frozen two movie review

“Frozen II” has an autumnal palette, with russet and gold setting the stage for an unexpectedly elegiac tone in the follow-up to one of Disney’s most beloved animated features. Even the irrepressibly cheerful snowman Olaf ( Josh Gad ), now permafrosted so even the warmest hugs don’t melt him, is worried about change as the leaves turn orange and float down from tree branches. He is confident, though, that as soon as he gets older he will understand everything. After all, that’s what he expects from Elsa ( Idina Menzel ), Anna ( Kristen Bell ), and Kristoff ( Jonathan Groff ). Anna reassures him (in song, of course) that yes, some things change, but some things are forever. She tells him that even when you don’t know the answers you can always just do the next right thing, and that will help. 

“Frozen II” is funny, exciting, sad, romantic, and silly. It has great songs and a hilarious recap of the first movie, and then it is all of that all over again. Plus an extra scene ALL the way at the end of the credits. This sequel can seem overstuffed at times, and tries a bit too hard to replicate the magic of the first film, but it is impressively willing to engage with some complicated issues in a frank manner that is accessible to children and insightful even for adults. 

It throws a lot at us, like rock monsters, a cute fire salamander, and a magnificent water horse (the latter two likely to appear on holiday gift wish lists). The settings are gorgeously imagined and wonderfully inviting. Anna has a sensational new wardrobe. We learn family secrets, some comforting, some painful. Characters confront some of the most daunting human questions about loss, change, trust and how we can best heal the wounds of the past.

In a charming flashback, we see the princesses as little girls, playing together happily and being put to bed by loving parents. The king tells them a bedtime story from his own childhood about visiting an enchanted forest with his father to celebrate the completion of a dam the Arendellians built to help the indigenous people. But the gathering turned into an attack. The king was killed, and only the young prince survived, rescued by a mysterious character. Ever since, the enchanted forest has been barricaded by a powerful mist. The girls learn from their mother’s lullaby that the river may hold some answers about what happened. “Dive down deep into her sound, but not too deep or you’ll be drowned,” the Queen sings. “When all is lost, then all is found.” It’s surprising how dark lullabies can get, a character points out.

In the present day, the sisters live happily in the castle, enjoying family time (Olaf is the Charades MVP) and caring for their community. But Elsa hears voices calling to her from the enchanted forest. She is afraid, but also thrilled. It is an invitation she struggles to admit that she wants to accept, leading to this film’s belter ballad, “Into the Unknown.” “I’ve had my adventure/I don’t need something new … don’t you know there’s part of me that loves to go into the unkn-ow-ow-own.”  

And so, after a warning from Kristoff’s “love expert” friend Pabbie ( Ciarán Hinds ) and Olaf’s not-always-helpful fun facts commentary along the way, they reach the enchanted forest. There, they meet new characters, sing some more songs, sort out some misunderstandings and try to protect each other. They confront the consequences of bad, even tragic choices made by their family. 

Parents often ask me why children, especially preschoolers and middle-schoolers, like to watch the same movies over and over. I tell them that when everything around you seems to be drastically changing on a daily basis and you barely know yourself anymore, it can be a great comfort to have a movie friend that’s the same every time. “Frozen II” is destined to be one of those movies children will want to see dozens of times. It will reward repeat viewings with both its reassuring messages about responding to change with courage and curiosity, and its challenge to understand the mistakes of the past so we can begin to work on “the next right thing” together.

Nell Minow is the Contributing Editor at RogerEbert.com.

• Kristen Bell as Anna (voice)
• Idina Menzel as Elsa (voice)
• Jonathan Groff as Kristoff (voice)
• Josh Gad as Olaf (voice)
• Sterling K. Brown as Lieutenant Mattias (voice)
• Evan Rachel Wood as Iduna (voice)
• Ciarán Hinds as Pabbie (voice)
• Jason Ritter as Ryder (voice)
• Rachel Matthews as Honeymaren (voice)
• Alfred Molina as Agnarr (voice)
• Jeremy Sisto as King Runeard (voice)
• Jennifer Lee

Writer (story by)

• Kristen Anderson-Lopez
• Robert Lopez
• Christophe Beck
• Jeff Draheim

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‘Frozen 2’ Review: Long-Awaited Sequel Pushes Disney Into a Charming and Surprising New Direction

Kate erbland, editorial director.

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Editor’s note: This review was originally published for the theatrical release of “Frozen II.” It is now available to stream on Disney+.

Everything was in its (seeming) right place at the conclusion of Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck’s 2013 animated smash hit “Frozen,” as long-suffering princesses Anna ( Kristen Bell ) and Elsa (Idina Menzel) were reunited, the kingdom of Arendelle was freed from its eternal winter, Elsa was crowned queen (with her magic intact  and  appreciated), and Anna had found love with a doofy regular dude after banishing a nefarious smooth-talking wannabe Prince Charming type. Still, fans of the Disney feature have long clamored for a sequel to the musical charmer, if only to spend more time with a cadre of cute characters (including, of all things, a hammy reindeer and Josh Gad as a sentient snowman who has zero right to be as cute as he is) inside an inventive new world.

Perhaps they should have been careful what they wished for, if only because it’s about to be upended by a fresh new story.

Sure, Elsa eventually ascended to the throne, leaving her self-created ice castle behind and slipping into a role that had long been carved out for her, but does that choice truly reflect who she is? And while Anna has always been happy to play second (very supportive) fiddle to her gifted big sis, she’s consistently seemed like the better choice to lead a kingdom (and a Disney franchise) to new heights. Every sequel is tasked with dramatizing what happens next , but “ Frozen 2 ” is built on a sly bit of course correction that might rile the very people who wanted it so badly. The franchise — and the fandom — are better for it.

“Frozen” may have ended with everything in its right place, but Lee and Buck’s long-awaited followup makes the case that a sequel was necessary, not because it was demanded, but because “Frozen” was never the correct end of the story. Loving the characters and themes of “Frozen” and wanting to see more of them can only naturally lead to “Frozen 2,” which does away with so many of the happily-ever-after elements of the first film (and finds new, updated ones). By moving the tension between the traditional and the bold to the forefront, “Frozen 2” is one of the more daring visions of the future of Disney moviemaking, all bolstered by gorgeous animation and a handful of instant-classic new jams.

While “Frozen” used plenty of traditional plot points to guide it, including building off a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, imparting key lessons about doing the right thing, and making being part of the royal family sound like a fun gig, it was always laced through with some compelling subversion. Some moviegoers even latched on to Elsa’s alienation and desire to break free from expectations as indicative of her potential queerness — possible sexuality aside, crafting a bonafide Disney Princess who really,  really  didn’t want to be one is still a heck of a choice for Disney.

Picking up soon after the events of the first film, “Frozen 2” finds Elsa, Anna, Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), Olaf (Gad), and Sven the reindeer happily ensconced in a cheery Arendelle. And yet an early flashback to Anna and Elsa’s youth — before they were separated out of fear of Elsa’s icy powers — indicates that the seeds of this story were sown long ago. Since the first film, which offed Anna and Elsa’s parents in an off-screen shipwreck, fans have wondered about what really  happened to the royal couple, another pair of loving adults lost to the whims of a studio that has always cherished the concept that parental death is key to personal growth.

“Frozen 2” gives the princesses — and the film’s audience — more time with King Runeard (Jeremy Sisto) and Queen Iduna (Evan Rachel Wood), as they share the fantastical fairy tale of an ill-fated political meeting that nearly killed the kid king, locked a distant forest and its inhabitants in a magical mist, and inspires Elsa to go looking for answers she can’t find in Arendelle. Much that’s been guessed about the super-secret plot of “Frozen 2” has turned out to be incorrect: there is no autumnal version of Elsa, no overt same-sex romance, no secretly alive parents. That’s for the best, because the surprises that “Frozen 2” unfurls are emotional, mature, and often quite dark for a kids’ film (tip: the youngest “Frozen” fans might need some warm hugs to get through a fraught final act).

As is so often the case, it starts with an unexpected journey. Early in the film, Elsa attempts to push away any thoughts about striking out into the unknown (as illuminated by a song that is, of course, titled “Into the Unknown,” one of two sturdy “Let It Go” stand-ins), and muses that everyone she loves is finally under one roof, so why would she need more? For someone as magical and secretly bent on living her own life as Elsa, you can see where the discomfort might creep in.

Anna, meanwhile, is happy as a clam, embarking on zippy signalongs with best pal Olaf (“Some Things Never Change” is just as fun and frisky as “Love Is an Open Door”) and looking forward to whatever the future might bring. Olaf, now maturing into something of an adult snowman (Was he a “snowkid” before? Best not to worry about it), is consumed by the idea that everything — including terrifying spirit-filled magical forests — will make sense when he’s older, while Kristoff just wants to put a ring on Anna’s finger.

