WITH the undeniable phenomenon that was the first movie, which showed no signs of stopping even before this sequel was announced, Frozen II has a lot to live up to.
Flashing forward three years, the setting is now a stunning autumnal palette of reds and golds and all your favourite characters are living happily ever after ruling Arendelle.
But Elsa (Idina Menzel) is being called to by a mysterious song no-one else can hear and with this film’s answer to Let It Go she accidentally awakens elemental spirits who terrorise the city.
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READ NOWShe, sister Anna (Kristen Bell) and the rest of the gang head into the mist filled forest to find the source of the song and discover what happened between their family and the neighbouring tribe of Northuldra.
Many sequels suffer from making their characters go through the same arc they already experienced in the original movie and sadly Frozen II is no exception.Without any tangible villain, most of the tension frustratingly comes from characters retreading old mistakes and miscommunications meaning the film lacks the spontaneity of its predecessor.
What Frozen II does do that is new is delve deeper into the lore of this world and by doing so touches on themes of colonisation and caring for nature.
The new songs range in genre from classic Broadway to powerhouse pop to even an 80s rock ballade parody from Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) who finally gets his own full musical number.
Multiple self referential moments highlight how much Frozen II is banking on audiences’ love for the original and if you are a fan you cannot fail to have a good time immersed in this magical if sometimes dark world.
And after sitting through three trailers for animated children’s movies before the film all with male protagonists, the Frozen franchise is still leading the way with female centred stories.
THE ESSENTIALS
Frozen II (PG)
Directors: Jennifer Lee, Chris Buck
Starring: Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff
Three and a half stars
Now showing
