Frozen 2 (2019) film review

Year: 2019
Running Time: 103 minutes
Directors: Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee
Writers: Marc Smith, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez (story), and Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee (screenplay)
Cast: (voice) Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, Sterling K. Brown, Evan Rachel Wood, Alfred Molina, Martha Plimpton

Frozen 2 is now showing in the United States and opens in Australia on November 28, 2019. 

Frozen 2 is not only an absolute delight with it's charm and stunning animation, but it unexpectedly debunks the "happily ever after" myth that Disney themselves so actively promoted with their earlier films. Rather than following the usual formula of such a sequel, Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee's follow up to their 2013 phenomenon is a coming of age story that tackles the inner-turmoils many of us feel when wrestling with change, trusting ourselves and finding the strength to keep going in the darkest of times.

The wonderful thing about Frozen 2 is that despite it's inherent fairy-tale nature, it is far more relatable, passionate and inspirational than anyone would have ever thought possible. Anna and Elsa, voiced once again by Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel, are two of the most popular, if not the most popular Disney princesses with little girls of this generation and with good reason. They are of course marketable, especially Elsa with luscious locks and her gorgeous and regal dresses, but the girls and their feelings are also very real and their issues incredibly human..

It is common protocol for fairy-tales to end on the high note of "and they lived happily ever after", which is always a comforting and reassuring notion that this may be possible for you if it was for Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Belle, Ariel and many others. However, it is also common knowledge that "happily ever after" is an unrealistic concept that once tainted our little minds. Reality is filled with ups and downs, left and rights that contort the original pathway that we set for ourselves. If Frozen gave us a "happily ever after", Frozen 2 gifts us with the very real notion that nothing is ever perfect forever and we must courageously embrace and accept change.

One of the first musical numbers in Frozen 2, "Some Things Never Change" (sung by Kristen Bell's Princess Anna) is an indication of the direction the film will head as it is very tongue-in-cheek, much the same as "Love is an Open Door" was in the 2013 film. Both the princesses in the film are victims of the system and are unknowingly so. The two spend a great deal of time doing what they believe is right, but not what they believe is true in their hearts. While this may seem like a basic formula for a family film and something that a Disney film would have traditionally dealt with as lightly as possible, there are some very deep thoughts and ideas presented that are as important for children as for adults.

Despite Elsa saving the day and regaining her seat as Queen of Arendelle, she still feels as though she does not belong and is searching for someone or something that will give her all the answers. Now, low self esteem is not something that Disney generally deals with, but that is exactly what is happening here. In the first Frozen, we witnessed Elsa as a young girl being hidden away from the world by her parents because she has been told that she is different and dangerous. She is finally brought into the eye of the world and saves the kingdom and her sister, but in only a fairy-tale would that be the end of Elsa feeling like an outsider or like there is something wrong with her.

Of course, she would have recurring feelings of not fitting in or feeling like she is doing something wrong.  Thankfully, the sequel arrived to correct this wrong as it is damaging (and unfortunately, very common) to believe that one event will cure all your destructive inner dialogue. We all know Elsa is amazing, and even Anna says to her "I wish you could see yourself the way I see you", but she continues on her dangerous quest to find out who she really is despite Anna being against this as it would mean change.

Change is a thing that many people are frightened of, and will often go to great lengths to avoid. Although Elsa knows within herself something must change in order for her to find peace within herself, Anna is terrified of change as she is worried she will lose her sister again. Both Anna and Elsa were forced into change when their parents died and their loss and grief is looked at more in this film than in the first. Anna speaks for the first time to Mattias (Stirling K. Brown) about her dark days and ponders how you keep going in those times, which is something we all feel at one time or another. His response is perfect, "You just put one foot in front of the other".

In earlier Disney films and even in Frozen itself, these issues are avoided where "happy ever after" is concerned. However, it is a wonderful thing that Frozen 2 breaks down this myth and reminds both children and adults alike that your "ever after" requires change, resilience and acceptance to be happy and that things will never be smooth sailing.

Another thing that Frozen 2 does to avoid the usual sequel formula, is that it doesn't take the things that worked in the original film and exhaust their appeal. There are several similarities between the first film and the second, such as another big theme song as sung by Idina Menzel in "Into The Unknown" and the sparkly and incredibly stunning visuals of the mountains and forest. Olaf (as voiced by Josh Gad) was an absolute winner with audiences the first time round, and he returns and brings the biggest laughs of the film. It would have been so easy to have overdone his character this time around (eg. the Minions after their success in the first Despicable Me), but his screen time is not overdone in the slightest. Another character who really has his moment in Frozen 2 is Jonathan Groff's Kristoff. Kristoff was the good guy in Frozen, but his character and his love for Anna are fleshed out in this film, complete with his 'Lost In The Woods" power ballad. He steals the heart of everyone watching the film when he asks Anna what she needs from him, which is what everyone wants their partner to ask.

Frozen 2 is an absolutely wonderful follow-up to the 2013 film. It avoids the usual pitfalls of a sequel, and uses being a sequel as an opportunity to continue the story in the most relatable, moving and human way as possible for both children and adults alike.