When Elsa starts hearing an ethereal singing voice calling out to her, she’s compelled to follow it far North, and the rest of the crew can’t help but tag along, all the better to stick together and assuage Anna’s well-founded fears about losing her sister again. Of course, the journey and the voice lead straight to the distant forest, one filled with secrets and memories (many of them rendered literal by magic-conjured ice sculptures, a plot point that makes much more sense in practice). There’s also a handful of new friends to meet, all of which are welcome, many of which are underserved (Sterling K. Brown is the lone newbie who really gets to leave a mark).

Keen observers will likely see how this all is going to play out, as previously illuminated by Iduna’s flashback appearance, complete with its own song (“All Is Found”). That doesn’t stop the film’s script, from Buck, Lee, Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez, Marc Smith, and Allison Schroeder, from occasionally getting lost in the woods. Zipping between ruminations about the spirits that fill the forest (it’s certainly the  most  pagan Disney film in recent memory) to a convoluted exploration of the sins of the father (no, really) and a series of richly-animated and truly obvious revelations, “Frozen 2” is crammed with material, most of which works.

Despite the emotional upheaval of the final act, it also has a fair bit of amusement and spectacle. There’s tongue-in-cheek jibs about the Disney experience throughout, and Lee and Buck have some serious fun spinning the big musical numbers into fresh territory (Kristoff’s big song, “Lost in the Woods,” is filmed as something of a power ballad music video, more Guns n Roses than anyone could ever expect from the Mouse House, and one of the best parts of the film). Olaf is as deranged and cute as ever, moving from court jester to something of a classic fool over the course of a transformational outing. In a flashback, Anna and Elsa’s dad even makes off with a lightning fast joke about a “new Danish author.”

It all culminates in a wild, windswept mission for Elsa, one that capitalizes on her powers and pushes them to terrifying ends. The same can be said of the film’s animation, which has mostly adhered to the style of the original, all sweet faces and the occasional burst of icy action (Elsa can still make some insane snowflakes, and  more ), before building to an ocean-swept sequence that’s vivid, terrifying, and more eye-popping than the “Let It Go” scene in the first film. Like the film itself, it’s scary and different, but it also shows off the inherent power of moving away from expectations and embracing the drama of real life. No sequel is essential, but “Frozen 2” makes the argument that, even in the fairy tale land of Disney, they can still be important.

Disney will release “Frozen 2” in theaters on Friday, November 22.

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Frozen 2 review: Sisterly love, catchy tunes, an epic journey of self-discovery

The warmhearted new Disney animated movie features a song even catchier than Let It Go.

Sven, Olaf, Kristoff, Elsa and Anna.

My sister forced me to watch Frozen a couple of winters ago when I was home in Barcelona for Christmas. The idea of an animated musical with Disney princesses didn't appeal to me first, but she insisted, and I gave in, as you do with younger sisters. We snuggled under a blanket and watched Elsa and Anna's first adventure.

I fell under the spell. Those weren't ordinary Disney princesses. They still aren't.

Frozen 2, which opens Friday, Nov. 22, around the world, explores the idea of happily ever after -- and whether the after can ever be happy if one of the parties involved has a restless mind and an unquenchable longing to explore the unknown. 

Things have changed since the events of Disney's 2013 smash original featuring the voices of Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel as royal sisters Anna and Elsa. Autumn is upon our characters and the warmer tones of fall foliage replace the whites and blues from the first movie. 

Olaf the uber-positive snowman ( Josh Gad ) feels wiser and more mature now. "My theory about advancing technology is that it's both our savior and our doom," he rightly predicts, which is an interesting proposition for a movie like this. He also maturely suggests to the audience, through song, to just control what's possible to control when things feel out of hand.

Elsa, Anna.

Kristoff ( Jonathan Groff ) has given up his profession as an iceman and moved in with Elsa and Anna, along with his inseparable reindeer Sven, who dishes out relationship advice. Anna (Bell), the younger of the sisters from Arendelle, couldn't be happier. Everyone she loves now lives under the same roof and she no longer feels alone or isolated.

But happiness is fleeting. Older sister Elsa (Menzel), a complicated being, hears a mysterious voice that calls her to follow it. She loves her sister and her family of misfits but she's not completely satisfied. She's afraid of what may happen if she pursues what she feels is her calling. "I'm afraid of what I'm risking if I follow you into the unknown," she sings. 

Be warned. That theme, Into the Unknown , is even catchier than Let It Go, and you may be humming it on repeat after watching the movie. It'll probably also earn songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez another Oscar, or at the very least a nomination. The song also has all the ingredients and perfectly crafted lyrics to become an anthem as big as its predecessor when Frozen 2 comes out. Panic! at the Disco recently recorded a version. 

Elsa, Sven, Olaf, Anna, Kristoff.

Since there's never a dull moment with the two sisters, Elsa decides to embark on a journey to learn what happened in an enchanted forest said to be plagued by magic spirits. Anna, of course, won't let her sister go alone. 

Sven, Olaf and Kristoff tag along for the adventure. The snowman provides most of the humor during the road trip -- and in the movie overall. In a particularly funny sequence, he summarizes the events of the first Frozen for a group of new characters. You'll be laughing as hard as they do.

Kristoff, for his part, puts to shame even the most supportive of boyfriends. "I'm here. What do you need?" he asks Anna, assuring her his love isn't fragile. We are reminded often that Anna isn't a damsel in distress, even if she accepts Kristoff's assistance with gratitude.

But it's the relationship between the two sisters that's once again at the center, and that still feels both refreshing and satisfying. Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck co-directed the first movie and also helmed this new story of female empowerment and the quest for independence and personal fulfillment. Lee also returned as the writer.

The movie has lots of powerful messages for the little ones that grown-ups can find equally inspiring: Be true to yourself, strive to do the right thing, don't be afraid to face your demons, and ask for help when you need it but don't be afraid to be alone sometimes.

In addition to the heartwarming themes, Frozen 2 is full of other delights, like the succession of memorable musical themes and the technically dazzling animation that brings to life a resplendent mythical world. The sequence underwater is a pleasure to watch, and it's hard to believe the watery world is animated. Hair is another thing that's notoriously hard to get right in animation, but the many manes feel remarkably real here, even when wet. The many, many wardrobe changes and gorgeous frocks Elsa wears are also a pleasure to behold. They'll make great Halloween and cosplay costumes.

Now I just want to go back home and share Elsa and Anna's new adventure with my sister. My only qualm is she'll make me watch it dubbed in Spanish. But I'll have to give in, like you do with younger sisters.

Originally published Nov. 14.

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Frozen II Reviews

Frozen II marks a rarity among Disney sequels: not just as one of the few theatrical follow-ups, but as a film that gorgeously and acutely embodies the immaculate, musical heart of its predecessor, while also sharing ideas of its own.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jul 14, 2024

Frozen II maintains the values of its predecessor, brotherhood and love between sisters. Sisterhood is a fundamental value since unlike some reigns portrayed in other stories, Anna and Elsa never fight for the throne or power, they are not greedy.

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | Jan 27, 2024

Frozen II compensates for the six-year wait with a follow-up worthy of standing up to its original, which in my opinion, surpasses it. It really feels like a magical film.

Full Review | Original Score: B+ | Jul 24, 2023

We also get amazing songs like Into The Unknown, Some Things Never Change, Show Yourself and of course Lost in the Woods. They're easily on par with Let It Go, Do You Want to Build a Snowman and For the First Time in Forever.

Full Review | Mar 31, 2023

Frozen II has affable intentions, but overall it fails to meet the expectations set by its predecessor, and it lacked real substance.

Full Review | Original Score: C- | Mar 8, 2023

Just when you think Frozen II shows signs of doing something bold or confronting, it pulls back to a commercial safe zone, supplying Disney with an excuse to further their empire with future sequels and a reliable franchise.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Feb 23, 2022

Reminded me of an old adage that women have larger colour vocabularies and a greater sensibility for colour than (most) men, and that feeling certainly transmits here.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Dec 5, 2021

So well done... it was just a beautiful experience.

Full Review | Sep 16, 2021

The plot of the sequel is both convoluted and familiar.

Full Review | Sep 10, 2021

While its music, visual effects, and general spectacle will wow audiences, it's nice to know that Disney is still maintaining the responsibility of exploring change in their stories through diverse ways.

Full Review | Sep 5, 2021

You will probably either laugh or cringe. I laughed out loud. And, yes, Olaf (Josh Gad) gets plenty of opportunities to entertain us, including a song that hilariously recaps what happened in the first film.

Full Review | Aug 12, 2021

The film's answers and resolutions may end up feeling too vague or abstract, but this bold and sensory approach to storytelling is something that I hope to see more of from Disney.

Full Review | Original Score: 4 / 5 | Jun 25, 2021

Like most sequels, Frozen II doesn't quite live up to the first film, but it's far from a waste of time. If nothing else, it's nice to be able to spend some more time with the engaging characters of Arendelle.

Full Review | Feb 17, 2021

The beauty of this sequel is that it is more intricate than the first, namely in plot. It ditches the simplicity of what boiled down to repairing a sister-sister relationship and opts instead for lofty, complicated concepts in a children's movie.

