The original Frozen was a billion-dollar hit and it spawned the song that little girls would not let go, so to speak, but here we are six years later with a sequel that mostly entertains even if it somewhat lacks the freshness of its predecessor.
Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, and Josh Gad return to voice Elsa, Anna, and Olaf and this time around, the kingdom of Arendelle has been unfrozen since the first one. However, Elsa hears a mysterious voice whispering to her and it summons her to find what it wants her to do.
Of course, this sets the plot into motion and our heroes are off to discover this strange element. Joining them is Anna’s love, Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) who wants to propose to her, but as in this typical situation, he can never find the right time.
The quartet finds out that this force comes in the form of Ahtohallan, a river that binds the kingdom of Arendelle as well as another race known as Northuldra together, but that alliance was broken years ago.
Frozen 2 is bright, funny, and visually impressive, but it never quite matches up to the original. The voice work and songs do simultaneously stay true to the first film while making this one stand out.
The story is intriguing and provides more than enough moments to develop more about the characters and even thrill us with some sensational sequences that create convincing and beautiful worlds.
Frozen 2 may not reach the heights some fans may expect, but as a sequel to a great movie, that doesn’t bother me anyway.
Grade: B+
(Rated PG for action/peril and some thematic elements.)
