It’s been SIX years since we first met Anna and Elsa. Six years of singing let-it-go and in-summmmmmer! Have you been eagerly anticipating a return to Arendelle?
I wasn’t overly excited about a part 2 (I never am!) but of course, when invited to a pre-released I jumped at the chance.
Let’s just get right to it, ok? I will do very minimal, inconsequential spoilers till the end, ok?
WHY YOU AND YOUR KIDS WILL WANT TO SEE FROZEN 2
Because it’s Frozen!! This movie was a very natural next step in the story of our Arendelle sisters. All our old friends are back (plus some new ones), the scenery is as beautiful as ever and it all just feels very very familiar in the most wonderful way!
We finally address the unanswered question of “why does Elsa have magical powers?” and go on a grand journey outside of Arendelle to discover the truth.
It was epic. I mean, I know that is a super overused word, but really and truly–this was epic. I’m talking rock-monster-giants epic and whirlwind and raging oceans epic. There was non-stop adventure, high-stakes and new discoveries. It’s not just another princess movie.
It was fun. Olaf sings and tells stories! I don’t think he lives up to his first just-imagine-how-much-cooler-I’ll-be-in-summer but there were lots of laughs because of Olaf. And from Kristoff and Sven, too!
The royal family. We get to see Anna and Elsa as kids again and hear from their parents. Annnd, a bit of closure on their deaths.
Their clothes. Y’all! Anna and Elsa had the best clothes! They certainly have the biggest wardrobe of any other Disney princess. And Elsa mostly wore purple!!
WHY YOU AND YOUR KIDS MIGHT NOT WANT TO SEE FROZEN 2
It was thrilling. Like I said, there were rock giants, a crazy tornado whirlwind, an almost-drowning in a stormy ocean, a forest fire and more. I don’t think it was too much but if you have a very small child or one that has big fears about any of those disasters, you need to be aware.
It was spiritual. In the original Frozen, Elsa’s magic was the only magic around. In this movie, Elsa begins hearing someone or something call to her through song. And she knows it’s the spirits of an enchanted forest her father once told her about. These spirits show up in different forms (mostly animals) but it is very spiritual in the line of elemental gods.
Death. There was lots of conversation about the parents’ death. And some very real encounters with grief related to death. It was substantial.
Messaging. I’ve written about culture influencing our kids in small, seemingly insignificant ways several times. So, after you’ve watched the movie and want to see some super nit-picky stuff about slick messaging and politics vs. theology, go here.
In Conclusion
I really enjoyed it. My kids (11 & 13) really liked it. I didn’t love it as much as I still love Tangled or even my surprise love of Aladdin. But it was good--a full on fairy tale with non-stop excitement and a really great ending.
There wasn’t anything I’d consider inappropriate. I think this movie will have an equal fan-base as the first. And if your child saw the first one, they should be able to see this one, too!
Don’t forget to download my Family Discussion Guide! It’s got some fun conversation starters and family activities to go along with the movie!
