FROZEN 2 (2019)

Genre: CG Animation
Director: Jennifer Lee, Chris Buck
Cast: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff
Runtime: 1 hr 43 mins
Rating: TBA
Released By: Walt Disney
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 21 November 2019

Synopsis: Why was Elsa born with magical powers? The answer is calling her and threatening her kingdom. Together with Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven, she’ll set out on a dangerous but remarkable journey. In Frozen, Elsa feared her powers were too much for the world. In Frozen 2, she must hope they are enough.

Movie Review:

This is a true story. Whenever this reviewer’s friend hears her kids singing “Let It Go” in the house, she will ask them to go to their room, close the door and croon their hearts out so she can finish her chores in peace. Such is the power of the catchy anthem from Disney’s 2013 hit. And we aren’t even talking about the profit earned from merchandising (“I want an Elsa doll!”) and home entertainment (“I want to put the Let It Go scene on repeat!”).  

So, why wouldn’t the House of Mouse churn out a second movie to leverage the popularity? Dread it, run from it – the sequel still arrives. We are happy to report that this instalment is better than the last.

Without giving away too much (we are assuming you don’t need much introduction to the recurring characters), the story takes place years after the first movie, and Elsa is hearing a strange sound from the north calling her. Together with Anna (the sister), Kristoff (the dude), Olaf (the snowman) and Sven (the reindeer), they take a journey beyond Arendelle to discover the origin of Elsa's magical powers. Oh, they also need to save their kingdom from impending doom.

Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad return to voice their characters, while new ones are voiced by Sterling K. Brown, Evan Rachel Wood and Martha Plimpton. While these new personalities do not leave as much of an impression as the ones we are already familiar with, they help to add some depth to the story. There is the loyal lieutenant who is trapped in the enchanted forest with his army of soldiers, the queen who has a royal secret not known to her daughters, and the wise leader of an ancient tribe.

What is notable about this 103 minute animated film is that it explores a philosophical theme that involves elements of nature, and the link between them. Parents need not worry that their young ones will be lost in the story, because there are still kid friendly aspects that will tickle their senses. Yup, Olaf may be an irritating character to adults, but he will always be able to make children laugh with his silly antics.

The animation is beyond gorgeous, and you will feel that there is so much to embrace in nature – we can only imagine how captivating it would be to watch the film on an IMAX3D screen. The music is also an engaging listen. Those who are familiar with the first movie’s soundtrack (how can you not be?) will identify “Into the Unknown” as the earworm for this sequel, while Olaf’s (Gad) “When I Am Older” will appeal to the demographic who enjoys “In Summer”. Elsa’s (Menzel) “Show Yourself” and Anna’s (Bell) “Do The Next Right Thing” are beautiful, but the surprise is Kristoff’s lovelorn ballad “Lost In The Woods”, a tune that hits the spot with its hilarious pop song lyrics and arrangement.

For older viewers, this is a sequel that outdoes the original with its bolder themes. For the young ones, there is enough humour to retain their attention. For everyone else, there are awe inspiring visuals for the senses and catchy tunes to sing along to. 

Movie Rating:

(Let the first movie go, and embrace this beautiful sequel that is an epic feat)

Review by John Li