Frozen II (November 22, 2019)

The sequel to 2013’s Frozen, set three years after the events of the first film, sees Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven embark on a journey beyond their kingdom of Arendelle in order to discover the origin of Elsa's magical powers and save their kingdom after a mysterious voice calls out to Elsa. The film had the highest all-time worldwide opening for an animated film and went on to gross $1.45 billion worldwide, making it the third highest-grossing film of 2019, the 10th highest-grossing film of all time and the second highest-grossing animated film of all time. The most important aspect of a Disney princess film is its music and Frozen II does not disappoint in this category. Its songs are all showstoppers and I believe they are, overall, better than the first. Their accompanying scenes are beautiful, every scene a masterpiece. That being said, some of the songs do not fit into the overall film as seamless as those in the first film did, particularly “Lost in the Woods” (a personal favorite of mine regardless) and “When I Am Older”. Next, the animation is stunning; the whole film is a feast for the eyes. Else’s magic provides wonderous imagery, sparkling and dazzling. Every detail, from the waves and icy cliffs, to the strands of hair and intricate beading on the clothing are immaculate. This is truly Disney’s most impressive film to date. Having said all that, I have problems with the film’s plot, namely that Elsa’s magic makes even less sense now then it did in the first and is woefully undefined. I do not normally seek explanations in the midst of talking animals, magic, and love at first sight, but the film itself tries to explain it, while piecing together her familial backstory. This leaves it open to criticism and I find its explanation insufficient. Does she have Ice powers or magic because it seems the only source of supernatural power in this world is from natural spirits. But Elsa seemingly can break these natural restrictions, creating dresses and life out of mere ice and snow. No one else seems to have these powers, not even the spirits themselves. Elsa herself, does come into her own through the course of the film, becoming warmer and more secure in her powers and it really is amazing to see. Moving on to other characters, Anna finally is given her due as she worked out her inferiority problems in relation to her powerful sister and maturing into a more confident young lady. That being said, as Anna’s bond with Elsa grows stronger (genuinely heartwarming to see) her attitude towards Kristoff worsens. He really gets the short end of the stick as he is sidelined for the majority of this sequel. He was abandoned by Anna who remained oblivious to his repeated attempts to propose to her (though he finally manages it in the end). He is truly a sidekick to Anna, nothing but waste potential. Disney does not have a good track record with strong Male princes and that weakness is on full display her. I honestly would rather him be scrapped altogether. Overall Frozen II is a mixed bag. It has amazing songs and visuals but weak plot and lopsided treatment of characters. I think it Is still worth watching but not is as good as the first.

Final Rating: 6/10