There is so much anticipation over the arrival of Frozen 2 in theaters! I can’t lie – I was pretty stoked to have had the opportunity to see the premiere of the movie while attending The Geekly Retreat earlier this month. Everybody is wondering, though ~ does it live up to the hype? Is it all we expect it to be? Does it fall short of the original or continue to amaze the masses? Well, I’m here to give you a spoiler-free Frozen 2 review and give you what you need to know before heading out to see this film! (Because nobody is NOT going to see this, right?)
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Frozen 2 Review
As noted above, I had the unique pleasure of walking the Red Carpet the night of Frozen 2’s Hollywood premiere. Besides being a dream come true for this former aspiring screenwriter, it was truly an honor to be among the many who caught the very first glimpse of the dynamic sister duo’s return to the big screen.
About Frozen 2
The original cast of primary characters returns to find their way right back into our hearts. Whether we connected with Anna’s quirkiness, Elsa’s sense of responsibility or Olaf’s ability to see the silver lining in everything, the original movie ensnared us. We were bound and determined to see a sequel come out of this.
Frozen 2 stays right on course and time, “aging” right along with the crowd it first entertained. We now see the girls as young adult women, at a point in both of their lives where big decisions are being made.
For some time now, Elsa has been ruling the kingdom and Arendelle has grown to love her in this role. However, she has always maintained a level of curiosity, wondering where her powers originated or what they are even meant to do. As she approaches a major crossroad in her life, she begins to sense an urgency to seek out those answers even more.
At the same time, Anna is at a pivotal point in her life, as well. She begins at peace, happy with all the love that surrounds her. In time, however, her codependency is tested. She faces some very important realities and ultimately finds herself on a path that will change the course of her life forever.
What I liked about the movie
Oh, there are so many things. In my honest opinion, this movie has just as much potential as its predecessor to captivate its audience. The color palette is extremely appealing and the vibrant artistry of each scene is exquisite.
For me, first and foremost, I took note and enjoyed how the story seems to have aged with the audience whom it first entertained. We see the girls looking and acting more mature, Anna in particular. While she still maintains her quirkiness, I found her less rough around the edges and more regal, perhaps.
We actually see a maturity in Olaf, as well. Still the adorable, carefree snowman we all grew to love, Olaf goes from “innocent ball of naivete” (as quoted by Josh Gad, himself) to an inquisitive snowman, as if he went from being a toddler to elementary school age in between films. It’s a fun transition to watch and see played out on the screen.
I was quite fascinated with the way they delivered the story-line. It does tend to build off the first with the idea of seeking out answers and taking giant leaps of faith to discover one’s true self. These are ideas to which I can relate in my own life ~ as a mom of three teen boys, now coming into her own. Elsa’s journey was attractive to me and I think you’ll find it just as magnetizing.
The introduction of new characters can be hit or miss sometimes. In Frozen 2, however, they fit just right. We meet Lieutenant Mattias (pronounced Mah-tee-us), Yelena and Ryder for the first time, as well as get a closer look at Queen Iduna and King Agnon (the girls parents). Every character has his or her place in the story and every actor taking on that role does it with perfection.
What I didn’t like about the movie
I do believe some holes were still left wide open and some things unexplained, but I confess I didn’t recognize these holes until a day or two after I had seen the premiere. I’ll leave those holes alone to see if you find them, as well.
My only other issue was the music. I think that the first movie’s score was more attractive and contagious, but that’s not to say the songs in Frozen 2 aren’t going to have their own cult following. Into The Unknown is still on the tip of my tongue and I’m sure every little girl will still find a way to sing that at the top of her lungs. I also thought the first half of the movie was a little song-heavy in comparison to the latter part of the film, but I may need to see it again to confirm that for sure.
Otherwise, I can’t think of anything that would prevent me from seeing this movie again and again. I walked away inspired and fairly satisfied.
Would I recommend?
Absolutely! The connection the sisters have, the relationship between Anna and Kristoff, the comedy relief Olaf presents and the answers we find to questions we have about Elsa’s powers ~ all of these things act as magnets to draw us into our seats. You know you want to see how this all plays out. I can say this – you will laugh, you may cry and I can pretty much guarantee that you will find yourself glued to the screen to see what happens next.
What you need to know.
The movie has some darker moments and there may be some intensity at times. This might make younger viewers a little nervous. A large portion of the movie’s setting is in the forest or in caves. Therefore, those moments may be when your little one may want to cuddle up to you a little more.
For those who are affected by spiritual connotations, the movie does talk about spirits and the elements almost as if they are gods. There is no mention of them being gods, however.
Anna and Kristoff are at a point in their relationship where what happens next is under tremendous consideration. That tidbit is simply for those who might be a little on the sensitive side relationship-wise at the time they go to see the movie.
There is violence in the film and the inference that someone is killed. To say any more would give it away, so I’m going to trust that it’s okay to leave it there.
Final Thoughts | Frozen 2 Review
Frozen 2 will answer a lot of questions, but may leave a few. The imagery is stunning and the voice acting is spot on. It is so satisfying to hear voices like Idina Mendzel and Kristen Bell serenading us on the big screen. (Stay tuned for my post sharing the moment I ~ well, all of us ~ got to sing with the entire cast!) The new songs will catch on. However, it will be interesting to see if they are as contagious as the ones in the original film.
Oh, and one more thing….
For those who wished upon a star that Kristoff would get his own song….get ready to swoon, like 80s style swoon! (Jonathan Groff, you can serenade me anytime…..)
Frozen 2 arrives in theaters on November 22nd
Do you have your tickets yet?
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Are you looking forward to Frozen 2? Do you have Frozen fans in your home? Check out some of the hottest Frozen 2 toys out there. It’s never too early to start shopping for the holidays!
If you enjoyed my Frozen 2 review, be sure to check out these Frozen 2 posts!!
We are excited to go next week. I was worried about being disappointed but after reading this, I don’t think I will be. I think my kids are going to live this.
Awww – well, I hope it exceeds your expectations! Sequels always tend to get a little more of the negative attention, but I really enjoyed this film and looking forward to seeing it again this week. I can’t wait to hear what you and your kiddos actually think of it!!!