My eight-year old and I went to see an advanced screening of Frozen 2, and I’m delighted to say that we both give it a hearty two thumbs up. In fact, to quote my daughter, “It was amazing! Everyone should go and see it. It’s such a good movie.”
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. From the Academy Award®-winning team—directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, producer Peter Del Vecho and songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez—and featuring the voices of Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2” opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22, 2019.
I went in with low expectations. Let’s face it; it’s a sequel, and a sequel of an amazing original movie at that. I wasn’t expecting Toy Story 3 level of good. I was expecting an enjoyable, mediocre movie.
I was wrong.
For a movie that has a bit darker thematic elements and a more mature plot line, I was tickled by how often I laughed. Some of the funniest scenes seemed to be with adults (re: parents) in mind. I would giggle and my daughter would say, “What, what.” But since it was a subtle expression or the tone of voice, she missed it.
One of the more hilarious scenes (think 80’s flash back) features Kristoff, who’s having a hard time telling Anna exactly how much he cares. Kids will enjoy it but parents will LOVE it. Fun fact: in the new original song “Lost in the Woods,” actor Jonathon Groff voices not only Kristoff, but Sven and more than a dozen other “backup” reindeer.
The movie features the five main characters from the first film (Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven), but also introduces us to some fun, new characters as well. (I’m looking at you, Captain Mattias.) The movie is an adventure film at it’s core, complete with all the highs and lows you’d expect. In a little over 90 minutes, I laughed, teared up, felt joy, concern, and nervousness. It covered all the bases
What about the music?
Is the music on par with the soundtrack of the first film? No.
But it’s still really, really good. We’ve been playing the soundtrack non-stop all week. While “Into the Unknown” may not be the next “Let It Go”, it’s still a fantastic, catchy song.
Side note: I’m in love with the Panic at the Disco and Kacey Musgraves versions on the soundtrack.
Anything parents should be worried about?
Honestly, I don’t think so. The only red flag I’ll wave is if you have a super sensitive child, they might have a hard time with some of the more mature elements (think death and loss) but other than that, this movie will be a great one for the whole family. I think even my 10 year old boy would have enjoyed it.
We’ll definitely be watching again as a family when it’s out on streaming services.
STINGER: Don’t forget to stay until the end of the credits!
Frozen 2 has a run time of 103 minutes and is rated PG.
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