Full Review | Jan 28, 2021

While it's usually difficult to surpass the original, this broader, more engaging follow up to the wildly successful original speaks more to the power of togetherness than its predecessor even considered.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Dec 16, 2020

Pleasant and enjoyable but unlikely to leave much of a mark.

Full Review | Original Score: 6/10 | Dec 7, 2020

Disney's 'Frozen 2' far exceeds the original animated film. The character development, storyline and the overall themes are more nuanced, detailed and intriguing. There are some scenes that may insight fear in smaller kids, but overall it's kid-friendly.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/4 | Nov 15, 2020

Frozen 2 brings the strenghts of the first movie and takes them further (...). It's more balanced so kids and adults can enjoy the journey. [Full review in Spanish]

Full Review | Original Score: 8/10 | Oct 16, 2020

There's no question the Littles will enjoy Frozen 2. It's plenty colorful, even if it did feel long. I say "feel long" because it's only 103 minutes, but a lot is going on.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Sep 16, 2020

Disney has managed an impressive act of tightrope walking in following up their latest golden goose with something that shimmers almost as brightly

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 16, 2020

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‘Frozen 2’ Review: The Cold Still Never Bothers Them

The sisters and sidekicks from “Frozen” reconvene for another adventure with storms of feeling and a new power ballad.

• Share full article

By Manohla Dargis

“Let It Go,” the warble heard around the world, wasn’t just the signature song from “ Frozen .” It was an anthem (“Here I stand!”) for the mighty, mighty girl power that helped push Disney into industry dominance. The company’s supremacy is often pinned on its highest profile franchises: Lucasfilm, Marvel and Pixar, which have historically featured male-driven stories. But Disney has also heavily profited from a sparkly pink world of adventure and aspirational uplift for spirited girls and women who “dream big,” to borrow a motto from its princess franchise.

The sisters from “Frozen,” the magical Elsa (the leather-lunged Idina Menzel) and the younger, perkily ordinary Anna (Kristen Bell, a honeyed soprano) aren’t part of the official princess juggernaut . Maybe that’s because Elsa was crowned queen in the first movie, though also because the sisters are big enough to have their very own franchise, having raked in a billion plus worldwide. So, of course they are back for another round of global domination in “Frozen 2,” a diverting, prettily animated musical, again written by Jennifer Lee, who directed the movie with Chris Buck.

“Frozen” neatly tied things up with Elsa having embraced her magic and wearing the crown, and Anna matched with a nice bland hunk, Kristoff (Jonathan Groff). But there’s no such thing as happily ever after in Franchise Land. So, after the reintroductions (hello, Olaf and Sven), Elsa performs a call-and-response with an ethereally pure voice, a “secret siren” (the Norwegian singer Aurora), in “Into the Unknown.” True to her new musical grail, Elsa ventures off into the unknown, followed by Anna, and together they climb the mountain, touch the sky and re-enter the circle of life.

The ensuing adventure is lively, amusing and predictably predictable with revelations, reconciliations and some nebulous politics for the grown-ups. It’s never surprising, yet its bursts of pictorial imagination — snowflakes that streak like shooting stars — keep you engaged, as do Elsa and Anna, who still aren’t waiting for life to happen. They’re searching, not settled, both active and reactive, which even today makes them female-character outliers on the big screen. Even better, this time this journey isn’t as tethered to romance. Kristoff yearns to propose to Anna and spends much of the story fumbling to pop the question, a light comic refrain that smartly never overwhelms the story.

Instead, the emphasis remains on the sisters. In “Frozen,” Anna found true love with Kristoff, but mostly she and Elsa found each other. It was a promising change of genre pace particularly given that Disney has long drawn from classic fairy tales (its first animated feature was “Snow White”), which it has struggled to recalibrate for changing gender norms. With “Frozen” it created grown heroines with different once-upon-a-time stories, one sealed with a man’s kiss, the other happily not. It was a modest liberating détournement along the lines of the first “Maleficent,” a rethink of Sleeping Beauty in which a kiss from a motherly queen, not a prince, wakes the princess.

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• Cast & crew
• User reviews

Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven leave Arendelle to travel to an ancient, autumn-bound forest of an enchanted land. They set out to find the origin of Elsa's powers in order to save their... Read all Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven leave Arendelle to travel to an ancient, autumn-bound forest of an enchanted land. They set out to find the origin of Elsa's powers in order to save their kingdom. Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven leave Arendelle to travel to an ancient, autumn-bound forest of an enchanted land. They set out to find the origin of Elsa's powers in order to save their kingdom.

• Jennifer Lee
• Hans Christian Andersen
• Kristen Bell
• Idina Menzel
• 1.4K User reviews
• 284 Critic reviews
• 64 Metascore
• 19 wins & 92 nominations total

Top cast 63

• King Runeard

• (archive sound)
• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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Did you know

• Trivia The song used to call Elsa to the enchanted forest is a type of Scandinavian herding call called kulning. It was used briefly in the score of the first movie. In Frozen 2, the kulning central to the plot is performed by a Norwegian singer Aurora . The melody used for the kulning is the "dies irae," which, since the 13th-century (or sooner), has referred to the wrath of God's judgment on humanity.
• Goofs When Anna tells the Rock Giants to throw their boulders, the first one hits the middle of the bridge, but when Anna is running back to Kristoff and Mattias, that part of the dam is not broken.

Olaf : Anna? Elsa? Sven? Samantha?

[pause; Olaf bursts out laughing]

Olaf : [in between giggles] I-I don't even know a Samantha!

• Crazy credits There is a post-credits scene in which Olaf recaps the events of the film.
• Connections Edited into Zenimation: Water (2020)
• Soundtracks All Is Found Written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez Performed by Evan Rachel Wood

User reviews 1.4K

• Nov 29, 2019
• How long is Frozen II? Powered by Alexa
• November 22, 2019 (United States)
• United States
• Official Site
• Walt Disney Feature Animation - 500 S. Buena Vista Street, Burbank, California, USA
• Walt Disney Animation Studios
• Walt Disney Pictures
• See more company credits at IMDbPro
• $150,000,000 (estimated)
• $477,373,578
• $130,263,358
• Nov 24, 2019
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'Frozen II' Review: A Gorgeously Animated Sequel That Tops The Original

"Some things never change," or so go the lyrics in one of the songs in the highly anticipated Disney sequel Frozen II . This follow-up arrives six years after the worldwide phenomenon of Frozen took hold of popular culture, with its songs becoming so unavoidable and ubiquitous almost overnight. Frozen II attempts to carve out a place for itself while delivering the charm, catchy music, and core emotional underpinnings that so inflamed people's imaginations in 2013. With its eye-popping animation, world-building, and character exploration, Frozen II is nominally a slight improvement on its predecessor. But it's still limited by the burden of expectations. Arendelle is thriving in the reign of Queen Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel), yet the young leader is plagued by the mysterious sound of a beckoning siren call only she can hear. Coupled with her memory of the king and queen describing for her a strange, enchanted forest in the North where magic reigned supreme, Elsa is compelled to leave her home. Unable to quell her wandering spirit, she heads off to an enchanted forest in the North, joined by her sister Anna (Kristen Bell), Anna's beau Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), his reindeer Sven, and the supposedly lovable snowman Olaf (Josh Gad). The core adventure is less about the sisterly bonds delved into during the 2013 original, and more about the pressing question of why Elsa is gifted with magical powers, and whether those powers might destroy or save their land. What works most in this film's favor is that it doesn't present itself as a direct copy of the original. Shrewdly, Anna and Elsa are teamed up for a bulk of the story, this enabling their connection to be more believable. Now at least, Anna and Elsa act like sisters, instead of lip service being paid to their relationship. Elsa, too, may still be a figure of some mystery, but Jennifer Lee's script (she co-directed the film with Chris Buck) is at its strongest when the icy queen is at the forefront. Anna, though less outlandishly klutzy than in the first film, is placed in a silly subplot with Kristoff, who's desperate to pop the question but unable to close the deal. It's not exactly a good thing that this film recalls the first-ever Disney animated sequel, The Rescuers Down Under , wherein the kindly male lead struggles to pop the question to his longtime girlfriend. But the similarities are...unexpected, if not straight-up unwelcome. Of course, the vagaries of what is expected of a sequel—the same, but more of it—means that there are more songs, including two big numbers for Elsa. ("Into the Unknown" has received the "Let It Go" treatment in the marketing campaign, but her other solo number, "Show Yourself", is the standout.) Groff, like Menzel, is a seasoned Broadway vet, although he ironically never got a show-stopping number in the original film. That has mercifully changed with Frozen II , where his 80s-throwback song "Lost in the Woods" is the best of all the compositions from songwriters Robert Lopez and Kristin Anderson-Lopez. It's one of many pop-culture in-jokes that toe the line between being too referential and just slyly funny enough. (To describe the song further would ruin one of the film's most delightful surprises.) There is also a great deal of Olaf, speaking of humor that tries to land on the right side of being too jokey. If you like the sentient snowman who loves warm hugs, you're in for a treat—Olaf jockeys with the two sisters as the second lead of the film. The rest of us have to stew in silence through extended comic bits that land with a thud, as when Olaf hurriedly rushes through a plot synopsis of the first film for a captive audience of new characters. Less continues to be more with Olaf, which means his screen time is an aggressive albatross hanging around the rest of the film. Those aforementioned new characters are plentiful, but it's fascinating that none of them make much of an impact, nor are they meant to. Sterling K. Brown appears as a long-lost Arendellian (Arendellite? We'll have to wait for the third film to know for sure) with a connection to Anna and Elsa's parents, acquitting himself nicely enough in a mildly thankless role. The same goes for Martha Plimpton and Jason Ritter, both as denizens of the mysterious forest where our heroes spend most of the film. Yet Frozen II is not about the new characters, instead trying to expand upon the creaky mythology of the original. (The expansion of said mythology does not improve its creakiness, sadly.) The truest improvement between films comes not in its story, but in its striking presentation. Though Elsa's powers arrive in full bloom in the enchanted forest, the real power of this movie comes through its gorgeous, often jaw-dropping animation. Much of the film's antagonism is driven by natural elements like air and water, which are visualized in crisp, detailed fashion that goes well beyond past Disney animated fare, hand-drawn or computer animated. An extended sequence midway through the film, in which Elsa goes on a very important journey of self-discovery, is visually one of the most accomplished sequences of the 80-plus years of Disney animation, period. The way that Disney animators have pushed computer technology to give life to even droplets of water is genuinely gasp-inducing. Whatever else can be said, Frozen II is truly beautiful. Frozen II has an insurmountable challenge in front of it. When the original arrived in the late fall of 2013, no one would have predicted exactly how massive it became. Its songs became instant anthems, its story tapped into the vibrant spirit of young women around the world, and its characters were quickly welcomed into the collective public's hearts. Nothing about this movie is going to ruin the original film's impact, and it's a more coherent story with a stronger emotional heart. It's a good movie, a solid follow-up to a slightly less entertaining film. But only when its visuals do the talking does Frozen II really sing. /Film Rating: 6.5 out of 10

