It was one thing to have the unique opportunity during The Geekly Retreat to sit in the same room with the cast and filmmakers from Frozen 2. However, it was a completely extra special bonus to walk out of there able to say, “I sang with Idina, Kristen B., Josh, Jonathan, Evan, Robert, Jennifer, Peter, Kristen L. and Chris!!” Oh, my goodness! After the interviews were over, the cast and filmmakers of Frozen 2 left us with one more memory. Just as they were gathering together for final photos, we all broke into song ~ an 80s song, to be precise!
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The Frozen 2 Press Junket
The Moment That Sent Me To Heaven
(pssst – be sure to read all the way through because I share a little personal history tidbit below….)
I am still literally all smiles when it comes to talking about the Geekly Retreat experience. We walked the Red Carpet, attended the after party and then had the chance to interview the Frozen 2 cast and filmmakers before the retreat was over. These are all magical things I dreamed of doing when I was a ten year old acting out her acceptance speeches on the back porch of her childhood home.
**Have you read my spoiler-free review of Frozen 2 yet?
The junket gave us the opportunity to hear the actors’ personal thoughts and experiences from the film. The conversation started with each actor giving their one word description of the movie. We heard Idina and Kristen talk about the very first song they ever sang as a duet. Josh nearly walked out of the room when a friend of mine paid him a compliment, but then turned to ask her question of Kristen Bell (moment of the day goes to you, Kami!).
We also heard Evan Rachel Wood (who plays Queen Iduna) give a beautiful description of how Kristoff’s character has evolved in this second film. The mountain man transforms into a tremendous role model for younger males as he takes on more of a Prince Sincere character, rather than Prince Charming.
“I’m here. What do you need?”
The movie is actually filled with takeaways like this.
However, there was something more attractive about Kristoff’s role in the film that became a huge topic of conversation. Kristen Bell had mentioned that one of her biggest complaints about the original was that Kristoff’s character did not sing enough (I guess Reindeer are Better Than People didn’t count?).
That statement spurred on an entire conversation about how the song for Kristoff came about for the sequel. Yes, people ~ Kristoff gets his moment in the spotlight and it is definitely memorable! I mean, there wasn’t a person in that room who wasn’t curious as to how they came up with the idea of giving him an 80s ballad to sing!
Kristen Anderson-Lopez, one half of the movie’s musical genius shared, “It’s so funny because we work so closely with Jen (Lee) and Chris (Buck) and Peter (Del Vecho), that I can’t even pinpoint whose idea it was.” In almost that same breath, she then recalled the memory of, “…breaking up with my eighth-grade boyfriend and just listening to Bryan Adams’ ‘Heaven’ over and over.”
At that point, the song entered my head and would not leave….(tell me you’re not singing it….)
“But the truth is Bobby and I (Kristen Anderson Lopez) adore 80s music..” Thus, a retro ballad was born.
And I will leave it at that. I won’t go into any more detail simply because Kristoff’s song is something you have to experience. In fact, I dare you not to react when that scene comes in the movie because it’s hilarious and iconic. Every parent who grew up in the 80s will connect in some way with this ballad.
So, let’s get to this sing-a-long…
As the junket wrapped, the cast of ten stood to their feet and huddled together for the flurry of final photographs. As they began to assemble, the person running the sound decided to add a little humor and create a moment for all of us. Instead of playing something related to the actual film (the soundtrack of which is already available for purchase), we all heard a familiar tune piping through.
The next thing I heard was, “Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me!” I’m pretty sure that was our beloved snowman who blurted that out.
We all joined in on the laughter! It was Bryan Adam’s “Heaven” and the room immediately burst into song! THAT was the moment that created the memory of singing with Idina, Kristen B., Josh, Jonathan, Evan, Robert, Jennifer, Peter, Kristen L. and Chris!
It was just another gem to cherish from that weekend!
**Click for Frozen 2 printables!
Personal True Story….
The song we sang with the panel was more than just a memory from my teen years for me. It was actually the song I chose to sing for the talent show my Senior year of high school. It was one of my favorites and, every time I hear it, I can’t help, but smile.
In fact, there is another personal song connection from the junket. The song Idina and Kristen sang as their very first duet together (when they were getting to know each other), was a song I sang for another talent show. They sang “Wind Beneath My Wings” and I chose that very tune for my Junior year performance.
Moments like these give me extra little reasons to smile because they bring back some of the joy I sometimes forget from those days.
So, thank you, cast of Frozen 2. You took me back and reminded me of some fond memories I have. You also gave me a few extra special memories that I will cherish for years to come.
AMAZON FAVORITES FOR THE FROZEN 2 FAN!
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Take 2
How lucky you got to meet all the actors, such a collection of talent. I fangirl over Idina 🙂 Totally agree with the Prince Serene. It was great to see how these characters have grown.
I agree – they grew up right alongside their audience. I love that about the film. It was truly a surreal moment in time to have this opportunity. I pray it’s not the last, but I will cherish it as my first forever.