Frozen II review: The team behind the most successful animation ever return for a venture into the unknown, but can it replicate the magic of the original, or does it leave us out in the cold?
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Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last six years, you’ll know that Frozen is a Disney juggernaut. Not only did the 2013 film take over one billion dollars worldwide, it spawned a Broadway show and has unleashed upon the world every type of merchandise imaginable. But six years on, is Frozen fever still going strong? The answer is of course yes. Young and old have been counting down the days until they could return to Arendelle, and now the wait is finally over.
Set three years after the events of the first film, we join Elsa (Idina Menzel) and Anna (Kristen Bell) whilst Arendelle is in a moment of crisis. Elsa is also suffering, being plagued by a mysterious sound from the North that is calling her to it. Hoping to both solve the mystery and save Arendelle, the sisters, joined by Olaf (Josh Gad), Sven and Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), set off on an adventure into the unknown.
What made Frozen so special amongst all the other Disney films was its strong messages about embracing what makes you unique, and the power of sisterhood. In Elsa, it also gave the world a strong female character and role model that didn’t need a man to fix her problems. This theme is continued on here, though the film also gives Kristoff, Sven and Olaf a little more to do. Olaf especially has had his role beefed up, the little guy gets a lot more screen time, which will delight the kiddies. There’s a great moment when he recounts the events of the first film that is sure to rouse a chuckle or two in even the most reluctant accompanying adult. It’s worth mentioning that Olaf is not the cutest character this time around, that accolade goes to a new character, an adorable salamander. Parents should be prepared to spend a fortune on related merchandise as well as fielding requests for pet salamanders.
We all know that it wasn’t just Elsa and Anna that made the first movie so successful, it was of course bolstered immensely by its songs. Frozen gave the world the epic ballad Let it Go, a song that not only bagged an Oscar, but also became an instant karaoke classic. With Let it Go still being incredibly popular, the writing team have had their work cut out for themselves trying to top it. There are two new songs, Into the Unknown and Show Yourself that fit into the Let it Go mantle. Neither are quite as catchy, but there is no doubt that at least one of these will be nominated for an Oscar, let’s just hope they get someone other than John Travolta to announce it should they win. A personal favourite though has to be Lost in the Woods, which is an eighties power ballad inspired number complete with moody looks, montages, and a nod to Bohemian Rhapsody.
Frozen II takes a little while to find its stride however. The first portion of the film seems content to just repeat the original Frozen formula, following the same structure right down to the same style of song in the same place for the first thirty minutes or so. It’s a clear attempt to please the die-hard fans, which though nice, gets a little too predictable. It’s only once all the lip service to the fans has been gotten out of the way that the sequel really comes into its own. The story might not be complex, but as with its predecessor, Frozen II is full of heart, humour, and heroism.
Destined to make bucket loads of money, Frozen II is a faithful and respectful sequel that will delight audiences everywhere. Prepare to catch Frozen fever once more.
Frozen II is in cinemas everywhere now.