‘Frozen 2’ Reviews: What the Critics Are Saying

By LaTesha Harris

LaTesha Harris

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Early reviews are in for the highly anticipated “ Frozen 2,” and the sequel stands its ground amid lukewarm responses.

Currently sitting at 82% on Rotten Tomatoes, “ Frozen 2 ” has released to mixed reactions, the main sentiment being that while the film is unnecessary, Disney has released another money-maker that knows how to satisfy its audience. Some reviewers claim that the sequel’s adventures bypasses the original’s while others believe the heart and genius of “Frozen” is missing.

Variety ‘s Peter Debruge applauds the screenwriter and co-director Jennifer Lee for not creating a “mindless remake,” stating that the sequel feels more like a follow-up to Pixar’s “Brave.” Debruge says the film will resonate with younger audiences in a time of political strife; Anna and Elsa’s actions in “Frozen 2” parallel sentiments from teenage environmental activist Greta Thunberg. “Conventional Disney princess movies — in which alabaster beauties from Snow White to Belle passively awaited the liberating effects of true love’s kiss — may have been taken at face value for most of the studio’s history, but today’s kids have gotten savvy,” he wrote in his review. “They recognize the often-problematic socializing effects of popular entertainment, and they demand better. They also know when they’re being patronized, and at times, ‘Frozen 2’ tiptoes a bit too carefully along that fine line, where escapism stops being fun because the adults responsible have started overthinking the politics of it all.”

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“Frozen 2” hits theaters Nov. 22, but until then, take a look at what critics are saying below:

Variety ‘s Peter Debruge

“Reunited by their last adventure, the sisters are now closer than ever. Though Elsa has been named queen, she privately wrestles with the feeling that she doesn’t belong in Arendelle. She’s been gifted with magical abilities — namely, the blessing/curse of blasting snow and ice from her fingertips — and yet, the first movie never explained how or why she came by these talents, while Anna lacks them altogether. ‘Frozen 2’ gives Elsa a chance to get to the bottom of the mystery while showing audiences that it’s OK for people to feel restless when their potential is being constrained. Normally, a character in Elsa’s position would wander off on her own in search of answers, but her connection with Anna is too strong for that, and her sister insists on coming along. As Anna tells her at one point, ‘You don’t want me to follow you into fire? Then don’t run into fire!'”

The Atlantic’s David Sims

“‘Frozen 2’ sometimes gets impressionistic enough to reach the heights of its forebear, which was at its best when Elsa cut loose and made towering ice sculptures to symbolize her loneliness. A couple of sequences see the queen skiing across a raging ocean, encountering water spirits in the shape of horses, and exploring caverns of crystalline memories. Those standout moments, reliant on music and visuals, hit harder than the bulk of the dialogue. Most of the time, though, this elaborate plot doesn’t yield anything remotely original. ‘Frozen 2’ may be big and expensive-looking, but it has no more reason to exist than the direct-to-DVD offerings Disney used to churn out.”

Entertainment Weekly’s Christian Holub

“‘Frozen 2’ makes a valiant effort to live up to its predecessor, but can’t escape its shadow. Over the course of the movie, multiple characters openly wonder if they’re done adventuring yet. In our zeitgeist of maximized intellectual property, the answer is ‘probably not,’ but at least this fictional world isn’t afraid of a little change here and there.”

Uproxx’s Mike Ryan

“The first ‘Frozen’ is such lightning in a bottle that it’s impossible to capture that exactly. The phenomena around that first movie is one of those once-in-a-generation type events that can’t just be duplicated, so why even try to do exactly that? What’s smart about ‘Frozen 2’ is, instead of trying to just recapture its past glory, it decides to be interesting. And when making a sequel to a cultural phenomenon, ‘being interesting’ seems both pretty rare and the best we can hope for.”

IndieWire’s Kate Erbland

“‘Frozen’ may have ended with everything in its right place, but Lee and [co-director Chris] Buck’s long-awaited followup makes the case that a sequel was necessary, not because it was demanded, but because ‘Frozen’ was never the correct end of the story. Loving the characters and themes of ‘Frozen’ and wanting to see more of them can only naturally lead to ‘Frozen 2,’ which does away with so many of the happily-ever-after elements of the first film (and finds new, updated ones). By moving the tension between the traditional and the bold to the forefront, ‘Frozen 2’ is one of the more daring visions of the future of Disney moviemaking, all bolstered by gorgeous animation and a handful of instant-classic new jams.”

The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw

“It’s nice to see these figures again, but I couldn’t help feeling that there is something a bit underpowered and contrived about the storyline in ‘Frozen II’: a matter of jeopardy synthetically created and artificially resolved, obstacles set in place and then surmounted, characters separated and reunited, bad stuff apparently happening and then unhappening. At times, ‘Frozen II’ almost felt like an extended bonus featurette that could have gone with the Blu-ray edition of the first film. Having said that, it looks and sounds good, with a stirring central song for Elsa entitled Into the Unknown, the curtain-raiser for her encounter with the primeval forces of the forest.”

USA Today’s Brian Truitt

“The themes of growing up — especially evidenced by Olaf — make sense for a massive fandom of boys and girls moving through formative years themselves. But unfortunately, ‘Frozen 2’ is a heavily plotted — and sometimes plodding — affair with way too much going on and not enough of it working together cohesively. At the very least, the relentless exposition looks great, with top-notch animation delivering a larger magical landscape and its dynamic nature-centric fauna.”

The Los Angeles Times’ Justin Chang

“Like the first film, ‘Frozen 2’ is less a triumph of storytelling than of packaging. It bundles together a bunch of familiar, likable characters and a fresh list of bright, catchy songs, expertly written (by the returning duo of Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez) with an ear toward the Broadway showtunes they will one day inevitably become.”

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'Frozen 2' review: Disney's most beautiful movie ever is fiercely anti-colonial

Beautiful in both song and soul, 'Frozen 2' is the rare sequel that outshines its predecessor and advances the entire medium.

It’s been a long six years since Disney’s Frozen put the world on ice. Children who tortured parents to “Let It Go” on loop are now in middle school. They’re watching TikTok, not Elsa. Frozen 2 , the sequel, knows this. It knows its audience has grown. It knows the world has changed, and it’s discontent to rest on bedazzled laurels.

Frozen 2 , out November 22, is another sparkling light show with emotionally charged Broadway-ready bangers and a hint more prog-rock energy. But at the heart of the movie is a story about the fear of change, and the uncomfortable bravery it takes to accept it.

This is the rare sequel that takes evolution seriously, as Frozen 2 unspools its story to ask new questions about self-identity. Where Frozen was a queer parable about hiding oneself from the world, Frozen 2 is a confrontation of the systemic infrastructures that invisibly define one’s understanding of it.

