Six years after the events of the first film, Frozen II reintroduces a slew of beloved characters. Anna (Kristen Bell), Elsa (Idina Menzel), Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), Olaf (Josh Gad) and Sven are back in action, and are, once again, on a mission. The origin of Elsa’s powers are revealed to the group and a mysterious voice is luring them into a mystical wood. The five determine that the best course of action is to set off on a mission to discover the full truth of Elsa’s origins. Along the way they will come to understand that many of the things that they believed to be true are not so. As they continue on their journey, they will discover a great many things about themselves, their lives and the world around them.
Frozen introduced a number of songs that are often regarded as some of the best in the history of Disney’s animated films. Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez essentially dug themselves a hole when they developed such popular and well-regarded songs. Disney brings the Lopez’s back for Frozen II, and they are tasked with competing with themselves and their prior successes. They find a way to effectively compete with themselves and create songs that compare, at least in meaning, to the songs in the first. Idina Menzel’s voice typically is off putting to me, and I struggle to appreciate most of what comes out of her mouth. With that being said, I found her to have serious chops at the high points of “Into the Unknown.” While the song as a whole was not very impressive, the points in the song in which Menzel is tasked with showing the world her voice displayed that there is talent in there for everyone to appreciate.
Anna and Elsa are enjoyable in their own right. Like in Frozen, the two leads are meant to represent the female will and women’s ability to persevere even without the help of a man. They serve significant purposes throughout both the first installment and Frozen II. However, as important as the two protagonists are, Olaf steals the show. He is the reason the story flows so well, he is the reason the film is funny and he provides insights that even some of the more intelligent characters in Disney history are unable to. His very presence is what makes the film watchable and even enjoyable. Without Josh Gad, the films would fall short of any and all expectations and audiences would be left feeling lost and empty.
Frozen II provides audiences with scenes that far exceed those of the first film. Two scenes in particular manage to hold the film together and create a sense of appreciation among viewers. The first scene is almost entirely made up of Gad’s Olaf. He spends a few minutes reminding the audience (and new members to his group) of what took place in Frozen. He plays the roles of Elsa, Anna, Sven, etc. and he absolutely nails each role comedically. Audiences are left laughing out loud and nearly incapable of containing themselves during this scene. The other scene in question feels like it almost does not belong in the film at all. Kristoff and Sven create what can only be described as a 1970’s/1980’s rock and roll music video as they perform “Lost In the Woods.” The scene is comical, and, yet, it is touching at the same time. It is incredibly reminiscent of The Buggles 1979 music video for “Video Killer the Radio Star.” It uses similar techniques, but the sets also appear similar to those used in the famed music video. The references made to the first music video ever made make a connection with basically all audiences born in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Disney once again is able to go beyond the appeal to the younger audiences and make connections with adults as well.
Frozen II develops suspense better than Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee’s first attempt back in 2013. , it introduces songs that surpass the overplayed ramblings of Frozen and it manages to up the ante and make things more intense than before. Disney finds a way, with the help of its talented writer, and directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, to make the franchise better than before. Olaf and Kristoff, in almost every way, steal the show and outshine the others. Sequels do not always live up to the expectations of the original, but Frozen II, is better than the first, and even convinced this hater to appreciate some of what Idina Mezel is capable of.
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