The sequel to the hit- animated movie Frozen… any reader probably knows about Frozen and how its songs took over the world in 2013. Everywhere you looked there was Frozen merchandise or kids singing Let It Go to the top of their lungs. Obviously the sequel to the second-highest grossing animated movie of all time would have huge expectations, so did it deliver? Did it break the Disney sequel curse (sequels to famous Disney animated movies have a history of being lackluster and just worse)? Frozen 2 was definitely visually stunning and had really catchy songs that will be stuck in your head for a while. Themes like change and female empowerment were done very well. Although, one of its main themes of prejudice and most of the big twists didn’t land. The main story is refreshing premise for the franchise’s sequel, and the resolution is powerful.

  It’s 2019, movies can do some crazy things with visuals, and Frozen 2 is a perfect example of that. From the gorgeous autumn forest with beautiful colors to the dark, stormy north ocean, this movie sets a new standard for animated films. Elsa’s powerful ice abilities are so fun to watch because they really do feel magical, and they’re blended so well with the songs. The “Let It Go” of this movie is “Into the Unknown”, and the mix of Elsa’s wondrous ice powers and the lyrics expressing the fear of change, a major theme in this movie are amazing. Songs like “Lost In The Woods” and “When I Am Older” are simply fun, with the latter feeling kind of out of place and the first being a surprising delight. “The Next Right Thing” is hardly catchy, but

it’s one of the most relatable and important Disney songs ever, showing that when you lose all hope and don’t know what to do, just take the first step and do the next right thing. “Show Yourself” is a powerful song that is so empowering and shows off Elsa’s awesomeness through incredible icy animation. “All Is Found” is a mysterious lullaby that parts of are found throughout the whole movie. ‘Some Things Never Change” introduces the theme of fear of change, and the whole main cast gets to sing. Overall the combination of catchy, powerful songs and beautiful animation is genuinely magical.

 Frozen 2’s themes and reveals are a mixed bag. The theme of prejudice and discrimination towards a group of people is introduced, but not really developed. It is teased at the beginning, but it is quite absent from the middle and quickly resolved. The movie even tries adding new characters important to the this theme, but they’re simply unmemorable and get very little screen time. The movie tries developing it with a predictable twist. In fact, almost none of the twists are actually very surprising. For a movie about discovering the truth and uncovering the past, its reveals are surprisingly underwhelming. There’s one surprise at the very end that is actually done well, but it follows a strange new Disney trope seen in recent Disney movies including Toy Story 4 and Ralph Breaks the Internet. Luckily this movie executes this trope better than those movies and it makes for a satisfying ending. The theme of change is executed very well. Frozen 2 shows that change can be scary. We may like the way things are, and we want it to stay like this forever, but that’s unrealistic. Through the songs “Some Things Never Change” and “The Next Right Thing”, and especially the very ending of the film, the audience discovers how to deal with the fear of change. Another thing very present and well done in Frozen 2 is female empowerment. The two leads Anna and Elsa are two sisters who save the day themselves. They have help from Kristoff, a man, but it’s not like the damsel in distress situation seen in many previous Disney movies. Kristoff just cares about the sisters and wants to help any way he can, while Anna and Elsa are the one making the plans and saving the day. Elsa is extremely powerful, and Anna doesn’t need powers to be a hero. Frozen 2 has powerful, important themes, some of which are executed well and some of which are not, along with twists and reveals that are mainly half-baked and underdeveloped.

  The main story of this movie works off of some unanswered questions left open from the first movie, and the

audience really wants to know the answers. Most Disney sequels come up with an uninteresting plot, or give you something you never knew you definitely never wanted, like Kronk’s New Groove or Mulan 2 (apologies if you like those movies). Frozen 2 asks fascinating questions like how did Elsa get her powers? What really happened to Elsa and Anna’s parents? Why a mysterious enchanted forest keeping two groups of people trapped inside? These mysteries are actually interesting, unlike the question does Kronk from The Emperor’s New Groove  ever fall in love? While the twists in the middle of the story trying to put a spin on these mysteries just aren’t good at all, the resolutions are wonderful. There are some very high stakes, leading to one of the most spectacular animated visuals ever. The ending is satisfying, with every character being where they belong. There’s a side plot with Kristoff that doesn’t have much nuance, but Kristoff’s love for Anna and breaking of the knight in shining armor trope overshadows that. Olaf’s side plot about growing older can be cute, but isn’t much. Frozen 2’s story is awesome and mysterious and intriguing.

  Frozen 2 had a lot to live up to, and it does a pretty fine job. From stunning visuals and amazing songs to themes of change and female empowerment, the movie is definitely a fun experience. The story actually breaks the Disney sequel curse, being really interesting. Its twists are mostly predictable, though, and its theme of prejudice isn’t developed much. It’s hard to ignore the film’s flaws, but it’s even harder to ignore the songs that will be stuck in everyone’s heads and the animated spectacles that are so re-watchable. Frozen 2 is a good, fresh new Disney sequel with lots to love about it, and it sets a new standard for what an animated film can be!

7/10