Frozen 2 is a family musical about the evils of colonialism, about the pain it causes and the lies it creates. It’s about how newer generations, through no fault of their own, benefit from the privileges of ignorance and white-washed history. Frozen 2 tackles all these weighty themes and more, with all the singing snowmen, cute animals, and cheesy expressions of love fans of the original expect.

Directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, written by Lee and Allison Schroeder ( Hidden Figures ), and songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, Frozen 2 picks up shortly after 2013’s Frozen . Elsa (Idina Menzel) has settled as Queen of Arendell, but deep down she feels something is wrong.

In 'Frozen 2,' the heroes reunite in a new adventure that calls them to the far north of Arendelle.

Sometimes, Elsa hears a voice, a ghostly melody beckoning her. When the ancient spirits of fire, water, earth, and air awaken (and no, the Fire Nation does not attack), the spirits curse the Kingdom of Arendell, making the kingdom inhospitable. The spirits are basically the electric company, and Arendelle is way past due. Hoping to restore Arendell, Elsa journeys to a fabled forest her late father swore was real. Thus kicks off another adventure with Anna (Kristen Bell), Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), Sven, and Olaf (Josh Gad).

There’s singing, there’s dancing, there are magical spirits with quirky personalities and cute animals with big anime eyes. On its sleek surface, Frozen 2 is as much Frozen as the original. The infectious music will play in your head for weeks, its vast autumnal landscapes rival Elder Scrolls and are some of the most breathtaking visuals ever put to screen, and the film has all the playful winks that imbue it with personality.

Frozen made an actual billion dollars, but Frozen 2 roasts it whenever it gets the chance. Kiddies who aren’t ready to grasp the movie’s bigger ideas will still envy Elsa’s outfits and howl at Olaf. The children at my screening broke the sound barrier from Olaf’s relentless gags.

With scenery that resemble a 'Final Fantasy' game, 'Frozen 2' might be the most gorgeous Disney movie of all time.

But for the bigger kids, Frozen 2 is a heavy movie. In Frozen , Arendelle was a kingdom in a vacuum, existing as a copied and pasted world from the Walt Disney sourcebook. Frozen 2 changes that. Because all kingdoms rise from the subjugation of a populace, Frozen 2 is among the first, or at least most prominent Disney movie in recent memory, to explore colonialism as part of a kingdom’s foreign affairs.

This is Frozen 2 : Characters leave their hometown, meet diverse new people, and discover a harsh truth about the world — the Disney musical of freshman year at a liberal arts college. To explain the specifics would be too much of a spoiler, and Frozen 2 arguably doesn’t go far enough to make its point actually sting. After all, this is still a film about two very fair skinned white women from a very white-influenced setting. But it’s no mistake Arendelle’s neighbors have darker complexions, black hair, and a frontier lifestyle than the Arendellians who walk on cobblestone streets.

But does any of this still make a good movie? The answer is YES. Frozen 2 packs a wallop with more dire emotional stakes than the first movie. It is still very much about Elsa and Anna’s sisterhood, which is put to the test here — another sign of significant growth since Anna asked Elsa to build a snowman.Olaf has also matured; he’s the kids’ vehicle, singing directly to them about how growing up is freaking scary, but you’ll come out better in the end if you don’t melt. A nice counterbalance is Kristoff, whose arc is a hysterical distraction from the dark places the other characters go.

Beautiful in both song and soul, Frozen 2 is the rare sequel in a world of sequels and spin-offs that elevates its predecessor while advancing itself and the medium of animation. Its imagination is as vast as the Final Fantasy -esque lands it explores, and its lessons profound enough to leave an everlasting impression. After all this time, Frozen still knows how to warm the heart.

Frozen 2 hits theaters on November 22.

‘Frozen II’ Review: Disney Sequel Is a Frosty, Fun Follow-Up

By Peter Travers

Peter Travers

When the animated musical Frozen skated into the multiplex in 2013, it grossed a record-breaking $!.27 billion in cold cash. Let it go? Hell, no! Six years later, Disney delivers an uneven but sensationally entertaining sequel to the Oscar winner that pulls out all the stops. The songs, again by the award-winning couple of Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, are tantalizing earworms. The animation bursts with wonders — wait till you see what the CGI wizards do with water, the toughest element to animate. And it’s pleasure to re-connect with everyone’s favorite sister princesses: Elsa (belted by Idina Menzel) and Anna (trilled by Kristen Bell ), along with sassy snowman Olaf (hilarious Josh Gad), lovesick Kristoff (dreamy Jonathan Groff) and Sven the mostly silent reindeer as they set off on a new adventure that might get them all killed.

Last time, Elsa ran off to a winter fortress because her uncontrollable fingertips could fast freeze anything they touched, including Anna, who coaxed Elsa back without leaning on any dude. Even hunky Prince Hans (Santino Fontana) turned out to be a scheming bastard. It was truly a case of the sisters doing it for themselves. Sweet.

This time, Elsa is back on the throne in Arendelle with Anna by her side. But Elsa keeps hearing this haunting melody wafting in from up north. Is it the enchanted forest of Ahtohallan where the indigenous Northuldra tribe holds sway and where Elsa thinks she’ll find answers about the source of her own mysterious powers? Of course it is. Flashbacks provide clues through the royal sisters’ parents, King Agnarr (Alfred Molina) and Queen Iduna (Evan Rachel Wood), and grandfather King Runeard (Jeremy Sisto), all of whom may have fallen victim to an icy curse that Elsa means to thaw. She even sings “Into the Unknown,” a power ballad meant to follow “Let It Go” to Oscar glory and remind you that the trumpet-tonsiled Menzel has a voice that shakes the rafters.

For the sisters and their tribe, the road to Ahtohallan is filled with perils, especially those huge rocks that turn out to be menacing giants. And watch out for what’s under the sea. There are also new characters, including an impressive Sterling K. Brown voicing a soldier trapped in a frozen…well, it’s best we stop there in the name of “no spoilers.” Just know that Elsa must fight through a ghostly shadow world before she reaches the light.

It helps having jaunty tunes for Olaf (“When I’m Older”), Kristoff (“Lost in the Woods”) and Anna (“Some Things Never Change”) to cut through the murk. Jennifer Lee, who writes and directs with Chris Buck, can sometimes lose us in a thicket of convoluted plot lines. But the delight and dazzle of this frosty follow-up brings it all home in a climax that should have audiences panting for a part III. Why is the sequel never the equal? Frozen II just might break the jinx. There’s magic in it.

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Frozen 2 Exists Because the Market, Not the Story, Demanded It

Elsa does not get a girlfriend in Frozen II , with condolences to the fans who pleaded to Disney for one, like supplicants petitioning an indifferent corporate god. The frosty former princess does, however, get a magical horse, and it’s pretty sick. It is, technically, a water spirit called a Nokk, but what matters is that it’s crystalline and capable of galloping across the surface of the ocean in a way that both looks cool and makes Elsa’s silver hair, unleashed from its braid, flutter aspirationally in the wind. That’s the kind of sight that you can imagine making a child’s heart explode with covetous delight, especially one of the little girls who were key to making the first Frozen a beast of a $1.27 billion global hit in 2013, and who pushed its breakout ballad “Let It Go” into brain-melting inescapability.

Frozen II is, like its predecessor, a kids’ movie, but it’s also, like its predecessor, an official Walt Disney Animation Studios release, which means it’s a vector for merchandise, music, theme-park rides, eventual remakes, and a young generation’s pop cultural pressure points. There is every possibility that “Into the Unknown” — the new designated banger from songwriting team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, featuring the same sort of soaring chorus and the same high note as Let It Go — will become aural wallpaper in the houses and vehicles of families around the world. The tendency people have developed to talk about these movies as bearing a public responsibility is both a symptom of our disturbingly parasocial relationship with a massive media conglomerate, and an acknowledgment of that massive media conglomerate’s awesome reach and influence. Disney doles out its milestones of representation in intensely calculated dribs and drabs. It’ll only give one of its princesses more than an “exclusively gay moment” once its sure it can maximize plaudits for its progressiveness while preserving its bottom line in more repressive international regions.

It’s easier to think about Frozen II as a product than as a film because a (sometimes stunning-looking) product is all that it feels like. It was directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, the team behind the first film, from a script that Lee wrote, and that never really pretends that it exists because the story, rather than the market, demanded more. That story has the feel of the kind of invented errand that used to fuel countless direct-to-video sequels, only this one’s been blown up to a grand scale, with accompanying sumptuous production values. Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel) is now queen of the hygge-heavy kingdom of Arendelle, though she’s distracted by a haunting call that only she can seem to hear. Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), still accompanied by his reindeer, Sven, is working his way up to proposing to Elsa’s sister, Anna (Kristen Bell). Then there’s the snowman. There is, I regret to inform you, an awful lot of the snowman, Olaf (Josh Gad), which, alongside Elsa’s ascendance to lead, indicates that some fan demands were heeded.

