to his own side story about trying to propose to Anna. Considering the two are separated for most of the film, it is odd that this would be the extent of his involvement. I wish his problems were more personal than this. Such issues would've been a great help to building his individuality. Instead, his character trait continues to be that he is romantically involved with Anna, and nothing more than that. With Olaf, he's greatly improved in "Frozen II." This time around, his jokes are consistently funny and he gains a sense of wisdom that makes Josh Gad's voice work funnier. "How I wish it would stay this way forever," he says, "And yet, change mocks us with her beauty." The fact that such contemplative lines are coming out of a walking, talking snowman is so hysterical that it's almost unbelievable how well it works.
Few films have had the musical expectations that "Frozen II" has, but fortunately, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez outdid themselves in this sequel. Hey, I like "Do You Want To Build A Snowman?" and "Let It Go," but the quantity of quality songs here puts the first film at a disadvantage upon reflection. Naturally, some songs are better than others, but even the "worst" is still well done. If you're curious about my favorites, "All Is Found," "Into the Unknown," and "Show Yourself" are the immediate standouts. It's too early to tell if any of these songs will win Best Original Song at the Oscars, like its predecessor did, but what I do know is that Idina Menzel is a musical treasure. More than anyone else, she nails her singing.
Christophe Beck's score compliments the animated visuals shown on-screen. The animation itself is, of course, beautiful. At this point, such quality is expected, as Disney ups their game with each new film. You'll recall that the first "Frozen" was a major breakthrough for animated effects, particularly that of the snowy variety. Well, "Frozen II" continues and updates the original's design. Elsa's powers are a highlight of the effects and while I wished for more, she continues to use her powers effectively and also artistically.
Rating: ★★★
Conclusion
Like many Disney sequels, it could be debated whether or not we needed a "Frozen" sequel, but unlike them, "Frozen II" improves upon the weaker aspects of the first while also doubling down on what made the original a success. For "Frozen" fans and animation fans, this is a definite recommend. Travel to your nearest cinema and enjoy this musical treat.
This has been my review of “Frozen II." I hope you enjoyed it. Have you seen the film? If you have, share your thoughts in the comments below. Should you feel inclined, recommend a film for me to review next. Thank you for reading, I'm Dallin, your resident film fanatic, and I'll return soon with another review.
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