Frozen II
3/4
Starring (voices): Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad
Rated PG for Action/Peril and Some Thematic Elements
"Frozen," the smash hit animated musical from six years ago, was a fun movie. It did not need a sequel. But notice how I said that it was a "smash hit." It made over a billion dollars at the global box office, virtually guaranteeing a sequel would come regardless of whether there was any place to take the characters. It turns out that there is room for a second installment.
"Frozen II" opens pretty much where "Frozen" left off. Elsa (Menzel) and Anna (Bell) are as close as ever. Kristoff (Groff) is trying to propose marriage to Anna, although he keeps bungling it. And Olaf (Gad) is as blissfully naive as ever. Trouble starts when Elsa starts hearing a voice singing out of nowhere. Soon the group will have to confront a mystery in their past in order to save their world.
One thing I liked about the film is that its story kept me engaged. The longer the film goes on, the deeper the mystery becomes, and I was always wondering where it was going. Don't expect anything earth-shattering or even very original, but it was more than enough to gauge my interest. Unfortunately, the screenplay isn't up to the same level. The dialogue is bland and the characters remain two-dimensional at best. I realize that this movie is meant for young kids, but still. When compared to something like "Beauty and the Beast" or "Spirited Away" (or any Disney classic, really), it comes up short.
At least the voice acting is on target. Kristen Bell is as energetic as she always is, making for an appealing and lovable Anna. Idina Menzel melds the older sister type with the vulnerable quite well. The two play off each other wonderfully, and any real emotion that comes through is because of their chemistry. Jonathan Groff doesn't have a lot to do, but Josh Gad has some funny moments as Olaf.
If there's a disappointment with "Frozen II," it's the songs. For a musical, the songs are as numerous as they are forgettable. No one is going to be humming anything from this movie. And people are still passing around memes with Elsa singing "Let it Go" (or a version with less PC subtitles). In fact, many seem to do little other than interrupt the story.
Still, "Frozen II" delivers what it promises. We get to see some familiar characters, be told an engaging story, and it doesn't overstay its welcome. You get what you pay for.
Starring (voices): Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad
Rated PG for Action/Peril and Some Thematic Elements
"Frozen," the smash hit animated musical from six years ago, was a fun movie. It did not need a sequel. But notice how I said that it was a "smash hit." It made over a billion dollars at the global box office, virtually guaranteeing a sequel would come regardless of whether there was any place to take the characters. It turns out that there is room for a second installment.
"Frozen II" opens pretty much where "Frozen" left off. Elsa (Menzel) and Anna (Bell) are as close as ever. Kristoff (Groff) is trying to propose marriage to Anna, although he keeps bungling it. And Olaf (Gad) is as blissfully naive as ever. Trouble starts when Elsa starts hearing a voice singing out of nowhere. Soon the group will have to confront a mystery in their past in order to save their world.
One thing I liked about the film is that its story kept me engaged. The longer the film goes on, the deeper the mystery becomes, and I was always wondering where it was going. Don't expect anything earth-shattering or even very original, but it was more than enough to gauge my interest. Unfortunately, the screenplay isn't up to the same level. The dialogue is bland and the characters remain two-dimensional at best. I realize that this movie is meant for young kids, but still. When compared to something like "Beauty and the Beast" or "Spirited Away" (or any Disney classic, really), it comes up short.
At least the voice acting is on target. Kristen Bell is as energetic as she always is, making for an appealing and lovable Anna. Idina Menzel melds the older sister type with the vulnerable quite well. The two play off each other wonderfully, and any real emotion that comes through is because of their chemistry. Jonathan Groff doesn't have a lot to do, but Josh Gad has some funny moments as Olaf.
If there's a disappointment with "Frozen II," it's the songs. For a musical, the songs are as numerous as they are forgettable. No one is going to be humming anything from this movie. And people are still passing around memes with Elsa singing "Let it Go" (or a version with less PC subtitles). In fact, many seem to do little other than interrupt the story.
Still, "Frozen II" delivers what it promises. We get to see some familiar characters, be told an engaging story, and it doesn't overstay its welcome. You get what you pay for.
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