by Brendan Labra, Student Writer
This weekend, the Lost Films at Messiah is showing Frozen 2(2019), the much anticipated follow-up to Disney instant classic Frozen(2013). Since its release, Frozen 2has quickly climbed to box office success, becoming the highest grossing animated film of all time.
The second film in this franchise has been far more decisive than the first, with some critics praising it while others have simply called the film a cash grab. Does Frozen 2 build upon its predecessor, or does it simply ride the coattails of the mega-hit while supplying an average kids movie?
New Characters and Beginnings
Frozen 2 seemingly wastes little time in getting the audience invested in the plot. The beginning minutes of the film are filled with backstory and introduce us to a much bigger and more magical world than we saw in the previous film. While it does seem a little rushed, the beginning does a good job at reintroducing us to these characters that we have not seen in quite some time.
As mentioned above, we are introduced to a vast array of new and important characters. We learn of the civilization known as the Northuldra, an ancient tribe of the Enchanted Forest. This tribe uses the powers of the main elements; wind, fire, water and earth. Elsa (Idina Menzel) and Anna’s (Kristen Bell) grandfather made initial contact and a treaty with the Northuldra, however things turned south and a battle ensued. The battle angered the element spirits and they created a heavy cloud over the Enchanted Forest, restricting any from coming in or out.
The Pace Quickens
After some time getting the audience caught up, we find out that Elsa is hearing a call from what she assumes is this Enchanted Forest. Refusing to resist this call, she along with Anna, Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), Olaf (Josh Gad) and Sven race off to the Enchanted Forest to find out what the call could mean.
As the plot develops, we seem to run into the first real snag in the movie; pacing. The plot from here seems to sprint until we finally get to the finish line about an hour later. While Disney certainly likes having a children’s movie under two hours, it seems rather rushed at times. Again, this really is not much of a concern for the children that the movie-makers intended the film for, however older audiences may be surprised with how quickly certain things develop.
While we are introduced to an entirely new tribe, there are not too many notable new characters that stick in the mind of the audience. Ryder (Jason Ritter) helps Kristoff for a few moments in the films middle act but does not leave all that much of an impression.
On a more positive front, Josh Gad again does a tremendous job with Olaf. He is far and away the funniest and most endearing character in this film. His recap of Frozen that happens when we are introduced to the Northuldra is genuinely hilarious and sticks out as my favorite part of the movie.
But How Were the Songs?
The songs were…fine. Nothing grabs you like “Let it Go” did from the original. “Into the Unknown”, another song led by Elsa, sticks out as my favorite. Some songs feel rather out of place, specifically Kristoff’s rock ballad that he has. While some enjoy the change of pace, it kind of sticks out like a sore thumb to me. That being said, in general I enjoyed the score very much and thought the singing was again tremendous.
Should They Have Just Let it Go?
In full, Frozen 2 probably did not have to be made. The first one tied up stories nicely and the second film does a good enough job at expanding it and making the world of Frozen seem much more full. The film has its bright and dim spots but is certainly worth a watch this weekend with a good group of friends.
Frozen 2 gets 3/5 stars.