Sometimes sequels to animated movies can seem like shameless cash-gabs (Finding Dory is a prime example), but this year, Disney seems to have found the right balance.
Frozen 2 does not seem like a cash-grab, in fact, it might even tell a better story than the original.
Frozen 2 stars the returning cast of the original, including Kristen Bell and Josh Gad, as well as newcomers Sterling K Brown and Evan Rachel Wood.
The main plot of the story is based around Elsa trying to figure out why she has her ice powers – a natural progression after she figures out how to use them in the original.
When I was watching the film a couple of songs stood out to me but I couldn’t have sung you a single lyric (probably not a good sign for a musical).
However, after relistening to the soundtrack I’ve now got about three stuck in my head.
The stand-out for me is Kristoff’s solo outing which is a great song and an even better moment in the film.
Not only that but songs from all the cast are exceptional and it always surprises me how talented Kristen Bell really is.
Speaking of Kristoff, I greatly appreciated the level of additional depth they gave his character. He seems truly rounded and not just the cliché tough guy that Disney often puts in their movies.
And the additional cute side-kicks are a huge plus.
If I had one complaint, it would be the pace of the film.
It seems that everything is moving slowly until the end of the second act where everything gains a massive amount of speed and all of a sudden it’s over before you’ve even had a chance to take it all in.
On further rewatches that might be a good thing, but this film is an hour and 50 minutes, they could easily have taken an extra 10 minutes to add some more depth.
Overall, Frozen 2 is a solid addition to the franchise, and Disney‘s catalogue, and it might even be better than the original.
(But it’s not better than Tangled)
Frozen 2: 4/5
Connor Mountford 