REVIEW: Forget the Fairytale and Embrace the Myth in Frozen 2
Frozen took the whole world by storm six years ago and is back to captivate audiences once again. Walt Disney Animation will release the sequel to 2013’s smash hit this Friday, November 22. Frozen 2 opens with Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel) hearing a mysterious voice calling out to her. She isn’t sure where the voice is coming from but she feels connected to it. In her efforts to locate the voice, Elsa draws the ire of the spirits of wind, fire, water, and earth.
These spirits force the people of Arendelle to flee their kingdom and prompt Elsa to set out on a quest with the help of Anna (Kristen Bell), Olaf (Josh Gad), Sven, and Kristoff (Jonathan Groff). The group believes finding the voice will save the people of Arendelle. Along the way they run into new characters, including Sterling K. Brown’s Lieutenant Mattias and Martha Plimpton as the leader of the Northuldra tribe, come face to face with characters from their past, and learn that there are many sides to every story.
Frozen 2 has a much darker feel compared to the first movie. This movie’s story, based more on Elsa and her powers, was inspired by a Nordic myth, not a fairytale. Unlike the first film, which was Anna’s journey, the sequel follows Elsa into the unknown and see her dealing with the notion it is okay to be different. Even with the darker tone, the theme of love prevails, although this is a love between the sisters, Elsa and Anna.
Elsa and Anna are growing up, finding their own strengths, and grappling with these new changes. While they love one another, they struggle with accepting how to grow as people but still remain together as sisters. Frozen succeeded in making the story revolve around the love between sisters and it utilizes that love once again. Sibling relationships are challenging, nuanced, many layered, and rewarding; Frozen 2 does well to bring these struggles to life.
The music in this movie may be more consistently powerful than the first and sees the return of songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and composer Christophe Beck. The first film is anchored in the strength and success of “Let It Go”, which Menzel crushes. But the cast has an abundance of vocal talent that was underutilized in the first film. The follow-up does a better job of correcting that slight. Jonathan Groff finally gets to showcase his voice on “Lost in the Woods” while Josh Gad has a fun number, “When I Am Older” that will resonate with children of all ages. Both song sequences will have parents and children alike laughing from start to finish.
Menzel’s Elsa has two solid songs featured, “Into the Unknown” and “Show Yourself”. “Show Yourself” is more powerful than “Into the Unknown” but with great lyrics and Menzel’s voice bringing both to life, either could be a contender for this year’s Academy Awards. Bell has her own moment to shine on “The Next Right Thing” a heartbreaking number that reminds us all that sometimes the only thing we can do is continue to take the next step forward and do the next right thing.
Frozen 2 is the perfect follow-up to Frozen. With great songs, an all-star cast, and an interesting tale, this is a great movie to see this holiday season.
Grade: A