As a mom of 3 girls, we watched Frozen more times than I care to remember. Believe me when I say I adore Idina Menzel. I’ve been a huge fan since her days of Rent and Wicked, back when she and Taye Diggs were still married. But at some point, if I listened to my kids play the movie or Frozen soundtrack again, my ears might have quite literally bled. I had to learn to let it go.
SPIRITS OF NATURE – In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2,” Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) learns that a voice has been calling Elsa, urging her to venture into the unknown where she must face the spirits of nature—wind, fire, earth and water. “Frozen 2” opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22, 2019. © 2019 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
Frozen 2 Movie Review
To say I was skeptical about a sequel—despite my love of the original—is an understatement. I had no doubt the vocals and soundtrack would be amazing, but the story was what worried me. Could a sequel stand up to the success of the original Frozen?
The answer is yes. And I daresay Frozen 2 may even be better than the original Frozen.
Much like the first film, which was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s 1845 fairy tale “The Snow Queen,” Frozen 2 embraces the notions of mythology and fairy tales that were often written to explain the inexplicable. Life throws you curveballs, and this story is about learning to fight for your place in the world and do what’s right, all while finding out who you are meant to be.
EPIC STORY – In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2,” Queen Iduna (voice of Evan Rachel Wood) and King Agnarr (voice of Alfred Molina) share an epic story with Young Anna (voice of Hadley Gannaway) and Young Elsa (voice Mattea Conforti) about an enchanted forest and the potential danger that lingers. “Frozen 2” opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22, 2019. © 2019 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
The all-new story takes place 3 years after the first movie concludes. Elsa is queen, and Anna is happy having everyone she loves living under the castle roof (Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven). Despite the fact that the bond between the two sisters is strong, there is an underlying current of unrest and angst that ultimately leads to a great adventure—an adventure that will bring clarity to everything we know about these characters in a deeply emotional story.
Magical and larger than life, Elsa is the perfect mythic character—but she can’t help but wonder why she was born with powers. What truths about the past await Elsa as she ventures into the unknown to the enchanted forests and dark seas beyond Arendelle? Featuring Idina Menzel as the voice of Elsa, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2” opens on Nov. 22, 2019. © 2019 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
Frozen 2 is an Epic Adventure Story
Frozen 2 is a bigger and more epic adventure than Frozen, but most importantly, in the end, they work together to form a complete story. Even looking at the setting and palette of Frozen 2, we can see the changes and growth from the first movie to the second. Autumn is a season of change, growth, and maturity. The winter color palette is much more single-dimensional; autumn is more multi-dimensional and represents the greater change and growth, as we see in the characters in Frozen 2.
Frozen 2 opens similarly to Frozen, with a young Anna and Elsa playing in the castle. Their parents tell them a story before bed. We get some more backstory as to how and why their parents go off to sea.
INTO THE UNKNOWN — Magical and larger than life, Elsa is the perfect mythic character—but she can’t help but wonder why she was born with powers. Meanwhile, Anna is the perfect fairytale character—unflappable and forever the optimist. What truths about the past await Elsa and Anna as they venture into the unknown to an enchanted forest far from Arendelle? Featuring Idina Menzel as the voice of Elsa, and Kristen Bell as the voice of Anna, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2” opens on Nov. 22, 2019. © 2019 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
We’re introduced to the “voice” Elsa has been hearing call to her. We see the elements and hear the voice as it calls to Elsa, and she ventures off into the unknown to find out who or what has been calling to her. Despite her ability to harness and control her powers, she’s unsettled by the voice that only she can hear, and she’s compelled to find it and demands the voice show itself.
When Elsa finds the voice, not only does it show her the pieces of her past, but it also promises answers about why she is the way that she is. However, when Elsa finds that voice, she also unleashes a threat against the kingdom of Arendelle, as well as threatens the bond between her and Anna.
FROZEN 2 – In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2, Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven journey far beyond the gates of Arendelle in search of answers. Featuring the voices of Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad, “Frozen 2” opens in U.S. theaters November 22. © 2019 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
Elsa heads off on a dangerous journey into the unknown, to the enchanted forest, and to the dark seas beyond Arendelle. Anna is determined to go with her and help her uncover the mystery, along with Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven.
In Frozen, Elsa feared her powers were too much for the people of Arendelle. In Frozen 2, she hopes they are enough to save them.
(From Left to Right) HONEYMAREN – A member of the Northuldra, Honeymaren is a true free spirit and wants nothing more than to bring peace to the enchanted forest. She is bold and brave, with a reverence for the magic of nature. Rachel Matthews provides the voice of Honeymaren. RYDER – Eager and fun, Honeymaren’s brother Ryder embraces life with optimism. Ryder’s love of reindeer might just rival Kristoff’s – but unlike Kristoff, Ryder has never roamed the great plains outside of the Enchanted Forest. He longs to embrace the world and venture beyond the magical mist. Jason Ritter lends his voice to Ryder. YELANA – The unspoken leader of the nomadic Northuldra. She is fiercely protective of her family and community but is known to soften when people show an understanding of nature and their environment. Martha Plimpton was called on to bring Yelana to life. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2” opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22, 2019. © 2019 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
Does Elsa Have a Girlfriend in Frozen 2?
