On its release in 2013, Disney’s Frozen quickly became an instant global hit. With millions of toys sold and a soundtrack and DVD on constant rotation in every home, the film has since entered our collective psyche to the point that even if you’d never seen it, you’d still be able to hum along to at least one of its hit songs.
Now, six years later, the madness is about to start all over again for parents and their young ones with the release of Frozen II, the eagerly awaited sequel that’s set to be every bit as record-breaking as its predecessor.
Directed by Chris Buck (Tarzan, Frozen) and Jennifer Lee, Frozen II sees the return of Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad who once again lend their voices and singing talent to this charming tale of triumph of good over evil.
The action takes place three years after the events of the first film. Now back in the safety of her kingdom of Arendelle, queen Elsa (Menzel) is troubled by a sound only she can seem to be able to hear. Unable to ignore this sound any longer, Elsa, joined by her sister Anna (Bell), Kistoff (Groff), olaf (Gad) and Sven embark on the adventure of a life time as they journey into the enchanted forest to find the source of the sound.
Facing some challenging obstacles on the way, Elsa must take charge of her own destiny in order to save her kingdom and discover the mystery behind her magical powers and the true nature of one of her parents.
Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee offer a charming story which, despite its decidedly convoluted plot, still manages to be as engaging as the first one. With some impeccably-judged gags and two brilliant central performances courtesy and Menzel and Bell, the film feels every bit as spritely and as acerbic, whilst managing to avoid the usual pitfalls of these undertakings.
From the incisive precision of Show Yourself, to the powerful and decidedly catchy Into The Unknown, husband and wife song-writing team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, have certainly excelled themselves once more. And although not a single song in this sequel is likely to have the same iconic reach of songs such as Let It Go or Love Is An Open Door, there is still plenty here to shout about.
With themes ranging from the fleeting nature of time, the importance of forgiveness and knowing when to ask for help, Frozen II certainly delivers a solid morality tale without being overly moralising. And although the plot can seem like a bit of slog at times, you’ll sill find yourself glued to the screen along with everyone else throughout.
This is a genuinely engaging, funny and beautifully acted sequel. You won’t stop smiling.
Frozen II is on general release from Friday 22nd of November