The group hauls off to the north in order to save Arendelle from a plot device, finding their way to an enchanted forest that’s home to the Sámi-inspired Northuldra tribe. The Northuldra, led by Yelana (Martha Plimpton), have a fraught history with Arendelle, once approached as allies until something went wrong and the area was sealed off by mist. The mystery behind these events will turn out to involve the colonialist ambitions of a past king and a betrayal that reveals that illustrious ancestors are rarely all they’re idealized to be — ambitious stuff from the company that made Pocahontas , though the inevitable happy resolution suggests that these films still aren’t exactly up to reckoning with restitutions for inherited trauma. That mystery, anyway, becomes intertwined with a journey of self-discovery involving an explanation for Elsa’s powers, and while that resolves in a sequence that I’m still not entirely sure I understand, it does manage to once again gift the character with a gleaming new outfit.

It’s hard not to feel jaded about Frozen II , while also understanding that those feelings don’t matter at all, and that the film is going to go on to draw huge audiences heavy on children and accompanying parents who’ll appreciate being thrown a bone by way of Kristoff’s amusingly ’80s-rock-inflected number. The film comes from a tradition that has spawned both incredible classics of animated artistry and overtly calculating entertainments, and it happens to skew more toward the latter. It’s carefully modulated to reach the widest possible audience while offering just enough for the adults in the room to shrug and think, Hey, at least these are strong female characters, right? And the thing is that, even as a mostly mercenary endeavor, the movie is still capable of moments of astonishing beauty. Take, for instance, the sequence in which Elsa attempts to cross a stormy sea, trying and failing to use ice to crest the raging waves. It’s in those waters that she battles the Nokk, eventually finding a way to get on its back and ride away triumphant. Adult me knows that thing is already available in toy stores, but child me would have died to have one.

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What The Rotten Tomatoes Reviews Are Saying About Frozen 2

The latest chapter in Disney's chilliest saga is warming the hearts of critics.

Reviews are rolling in for  Frozen 2, the highly-anticipated sequel to the Mouse House's 2013 instant classic  Frozen, and the news is good. While reviewers generally agree that the continuation doesn't quite hit the heights of the original, the flick is still being hailed as a worthy addition to the Disney library.

Frozen 2  had a high bar to live up to; the original flick not only won over the hearts of fans worldwide, it also added a modern-day standard to the annals of Disney tunes with the ubiquitous "Let It Go." The song functioned as a character-defining soliloquy for Princess Elsa (Idina Menzel), whose mysterious magical ability to create ice and snow had been at the center of a childhood incident — the accidental injuring of her sister Anna (Kristen Bell) — which had led to a period of exile from her kingdom of Arendelle.

Upon her return, Elsa was kept separate from her sister, whose memory of the incident had been magically erased — but the situation was complicated by the deaths of their parents at sea during a vicious storm. When Elsa's increasingly unstable powers asserted themselves during her coronation as Queen of Arendelle, she isolated herself in a fortress of ice, inadvertently causing an eternal winter to descend upon the kingdom.

In an effort to remedy the situation, Anna enlisted the help of ice merchant Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), his reindeer buddy Sven, and cheerful snowman Olaf (Josh Gad) to find her sister and break the spell. The film ended on an upbeat note, with Anna and Elsa reunited and the latter's powers largely under control — but screenwriter and co-director Jennifer Lee had more story to tell.  Frozen 2 deals with Elsa's quest to find out exactly where her powers came from, so that she may better understand them in case they should ever pose a threat to Arendelle again.

The entire original cast is along for the ride, and the flick even sports a potential successor to "Let It Go" in the ballad "Into the Unknown," which is already picking up steam thanks to a cover version by Panic! At the Disco. All of the pieces are in place for Disney to register another massive smash hit with  Frozen 2 — and if the flick's critical reception is any indication, it should have no trouble putting Hollywood's recent box office woes on ice.

How does Frozen 2 stack up to the original?

First off, it should be noted that crafting a worthwhile sequel to a beloved animated musical film has historically been a dicey proposition for Disney, which was astutely noted by the  New York Post 's Johnny Oleksinski in his review. "Over the past 25 years, the studio has released a heap of direct-to-video follow-ups to its biggest hits... All of them have been forgettable at best," he wrote. "But the curse has been lifted. The second Frozen is even better than the first, with dazzling animation and a more mature and tuneful score. Call it The Icicle Strikes Back ."

We're not going to call it that, because we don't want it to gain even the slightest bit of traction, but we appreciate the sentiment.  CBR 's Brandon Zachary was among a handful of critics who agreed that  Frozen 2 represented a step up from the original, writing that the film "breaks from the traditional Disney film structure, delivering a surprisingly reflective and decidedly feminist fantasy epic. It not only feels original from anything else Disney has released in recent years, [it] stands above the previous  Frozen  as one of the studio's most interesting and compelling films."

Even among those critics who doled out positive notices for  Frozen 2,  though, many couldn't help but note that its decidedly darker narrative felt like a bit too well-worn of an approach. "The film is stronger in terms of character interaction and themes than it is in terms of telling a story, settling on a weirdly generic 'dark sequel' template that barely bothers to focus on specifics," wrote Scott Mendelson of  Forbes.  "That said, it's rarely less than entertaining and is a visual knockout."

Most of the movie's positive reviews, however, offered largely unqualified praise — not only for the returning cast and a story that resolutely refuses to simply rehash that of the first film, but for  Frozen 2 's willingness to expand on its predecessor's themes. "[The film] lives up to the incredibly large hype that's surrounding it," wrote  Business Insider 's Jason Guerrasio. "Does the sequel try to capitalize on inside jokes and themes from the first movie? Absolutely. Its major flaw is that it thinks it has to remind the audience that there was a previous movie. But there's one thing Frozen 2 doubles down on from the first, and I'm happy it did: its firm stance on individuality."

Of course, not all critics were so taken with the flick. While its negative notices generally had praise for  Frozen 2 's dazzling animation, critics who panned the film mostly did so due to what they saw as a muddled and undercooked story. "Narratively, Frozen 2 is a mess, an avalanche of half-formed ideas which might have been more suited to a spin-off novel or a video game," wrote Nicholas Barber of the BBC.   "When your story relies on snow statues coming to life at convenient moments and acting out arguments that took place 30 years earlier, that's probably a sign that your screenplay could do with another two or three drafts."

The Hollywood Reporter 's Todd McCarthy, meanwhile, was in the distinct minority in opining that the movie felt like an obligatory, cash-grabby sequel rather than a story that needed to be told. "When you've made an original film that became the biggest-grossing animated movie of all time... any temptation to mess with success would be deep-sixed in an instant," he wrote. "So, yes, Disney has been careful, cautious, conscientious and committed to continuing the franchise with the utmost fidelity to the original, resulting in a sequel that can't miss with its massive constituency and will make another mint, but at the same time can't help but feel predictable, safe and beholden to formulaic rules."

For the most part, though,  Frozen 2 was received warmly (sorry, we couldn't resist), with Charlotte O'Sullivan of the  London Evening Standard summing it up best. "It's hard to carp, given the amount of technical invention, not to mention wit and emotion, crammed into every set-piece," she wrote. "[ Frozen 2 is] going to make a lot of money. It will also have millions of people counting the hours till Frozen 3 . I. Just. Can't. Wait."

Grab a sweater, Disney faithful:  Frozen 2 hits the big screen on November 22.

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Frozen 2 tries its best to live up to the world-conquering original: Review

Christian Holub is a writer covering comics and other geeky pop culture. He's still mad about 'Firefly' getting canceled.

You can count on one hand the amount of feature-length Disney Animation films that received a theatrical sequel. Aladdin , Pocahontas , and other movies from the ’90s “Disney Renaissance” got direct-to-video continuations that represented a distinct drop in quality (and occasionally came with different vocal talent to boot). But then again, Frozen itself remains somewhat unusual. It’s not just a throwback to the heart and wit of the Renaissance films; it has also taken center stage in the imagination of millions of children for the past few years. That’s an intimidating bar for any sequel to live up to, but Frozen 2 tries its best.

When the new movie opens, the kingdom of Arendelle is at peace. Queen Elsa ( Idina Menzel ) reigns, though her magical ice powers still take some getting used to. Princess Anna ( Kristen Bell ) and Kristoff ( Jonathan Groff ) are a happy couple, though the latter’s social ineptness stands in the way of a successful proposal. Olaf ( Josh Gad ) is still Olaf, and the movie’s intended audience will surely rejoice at every bit of snowman silliness. But autumn is coming, and change is in the air. Elsa can’t stop hearing a fragment of a song that seems to be calling her, and she’s more than willing to drop her royal duties to pursue this magical mystery — much to the chagrin of Anna, who is desperate to make up for years of isolation by spending as much time with her sister as possible. But Elsa’s quest becomes imperative when angry elemental spirits soon descend on Arendelle, forcing the citizens to evacuate.

