Movie Review | Frozen II (2019) – Tales Past Midnight

Six years ago, scores of people young and old were hooked by the catchy song “Let It Go” and were enchanted with the story of two sisters who found the true love that can conquer anything. This year, we finally get the sequel and the answers to a lot of questions raised on the first movie.

When Will You See Yourself As I See You?”
— Anna, Frozen II

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Directors: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee
Writers: Jennifer Lee (screenplay by)
Stars: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad

Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven leave Arendelle to travel to an ancient, autumn-bound forest of an enchanted land. They set out to find the origin of Elsa’s powers in order to save their kingdom. IMDb

REVIEW

You’re probably sick and tired of hearing the iconic “Let It Go” song by now but just like other iconic Disney songs, it will forever stay in the hearts of many a little boys and girls (and their parents) for years to come. I remember going crazy over Disney songs like the ones in Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast when I was younger and come to think of it I actually have a Spotify Playlist of Disney songs. These songs though would not have come to life without the animated movies they were made for.

Six years ago, we were introduced to the Disney version of the Ice Queen’s story. Just like the originals of other fairy tales, it was not pretty. We give it to Disney to come up with a story that would capture the imagination of this generations children and their parents who grew up watching Disney classics. We all fell in love with the uptight Elsa and the quirky Anna, sisters in the Kingdom of Arendelle. Elsa has Ice Magic and she was taught to “conceal, don’t feel” before she learned to let it go.

In Frozen 2, we see Elsa, Anna, and the gang again and everything is still as magical as the first movie. Maybe even more. Elsa starts hearing a magical voice that calls her to find out about the past and to finally help her realize her place in the world. They travel north where they find the spirits of Fire, Wind, Water, and Earth who have closed in the tribe called Northuldra from the rest of the world.

The character development of the Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and even Olaf were tremendous. And this is the first time where I say this movie was made more for adults than kids. Let me break it down below.

Elsa. As the main character of this movie, we finally see that development that was started in the first movie. She’s always been the reserved type – classic ice queen. In the second movie, we see her insecurities still coming out. Then she starts hearing a voice which makes her more nervous about making mistakes as Queen of Arendelle, sister to Anna, and keeper of her powers. We see her tame the other element spirit on her journey to find the true source of her powers. In the process, she discovers that she is the fifth element that bridges the spirits and humans.

Anna. I think she also counts as a main character and she has the most character development that I’ve seen in the 2nd movie. She’s the classic playful younger sister and she doesn’t have that much of a care in the world aside from being with the people she loves. She holds on to the idea that they don’t have to worry about anything because they will always be with each other. In the song ‘Some Things Never Change’ Anna says she relies on certain certainties. But when she is faced with loss of the people she loves her grief transforms her from the bubbly oddball princess to the one who has to step up and do ‘The Next Right Thing’. When she sang “The lights are out/Hello, darkness/I’m ready to succumb” it echoed what I always feel when my anxiety and depression leaves no room in my head and heart but darkness. This might be my favorite song in this movie by far.

Olaf. How is this little snowman so naive and yet so wise at the same time? From the innocence of just wanting to experience summer, Olaf now asks questions not even adults know the answers to. This little dude had a full on existential crisis. He’s asking uncomfortable questions about change, relationships, the world and what it could bring to him. It’s very disconcerting. Then he has a “Mr. Stark, I don’t feel to well.” moment and I was just bawling. If you’ve seen Avengers Endgame, you’d know what I was alluding to.

Kristoff. I’ve heard he is now being called the best Disney Prince even if he isn’t one. His character arc was a fresh surprise to me. I loved how he sang “Lost in the Woods” a ballad that was a such a big nod to 80’s/90’s music that it was cheesy but very heartwarming at the same time. If little girls look to Elsa and Anna, then finally we have a male character who little boys will see profess his feelings and that it is ok to be feel them. I stan Kristoff.

Kristoff also stands beside Anna, supporting her instead of saving her. Now that my friends is a real Prince Charming. He knows what Anna was capable of doing and that she is a strong woman and he’s there if she needs him.

I’m here. What do you need?
– Kristoff, Frozen II

I love what Kristen Bell said on her interview with Jimmy Fallon in The Tonight Show.

This movie gave me all the feels. I was already crying in the first 10 minutes then laughing at the funny antics of Olaf then crying again. There is heartbreak in truth but with that comes acceptance and growth. We know have two Queens – Elsa and Anna who has given us a most epic full circle end to this franchise.

There is heartbreak in truth but with that comes acceptance and growth.

Have you seen Frozen II? Are you an adult who was excited to see it (or is excited to see it if you haven’t yet)? What were the songs that you liked? What did you think of the songs?