‘Frozen 2’: a he-said, she said film review

By Tom and Marilyn Jozwik

Published Nov. 28, 2019

SHE: Disney’s “Frozen” from 2013 turned out to be one of the decade’s most popular animated films, its characters launching all sorts of must-have items for kids, its catchy “Let It Go” tune familiar to just about everybody. So how do you top this once-in-a-decade piece? The answer is: You don’t. But Disney knows how to create characters that kids love by making them funny, cute, daring, endearing.

This latest “Frozen 2” has a rather complicated story for kids to get, yet they do know when someone is in danger, when something heroic happens, when characters care for each other. In this version, all is well in Arendelle the town of Princess Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel) and her sister Anna (voiced by Kristen Bell). That is until Elsa, who we all know has magical powers, hears a mysterious siren voice that no one else can hear. It’s calling her, so she follows but of course her usual entourage of her sister Anna, and their friends: the handsome, brave Kristoff (voiced by Jonathan Groff), who is in love with Anna and tries mightily to propose; his faithful reindeer companion Sven; and the kids’ favorite (judging from their many occasions to giggle at the press screening) Olaf, the oft-discombobulated snowman voiced by Josh Gad.

I have to say, I’m a Disney sucker. They have the template for a successful story combining music, characters and outstanding animation that pleases a wide swath of audience.

HE: This sequel is a somewhat darker story than the original. Still, it boasts wonderful animation, pleasant music and, as you’ve suggested, endearing enough characters—most of them favorites from the 2013 flick. “Frozen 2” is about as engaging for adults as it is for youngsters (maybe even more so, to judge from the sizable number of kids running in and out of the auditorium on preview night for the bathrooms, snack counters or whatever, while the adults generally sat still). The new release isn’t quite the equal of its predecessor, though … which I guess is par for the course with sequel films. 

 SHE: I agree: this story was on the dark side, and way too much for youngsters -- let alone many adults -- to fully understand. There's the story of two tribes and mystical spirits that Anna and Elsa's mother, father and grandfather had roles in; an enchanted forest that still holds these tribes captive; a mystical journey to the past to learn what happened to Anna and Elsa's family; Elsa's dangerous trip to a mystical river that leaves Elsa truly frozen and Olaf unfrozen. There's a darling new salamander spirit -- that has the nature of a cat (it even purrs!) -- plus some wild water scenes with Nokk the water spirit (who tosses Elsa around like a beach ball), which could be some pretty scary stuff for young viewers. Nonetheless, I don't see this film being anything less than a huge holiday hit the whole family will embrace. And with Menzel belting out tunes like the soaring "Into the Unknown," this film's "Let It Go"-type centerpiece, there'll be plenty for youngsters to crow about.

I'd give this film an A.

HE: Yes, a rather complicated story, in addition to being, as already mentioned, a bit dark. Entertaining, though, and one of the most family-geared movies to see the light of day for a while. My grade is B+.