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.
Six years after the first ground-breaking “Frozen” came to the big screen, sisters Anna and Elsa are back and ready to do some more singing and keep up their new lives. Anna has everything she wants, a man, people brimming all around her, her sisters, attention, and of course, a snowman. Elsa wants to be happy in her new life, but something in the back of her mind doesn’t let her relax into her queendom. To top it off, she starts hearing a voice only she can hear. Before your imagination runs away, the voice is real, and Disney isn’t trying to bring in a mentally unstable princess just yet.
The plot is simple enough, adding to the elements and characters we know and love. Elsa’s the queen, and her people are suddenly in danger when the ramifications of her parents’ sins come back to haunt the kingdom. It’s no surprise when Elsa wants to go off on her own and try and find out what mysterious ailment has befallen her home and people. Nor is it a surprise when Anna, Kristof, Sven, and Olaf go along anyways to band together and solve the mystery together. Following a song sung years about by their parents, the sisters and crew head off into the unknown with Olaf serving as comic relief.
As expected in a Disney Princess movie, you get a few new songs. Sorry though, “Into the Unknown” doesn’t compare to “Let It Go.” Mind you, my 12-year-old and 8-year-old have been singing the song nonstop since we saw the movie on opening weekend. One song, “Lost in the Woods,” features Kristof and the reindeer in an ’80s ballad, which definitely adds a little value to the comedic element of the movie. A song sung by the girl’s mother comes with a haunting and beautiful tone and lends to the plot.
From there, though, the movie just isn’t quite right. Something I cannot pinpoint is missing. I don’t want to give away anything but the element spirits weren’t done well, nor was the extra character shown in trailers leading to much controversy – Honeymaren. Olaf felt a little contrived with age taking its toll, but he does bring some interesting facts and laughs to the table like a good sidekick. The action scene was the best part with new stone figures and floods. However, the best parts of the movie didn’t get enough attention, including the little salamander Bruni, and the horse used for the water spirit. How do I get one of those horses, because he was amazing and majestic!
It’s hard to give any details into the movie without giving away key surprises but just know it’s an entertaining and nice tribute to the first movie and will engage both parents and children alike. The plot and everything else was a definite improvement compared to the typical sequel, but as I said, something I wanted was missing, and I’m not even sure what was lacking. What kids will love was the lack of a real ending, more the story came to a conclusion ready for a “Frozen 3,” probably in 2026. We haven’t seen the last of our favorite ice queen as she has expanded her kingdom and her abilities. Fans aren’t letting go of this princess family just yet.
Now available on Digital HD and on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™, and DVD Feb. 25th