It all connects to a story Anna and Elsa heard from their father when they were children, about an enchanted forest that was home to a magical tribe. Their father visited the forest as a young man alongside his father and their royal retinue, ostensibly as part of a Thanksgiving-like peaceful gathering. But something went wrong; violence erupted, and their father barely escaped with his life. Ever since, the forest has been shrouded in an impenetrable barrier of mist. Like Natalie Portman’s team of scientists exploring the Shimmer in Annihilation , Elsa and the others must journey through the misty magical forest to figure out the truth of what really happened all those years ago and how it relates to elemental spirits and the source of Elsa’s powers.

Frozen 2 is a sequel in an age of connected universes, so the movie does its best to mimic that feeling of a larger mythology. But the only thing it has to draw on for reference is the first movie, so Frozen 2 treats viewers to multiple rehashes of the plot of Frozen . As if Olaf reenacting a brief summary like C-3PO with the Ewoks wasn’t enough, Elsa later goes into a memory cave that literally replays dialogue from the first film. That might ease the whole experience for any viewers who missed the first round, but also makes the material seem relatively thin. Interestingly, Frozen 2 doubles down on some of the darker elements of the original. After spending Frozen yearning for his own death-by-sunshine, Olaf now openly wonders if anything in the world is permanent. The horrible off-screen death of Anna and Elsa’s parents, already difficult enough to explain to an inquiring child, now becomes a central focus of the plot. The first Frozen impressed with its willingness to elevate sisterly love over traditional fairy-tale romance, and the second takes aim at an even more central Disney myth: The magical castle where dreams come true. Frozen 2 stops just short of letting old things die, but earns kudos for acknowledging that royal families don’t exactly gain their power because of how kind and generous they are.

Maybe none of that matters to the children in the audience as much as the questions “does Olaf have more goofy antics?” and “are the songs good?” The answer to the first is a resounding yes. It’s impossible to tell if new tunes like “Into the Unknown” will be able to match the world-conquering power of “Let It Go,” but lightning rarely strikes the same spot twice. Menzel’s voice certainly gets put to use with two resounding solo numbers. Summer and winter each got theme songs in the first Frozen , and now autumn joins the party with the sequel’s first big group number. Even Kristoff gets a song, though its absurdity (it’s filmed like a parody of the cheesiest pop videos from a bygone era, albeit with a backing chorus of singing reindeer) mostly underscores how little he has to do in this film. There’s a bit of fun in seeing a male character get fixated on marriage as their singular character motivation for a change, though.

Frozen 2 makes a valiant effort to live up to its predecessor, but can’t escape its shadow. Over the course of the movie, multiple characters openly wonder if they’re done adventuring yet. In our zeitgeist of maximized intellectual property, the answer is “probably not,” but at least this fictional world isn’t afraid of a little change here and there. B

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Common Sense Media Review

Slightly darker sequel charms with catchy songs, messages.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Frozen 2 -- the sequel to Disney's 2013 blockbuster -- continues the adventures of Arendelle's magical Queen Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel); her kind sister, Anna (Kristen Bell); and everyone's favorite snowman, Olaf (Josh Gad). This time around, the characters undertake a dangerous…

Why Age 6+?

Potential spoilers throughout this section. Several flashbacks to battle that in

Anna and Kristoff are a couple, and they show affection for each other several t

Nothing in the movie itself, but there are countless merchandise tie-ins with th

One use of "butt."

Any Positive Content?

Themes include teamwork, courage, perseverance. Positive messages include accept

Anna continues to be a brave, kind, loving sister, as well as a good partner and

Although it's not an educational movie, it offers lessons on importance of famil

Violence & Scariness

Potential spoilers throughout this section. Several flashbacks to battle that involves weapons (mostly swords), injury, danger, nongraphic death (we're told of one death, and one other person is obviously killed -- they're shown moments before assassination). The sisters find remains of their parents' shipwreck in an unexpected place, which makes them sad; other references to their parents' deaths. Frequent peril and risk: Chases, smashing, panic, falls, etc. Enchanted Forest can be scary: enormous Earth giants are initially frightening (especially when they hurl boulders at people), as is a water horse. Air spirits use a tornado-like cloud to roughly grab, spin main characters. Elsa is repeatedly tossed around by huge waves. Various elemental spirits (air, earth, fire, water) magically threaten Arendelle; the whole kingdom is in danger at a couple of different points; citizens must be evacuated. Billowing smoke and swirling, magical-looking fire that burns quickly and endangers characters. Definite spoiler alert! At one point it looks like Elsa has frozen permanently, and Olaf melts/flurries away as a result (little kids may be quite upset by this, but it's not permanent) -- Anna is extremely sad after that scene.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Anna and Kristoff are a couple, and they show affection for each other several times: hugging, a peck on the cheek, him carrying her, one big kiss and embrace. In flashbacks, Elsa and Anna's parents embrace.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

Nothing in the movie itself, but there are countless merchandise tie-ins with the Disney movie, from toys, apparel, and figurines to costumes, accessories, books, and games.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Positive Messages

Themes include teamwork, courage, perseverance. Positive messages include accepting and getting to know people from different backgrounds, protecting and helping the people you love, knowing how to be supportive, moving past obstacles by "doing the next right thing," acknowledging and understanding history and the past, even if it's uncomfortable and/or problematic. Continues to promote unconditional love, bonds of sisterhood and idea that true love is about partnership, communication, mutual respect, understanding.

Positive Role Models

Anna continues to be a brave, kind, loving sister, as well as a good partner and friend to Kristoff (if somewhat impetuous). Elsa uses her powers to help her kingdom and her loved ones. Both sisters are strong, independent women who lead confidently, communicate with and support each other. Kristoff is a supportive, encouraging partner to Anna and loyal friend to reindeer Sven. Olaf is cheerful, loyal but also thoughtful, philosophical. The people of Arendelle are a diverse group. The Northuldrans have many similarities to indigenous Scandinavian people.

Educational Value

Although it's not an educational movie, it offers lessons on importance of family and loyalty, of being open to the truth about the past, even when it implicates your own family or ancestors.

Parents need to know that Frozen 2 -- the sequel to Disney's 2013 blockbuster -- continues the adventures of Arendelle's magical Queen Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel ); her kind sister, Anna ( Kristen Bell ); and everyone's favorite snowman, Olaf ( Josh Gad ). This time around, the characters undertake a dangerous journey to a mysterious enchanted forest, hoping to discover the source of Elsa's powers. The sisters learn more about their parents' deaths and backgrounds; thanks to several flashbacks, viewers may feel even sadder about the orphans' loss. While there's lots of humor (thanks, Olaf!) and -- of course -- big musical numbers, the sequel is ultimately a bit more intense than the original. Expect perilous (though never graphic) scenes of elemental spirits chasing and attacking Arendelle/the main characters with wind, water, fire, and more. There are also chases, battle scenes with swords, dark secrets, and -- spoiler alert! -- a couple of upsetting (but temporary) deaths. Underlining everything are positive messages about sisterhood, empowerment, acceptance, tolerance, perseverance, and true love, and both Anna and Elsa are examples of strong women who lead confidently and communicate with and support each other. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

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Parent and Kid Reviews

• Parents say (117)
• Kids say (233)

Based on 117 parent reviews

Excellent - but might be too much for younger or sensitive kids

Scary sequel but has some cute parts, what's the story.

FROZEN 2 opens with a flashback to the king (voiced by Alfred Molina ) and queen ( Evan Rachel Wood ) of Arendelle telling young Elsa and Anna a bedtime story about a magical enchanted forest and the indigenous people of Northuldra who live there, along with the elemental spirits of air, water, fire, and earth. In the present, Queen Elsa ( Idina Menzel ) starts getting distracted by a siren call that only she can hear. While Anna ( Kristen Bell ) worries for her sister, Kristoff ( Jonathan Groff ) prepares to propose to Anna, and beloved snowman Olaf ( Josh Gad ), secure with permafrost, matures enough to have an existential crisis. As the voice's pull gets stronger, Elsa realizes that elemental magic is hurting her kingdom, so she sets out to find the long-hidden forest accompanied by Anna, Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf. Once they get there, they encounter a long-missing group of Northuldrans and Arendelle soldiers, who've been trapped for decades. Elsa must figure out how to use her powers to save Arendelle and restore peace with what's left of the Northuldrans. And, of course, Anna refuses to let her do it alone -- even if that means (accidentally) leaving Kristoff behind.

Is It Any Good?

This charming musical sequel again elevates sisterhood, empowerment, love, and acceptance -- while introducing catchy new songs that are sure to please young Elsa and Anna fans. The storyline in Frozen 2 is less straightforward than in the original: There are multiple character arcs, and the youngest viewers may not understand one of the Northuldra plot points (it's reminiscent of an ugly aspect of U.S. history concerning Native Americans). But there are several musical interludes (it feels like even more than in the first movie) and enough humor to keep viewers happy and satisfied. No longer awestruck by everything around him, Olaf is maturing in a hilariously philosophical way. He wonders about the meaning of the universe and his place in it and at times comes off like a clever, angsty teen (audiences may think of Groot more than once in this film). Of the new characters, Wood is a standout as the girls' mother, as is Sterling K. Brown as a veteran Arendelle soldier.

