Frozen II

Frozen II

Starring Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad

Directed by Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee

Children's films are typically one of two things: either they're so silly, immature, and downright insulting to the intelligence of their young (and old) viewing audience, or they're masterpieces that tell an important adult lesson through animation, a wise script, and highly capable animations and acting.  Disney can basically churn out the latter in their sleep, and "Frozen II" is one of those films - a masterpiece that tells an important life lesson through dazzling animations and top-notch voice work.

This long-gestating sequel to one of Disney's most beloved films had a lot to live up to, and something seemingly impossible.  How can one recapture the magic that the original held - and continues to hold - audiences young and old, and how can you make it better?  While "Frozen II" quite doesn't excel at being better than the original, it's a very satisfactory sequel that lived up to the hype and once again delivers a strong message about independence, change, and doing "the next right thing."

Elsa (Idina Menzel) is now the Queen of Arendelle, and maintains her close ties with sister Anna (Kristen Bell), her beau Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), his reindeer Sven, and her sentient-created snowman Olaf (Josh Gad).  All is well and good in Arendelle, until Elsa begins hearing a siren's song in the distance, something only she can hear.  She tries to ignore it, but it becomes all-too-apparent that she has to follow the voice into the unknown, and ventures out with her company to find out what's calling to her.  Their discovery will lead them to a long-forgotten land where the sins of the past come to light, characters undergo lifelong changes, and we're once again treated to a wise, sharply written story.

"Frozen II" might be a kid's animated film, but there's several emotions that reverberate through the screen.  It's funny (especially Olaf's charming facts, his humorous re-telling of the first film's events, and other lifelong lessons), it's sad, it's thoughtful and powerful, and it once again casts a strong gaze on the importance of individuality as well as the collective power of love.  There's several adult themes woven throughout the magical tapestry, and is done in such a beautifully crafted way that you can't help but be mesmerized by it.

Much like with sequels, there's a sense of magic that's missing due to the fact that we already know these characters, but also like most sequels this opens the door for more action and in-depth storytelling, which "Frozen II" does in spades.  There's several life-altering moments that threaten to separate our heroes, and intense action that makes it all the more exciting.  We know these characters, and now we get to see them develop more and become stronger through the process, delivered with perfect vocal performances that you'd expect.

The animation is once again dazzling, as we go outside Arendelle and into the unknown (that'll get mentioned a lot, especially since it's probably going to be the Oscar-nominated song title from this film) - a world filled with beautiful autumn colors that also balance the elementals of earth, fire, wind, and water.  Again, since it's Disney, there's no surprise that the film will be magically animated, so it's kinda obvious to that end.

As the film continues, we see Elsa again going through a transformation into the woman she's supposed to be, and finding out the true meaning and purpose of her powers.  As they explore the once-forgotten land, they find out secrets of their family past and long-gestating questions are finally answered - at high costs.  On top of this compelling story, there's a concept that Olaf struggles with that's done in a way that fully allows the audience to experience as well: the issue of change.  He doesn't like how things are changing, and it's something we've all struggled with in our lives: but change still comes regardless, and it's how we handle it that really defines us and gives us purpose, and we find this change affecting each of the characters in deeply personal ways that we can also associate with.  So even though this is an animated film about magical powers, it's also deeply personal for the audience, something that both young and old can appreciate - so essentially it's your typical Disney film.

The songs this time around will probably not be as memorable as the original (including the Oscar-winning and now overheard "Let It Go," which gets a funny little nod in this film), but they're still catchy, uplifting, and sometimes heart-wrenching.  From the easily Oscar-bait "Into the Unknown" to Kristoff's humorous 80s throwback "Lost in the Woods" to Anna's heart-wrenching "The Next Right Thing," there's not a song wasted here, but ultimately won't be as memorable as the 2013's original songlist.

It's no wonder that "Frozen II" broke all records on its release - including being the highest opening for an animated film ever - because it's pure magic from start to finish.  It provides everything that audiences have waited for, and doesn't miss a beat from start to finish.  It's filled with magic, with wonder, adventure and discovery, and hits every emotional note perfectly.

Regardless of what you'd expect a sequel to be, "Frozen II" manages to once again capture the magic, love, and sold storytelling of the original delivered with perfect performances and dazzling animations that send our characters on an all-new adventure that provides important life lessons for themselves - and us as well.

The Score: A+