Disney’s Frozen 2 far exceeds the original animated film. The character development, storyline and the overall themes are more nuanced, detailed and intriguing. Under the direction of an Academy Award-winning team—directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, Disney’s animated sequel to the original Frozen answers many questions about: Anna and Elsa, their parents, their ancestral legacy and more. Themes of answering the ‘call of destiny’, overcoming hardship and resistance, the power of sisterhood and looking back to the past in order to gain a greater understanding of who you are in the present, are all prevalent themes in Frozen 2.
In Frozen, Elsa fears the possibilities of her power. In Frozen 2, it is these very gifts that lead her to answering the call to face her fears, push through the resistance and become all that she is meant to be. Additionally, in the process of Elsa answering the ‘call’, she paves the way for her younger sister Anna to step into her proper position as well.
With the sequel, Frozen 2 has new characters and cast additions which include Alfred Molina as the voice of King Agnarr, Anna and Elsa’s father; Martha Plimpton voices Yelana, the powerful, mysterious leader of the nomadic Northuldra; Rachel Matthews voices Honeymaren, an open-minded member of the Northuldra tribe; Jason Ritter voices Honeymaren’s brother Ryder; and a cute, fiery salamander named Bruni, who also lives in the enchanted forest definitely makes its presence known.
In Frozen 2, Elsa hears a voice calling out to her, and she’s the only one that can hear it. While Elsa has always been at one with nature, she immediately discerns that this call is something that far transcends logic and rationale. This voice is connected to something greater. Though the uncertainty of the unknown is daunting, through Elsa and Anna viewers get to witness the benefits of having grit and tenacity as Anna (Kristin Bell), Elsa (Idina Menzel), Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) Olaf and Sven(Josh Gad) leave Arendelle and head off into an enchanted land in search of the origin of Elsa’s powers in an attempt to save their kingdom.
The storyline is very effective and will be especially engaging for fans of the original Frozen, because it reveals some of the back story to Elsa and Anna’s parents and what life was like for their parents when they were alive as well as a deeper look at how they died. The narrative surrounding the natural and spiritual elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water are explored in much greater detail, and in Frozen 2, the growth and maturity of the characters is evident. Elsa is more at ease with her inner strengths and power. We learn about Elsa’s personality as a small child, and that she’s always had an innate yearning to further understand nature and the spirit world.
Anna and Kristoff have evolved in their relationship, yet Kristoff’s love and earnest desire to please Anna is still burning strong. Olaf has matured some, and he’s grown to be a bit more poetic and perceptive. Olaf still serves as a perfect form of comic relief when moments in the movie seem daunting. In true Disney fashion, this sequel is beautifully animated. Elsa and Anna are adorned beautifully. With the exception of slight maturity, Elsa and Anna look very much themselves.
There’s a theme of “Two sisters, having one mind” within Frozen 2 that sends a positive and aspirational message to siblings. While Elsa and Anna couldn’t be more different; their lineage, their love for one another, and the loss of their parents gives them an undeniable connection that transcends their physical bodies. At one point in the movie, though her sister is not in the same location as her physically Anna senses that her sister Elsa is in serious danger. The connection between these two sisters is beautiful.
There’s also a theme of not allowing the unknown to stop one from pressing forward. On several occasions, many of the characters within the film grapple with the fear of what lies ahead, only to find that the resistance they experienced and fought to overcome was preparing them for what was next. Lastly, the anecdote of “doing the next right thing” provides a teachable moment for younger audiences. The notion that when one can see no future, to just take a step and do the next right thing is a finite and tangible takeaway message.
DIVERSITY IN ARENDELLE AND THE ENCHANTED FOREST
Unlike Frozen which truly lacked the presence of people of color altogether, Frozen 2 not only adds a Black soldier named Lieutenant Mattias (Sterling K. Brown, This Is Us) who has been trapped inside the enchanted for more than 30 years, there are also Indigenous people in the enchanted forest. The inclusion of non-white people into the narrative is important, because as we all know—kids, especially girls of all backgrounds love the Elsa and Anna franchise.
Though at times there’s an air of mystique and uncertainty, the overall tone of the film is very kid-friendly. Frozen 2 is definitely appropriate for all ages. This sequel convincingly brings clarity and closure to many of the questions left behind after the original Frozen. Fans and viewers will be pleased with what this new addition to the franchise will reveal. The music soundtrack is beautiful and fitting, and there are a few fun songs that will definitely be in rotation once the soundtrack to the movie is made available.
Overall, Frozen 2 exceeds expectations, entertains and is a positive addition to what we have all come to know about Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Sven and the many other inhabitants of Arendelle.
Keep up with Disney’s Frozen 2 with the hashtag: #Frozen2, and be sure to follow the movie on its social media accounts!
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