The music (again co-composed and written by spouses Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez) doesn't include an obvious successor to the once ubiquitous "Let It Go," although "Into the Unknown" features the same emotional crescendo of Menzel's stunning voice. Several of the songs sound similar, but that's to be expected from composers who hit the jackpot with a particular musical style. Groff's Kristoff finally gets his big solo, "Lost in the Woods," which is presented in the style of an '80s power ballad video and should elicit more than a few laughs from Gen X and older parents. Anna's song "The Next Right Thing" is compelling and bittersweet, and Olaf's "When I'm Older" has the comical tone audiences expect from the adorable snowman. The romance here is already established, so that subplot is more about Kristoff wondering whether Anna wants marriage as much as he does, when she's so preoccupied with her sister's well-being. While fans shouldn't expect the exact same kind of magic as in the original, Frozen 2 is a fitting tribute to Elsa and Anna's promise to protect and defend each other -- and their kingdom.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about how the tone/intensity of Frozen 2 compares with the original. How much violence can younger viewers handle? Are the scenes of characters in danger or getting hurt too upsetting?

Who are the movie's role models? What character strengths do they exhibit? Why are courage , teamwork , and perseverance so important?

Which songs did you like most in the sequel? Do any of them compare to "Let It Go"? Do you prefer movies with musical numbers or those without?

What does it mean to "do the next right thing"? How does that idea help the characters in the story? How do you know what the next right thing is?

How do Anna and Elsa compare to other Disney princesses? Are they stronger examples of positive gender representation? Why or why not?

Movie Details

• In theaters : November 22, 2019
• On DVD or streaming : February 11, 2020
• Cast : Kristen Bell , Idina Menzel , Jonathan Groff
• Directors : Chris Buck , Jennifer Lee
• Inclusion Information : Female directors, Female actors, Gay actors
• Studio : Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
• Genre : Family and Kids
• Topics : Magic and Fantasy , Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More , Adventures , Brothers and Sisters
• Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
• Run time : 103 minutes
• MPAA rating : PG
• MPAA explanation : action/peril and some thematic elements
• Awards : Common Sense Selection , Kids' Choice Award
• Last updated : May 30, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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Movie Reviews

Movie review: 'frozen 2' and 'a beautiful day in the neighborhood'.

Bob Mondello

The simultaneous openings of Frozen 2 and the Mr. Rogers bio-pic A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood offer a chance to talk about the changing nature of children's entertainment.

Copyright © 2019 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

Screen Rant

Frozen 2 early reviews: an overambitious, but gorgeous disney sequel.

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The first reviews are in for Frozen 2 . Following a fairly quiet September and October, Disney is back with a vengeance this month. They only just launched their Disney+ streaming service this past Tuesday, and are already exceeding expectations when it comes to selling subscriptions. Things won't slow down next week either, when their anticipated sequel to Frozen - the studio's Oscar-winning animated blockbuster that grossed well north of $1 billion at the box office in 2013 - begins its run in theaters.

Directed by Frozen helmers Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee from a script by Allison Schroeder ( Hidden Figures ), Frozen II picks up a few years after the first movie, as the sister-princesses Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel) and Anna (Kristen Bell) set out to save Arendelle from a mysterious and magical threat that appears to be connected to a long-forgotten (and distant) enchanted forest. Early social media reactions to Frozen II have described the sequel as more emotionally and thematically complex than the first movie, if also less enchanting and not entirely necessary. Now, the professional critics are having their say on the matter.

Related: Is Frozen On Netflix, Prime Or Hulu? Where to Watch Online

Disney officially lifted the Frozen 2 review embargo today, a week ahead of the film's release in theaters. To see what critics are saying so far, check out these spoiler-free review excerpts. (You can also click on the corresponding links to read the reviews in their entirety.)

Molly Freeman, Screen Rant

So while the larger story of Frozen 2 may leave something to be desired, directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee deliver a visual and audio feast for viewers - one that will leave an emotional impact. Frozen 2 does lose some of the magic of the original movie, but that's to be expected when Frozen was such a surprising success. To their credit, the filmmakers smartly (but sparingly) play on Frozen's success, and use Olaf's brand of silly humor in more clever ways.

Brandon Zachary, CBR

These bolder choices make the film feel wholly unique as a result, simultaneously more complex but simplistic. At time, the first Frozen felt beholden to the classic Disney structure, with the more inspired moments coming when it bucked tradition and played out as something different. This film commits fully to that ideal and, while it may not all be the most riveting material in the world, it is a consistently gorgeous piece of compelling character work.

Kate Erbland, IndieWire

“Frozen” may have ended with everything in its right place, but Lee and Buck’s long-awaited followup makes the case that a sequel was necessary, not because it was demanded, but because “Frozen” was never the correct end of the story. Loving the characters and themes of “Frozen” and wanting to see more of them can only naturally lead to “Frozen 2,” which does away with so many of the happily-ever-after elements of the first film (and finds new, updated ones). By moving the tension between the traditional and the bold to the forefront, “Frozen 2” is one of the more daring visions of the future of Disney moviemaking, all bolstered by gorgeous animation and a handful of instant-classic new jams.

Alsono Duralde, The Wrap

There’s a lot to like here, from a rich palette of autumn colors to a potentially provocative subplot that will teach children that nations need to acknowledge and atone for their historical sins, but in the final tally, this is a sequel that exists not because there was more story to be told but because there was more money to be made. As such, there’s a certain level of calculation going on here... but there’s also enough craft and care to keep “Frozen II” from coming off as an utterly shameless cash grab.

Kristy Puchko, Pajiba

Yet all thrown together, these good but disparate threads and themes don’t feel incorporated but in competition. Frozen 2 is grab bag of good intentions, bold ambitions, and entertaining sequences. So even if it doesn’t come together, it casts an enchanting spell that’s sure to have kids and grown-ups laughing throughout, then singing the snatches of songs they can remember for days after. Simply put, it’s a bit of a mess, but also a ton of fun.

Matt Goldberg, Collider

There’s nothing atrocious about Frozen II, but it’s a movie that easily gets overshadowed by the first film as it attempts to figure out what made that film such a success. Perhaps 2013’s Frozen was lightning in a bottle; it was clearly a movie that not even Disney expected to land as big as it did back when it was released. And perhaps that audience goodwill for the original will carry over to Frozen II. But taken on its own merits, Frozen II lacks any unique magic. It’s songs and jokes and then you can easily let it go.

Courtney Howard, Fresh Fiction

Aesthetically speaking, this a dazzling beauty. The animators have created powerful imagery that evokes emotions on the macro and micro... Female empowerment and finding strength through sisterhood assuredly remain sturdy tethers. There’s also a hearty ecological message instilled about working with nature, not against it. Yet with all of these thoughtful ingredients in the mix, they can’t manage to coax out some semblance of a cogent, coherent, compelling fairy tale for the ages.

Peter Debruge, Variety

Ironically, “Frozen” fans may secretly be wishing for a more straightforward rehash, and to them, the best advice comes in the form of three little words: “Let it go” - a mantra they’ve surely internalized since the first movie. As with snowflakes, no two are alike, and this gorgeous, glittering reunion of siblings Anna (Kristen Bell) and Elsa (Idina Menzel) proudly flaunts its own identity, even while taking care to incorporate so much of what worked about the original - like a steady stream of wisecracks from wonderstruck snowperson Olaf (Josh Gad).

Overall, the initial critical response to Frozen 2 is positive, as evidenced by its current standing on Rotten Tomatoes (83% Fresh and an average rating of 6.9 out of 10, after the first 42 reviews). There's not a whole lot of agreement over whether the film is better or worse than the first Frozen , but most every review suggests the sequel is ambitious and far from a rehash. At the same time, the majority of reviews describe Frozen 2 as being a bit of a narrative mess, with plot threads and character arcs (not to mention, deeper themes) competing for screen time and failing to come together to form a cohesive whole. The other thing critics agree on is that Frozen 2 is beautifully rendered and boasts some of the most visually stunning sequences ever featured in a Disney animated movie.

Considering what a surprise success the first Frozen was, it's not surprising to hear Frozen 2 bites off more than it can chew in an effort to match and possibly exceed the first film in quality. Even so, it sounds like there's plenty to love about the sequel, from its catchy songs (tunes that some critics feel are even better than the ones from the original movie) and beautiful animation to its complicated themes about relationships, purpose, feminism, and, it seems, even colonialism, as unrefined as they might be. It may not be a home run, but it's hard to fault Frozen 2 too much for having a reach that, by the sound of it, exceeds its grasp. And with the year Disney's been having so far, those efforts should ultimately pay off at the box office .

NEXT: Every New Character in Frozen 2

Source: Various [See the links above]

Key Release Dates

• Frozen 2 (2019)