I have seen this question all over the internet for a couple of weeks now. To be honest, as a bi woman, this particular question irritates the heck out of me. Elsa’s sexual orientation does nothing toward moving the story forward. I do wish Disney would take a stance one way or another when it comes to their characters, rather than tiptoeing around an issue such as they do with sexuality and orientation. LeFou makes eyes at Gaston; it’s obvious he has some love interest toward him. Elsa maybe makes eyes and holds the hand of Honeymaren. Is that why she chooses to stay in the Enchanted Forest? It never really says. Sure, we can draw conclusions all day long. Regardless, her orientation doesn’t matter. We’d love for Disney to just simply say, “Yes, Elsa is a lesbian.” But that doesn’t seem likely at this point, no more likely than Disney officially saying that LeFou is gay.
ENCHANTED FOREST — In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2,” Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel) finds herself in an enchanted forest that is surrounded by a mysterious and magical mist. “Frozen 2” opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22, 2019. © 2019 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
The Music of Frozen 2
Duo Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez are back with their Oscar-winning music and lyrics and 7 new songs for Frozen 2.
7 new, original songs
“All is Found” performed by Evan Rachel Wood
“All is Found” is Queen Iduna’s secret message to Elsa and it serves as a road map to the mythology of the story.” The theme recurs orchestrally in critical moments as a reminder of Iduna’s relationship with the girls.
“Some Things Never Change” performed by Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, and Jonathan Geoff
In this song, Anna reassures Olaf that not everything has to change, in part because that’s what she wants deep down. She has her family together, and as she says in the song, “I’m holding on tight to you!”
BRUNI – Curious and cute, this salamander inhabits the Enchanted Forest. Though shy at first, Bruni can’t help but be drawn to Elsa’s icy magic and enjoys the cool snowflake treats she creates. From the Academy Award®-winning team—directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, producer Peter Del Vecho and songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez—Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2” opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22, 2019. © 2019 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
“Into the Unknown” performed by Idina Menzel (featuring Norwegian singer AURORA)
The song forces Elsa to ask herself some tough questions: Where does she truly belong? What is her purpose? The voice is seducing Elsa, pulling her. It’s a voice that only she can hear. She starts off saying ‘I hear you, but I don’t want to.’ But she can’t help herself. She ends up surrendering as she reaches the edge of a cliff. It’s a catalyst for change. The song starts Elsa’s personal journey beyond Arendelle. This showstopper drives the entire story forward.
“When I Am Older” performed by Josh Gad
We get to see that Olaf is changing, and we get to explore more of the enchanted forest, which is a big part of the movie. Olaf is alone in the forest, but this forest is unlike any forest he’s ever seen. Things catch on fire, the wind takes him for a ride, there are giant footprints, and he sees eyes looking up at him from the water. Olaf, of course, is optimistic, believing it’ll all make sense when he’s older. Growing up means adapting, a theme that is strong in this movie.
“Reindeer(s) Are Better Than People (Cont.)” performed by Jonathan Groff
Groff revisits the ditty he sang in Frozen, continuing its story to reflect what Kristoff is going through this time.
“Lost in the Woods” performed by Jonathan Groff
The song channels 80s glam rock, illustrating Kristoff’s struggles to move forward in his relationship with Anna. In a style reminiscent of the 80s when men actually sang power ballads about their feelings, Kristoff sings about his struggles and feelings with Anna not understanding his love for her, joined by a crew of reindeer.
In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2, Elsa encounters a Nokk—a mythical water spirit that takes the form of a horse—who uses the power of the ocean to guard the secrets of the forest. Featuring the voice of Idina Menzel as Elsa, “Frozen 2” opens in U.S. theaters November 22. ©2019 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
“Show Yourself” performed by Idina Menzel and Evan Rachel Wood
This magical climax marks the moment Elsa finds her true purpose when Elsa discovers what’s behind the voice that’s been calling to her. Everything culminates for Elsa within this song. She tames the Nokk and rides the water horse to Ahtohallan.
“The Next Right Thing” performed by Kristen Bell
The deeply emotional song is the last song of the film and shows Anna choosing optimism over despair. Anna, the eternal optimist, uses her courage to used her courage and wanted to break it down to the next breath, the next step, to get over her darkness.
Is Frozen 2 Safe for Kids?
In my opinion, yes! If your kids are 6 and older, Frozen 2 is kid-approved. If you have kids younger than 6 or ages 6-10 who are sensitive, here are my warnings. There are a few intense fight scenes and an intense scene when Anna and Olaf are headed downstream that might be too much for young or sensitive kids. There is a moment recounting when the girls’ parents die at sea that can be upsetting, too. Proceed with caution knowing those few points if your kids are very young or super sensitive. Otherwise, Frozen 2 is safe for kids!
Have you seen Frozen 2 yet?
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