8.5/10

Frozen (2013)

 

Year: 2013
Running Time: 108 minutes
Director: Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee
Writers: Jennifer Lee (screenplay and story), Chris Buck and Shane Morris (story), Hans Christian Andersen (inspired by The Snow Queen)
Cast: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Graff, Josh Gad, Santino Fontana, Alan Tudyk

Frozen will be opening in Australian cinemas on Boxing Day and is distributed by Walt Disney Studios. Now showing in the USA and UK.

Disney have done it again. If there is one thing they know how to do, it is make a good Disney princess movie. And the best thing about their princess movies? They aren't just for girls, boys and men aren't afraid to say that they like them. There is absolutely some talent in being able to do that.

Frozen is sure to become one of the Disney classics. It contains the same spirit of the classic Disney films, but surprises you with modern ideas and relatable underlying themes. The screenplay, based on the Hans Christian Andersen story, The Snow Queen, is very clever and the characters are all colourful, memorable and a lot of fun. On a whole, Frozen is unforgettable and it's catchy tunes will be having you humming them for days after.

Sister princesses, Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel) and Anna (Kristen Bell) used to be so close as children, but when Elsa's strange gift that makes her turn everything to ice hurts her little sister, the two are kept apart for fear of Elsa hurting Anna again. When Elsa ascends to the throne when she is of age, she tries her hardest to keep her gift hidden from everyone. However, when she finds out that Anna had just got engaged to Hans (Santino Fontana), she is unable to control her powers and runs to the mountains to live by herself in her ice palace. Anna fearlessly takes off after her sister and along the way meets Kristoff (Jonathan Graff), his loyal pet reindeer, Sven and Olaf (Josh Gad), a hilarious snowman who Elsa built that has come to life. While everybody in Erindale is pointing their fingers at Elsa, nobody guesses that they have more to worry about closer to home.

Frozen is for Disney lovers young and old. It has the true feeling of a Disney princess film with pretty visuals of young princesses, ridiculously catchy songs and the similar plot points which are recurring in such a film but surprisingly, this one does feel a little more modern in a subtle way. With being a princess in a Disney film, there is always the presence of some sort of tragedy which bestows the princess (or princesses in this case) and there is always the presence of the young man who wishes to rescue her and true love concurs all. When Anna and Hans start singing "Love Is An Open Door", you almost feel like groaning as you think "Oh here we go again, another story about love at first sight".

Then something crazy happens. The characters start ridiculing Anna about falling in love and wanting to marry someone she just met. In past Disney films, the idea of falling in love with "The One" as soon as you meet them and often singing a song about it is common practise. Yet Frozen is far more modern in it's delivery. It ridicules the idea of love at first sight and carries the message that you really must know someone before you decide to spend the rest of your life with them. It's not the fantasy princess ideal that we have seen in the past, but it is refreshing to see a realistic take on love in a Disney animation. While there is never any lack of romantic love talk, there is also a great deal to be spoken of sisterly love. The idea that no matter how your siblings act towards you, they would always have your best interest at heart and will put themselves between you and danger.

The animation is really beautiful in Frozen, particularly in the scenes where there is snow and Elsa's ice palace. The colours employed are really exquisite and seeing this film in 3D really enhances your cinematic experience. As Frozen is a Disney musical, it is no surprise that it excels also in the musical department. The lead song from the film, "Let It Go" which is sung by Idina Menzel in the film and also by Demi Lovato in the closing credits is an instant classic. It contains a wonderful message and is one of those songs that can be used in a different context which many people can relate to when not accompanying the film. With awards season starting to kick in, this song will for sure be featuring in the Best Original Song nominees.

And of course, the characters and the actors who supply their voices really make Frozen come to life. Anna is a wonderful heroine. The greatest thing about her is that she is a very strong young woman and not the damsel in distress, but she is a goofball. She has some hilarious dialogue and is a really fun character. Kristen Bell had a big role in the creation of her Anna and it once again demonstrates Bell's great comedic timing. Bell also shocks everyone in the best way possible with her incredible singing voice. One person who there was never any doubt whether she would be able to hit the big notes for Elsa's songs was Idina Menzel. Her rendition of "Let It Go" in the film is so powerful and makes it into a huge musical number.

Jonathan Graff gives voice to Kristoff, who is a character which really grows on you. The presence of his "family" of trolls feels a bit out of place and although they are there for a purpose, they don't grab your memory as much as other characters. One incredibly memorable character is that of the snowman, Olaf. He is an absolute ball of laughs. He can come across as a bit of a children's character at times and some people may find him a bit annoying, but it is his simplicity that makes him endearing and his simple humour that makes him memorable. Josh Gad does a great job of giving him a voice.

Frozen is the perfect holiday film for all the family and is released at the perfect time of the year to coincide with winter in the Northern Hemisphere and give the Southern Hemisphere a taste of winter over the holiday break. A true Disney classic.

8.5/10

When In Rome

When In Rome
Year: 2010
Director: Mark Steven Johnson
Cast: Kristen Bell, Josh Duhamel, Anjelica Huston, Alexis Dziena

In My Own Words
Ah, the chick flick. I have not met any girl who can resist a chick flick, and any girl who tells you that she doesn’t like chick flicks is lying. I’m not saying that chick flicks are the favourite genres of every female, but they are take up so little brain activity that they are just easy and fun to watch. A chick flick is to a female what an action movie is to a male. Guy’s love watching big explosions and action heroes, while girls like watching romance and female heroines. It all makes sense. In my experience, guys have bagged me out when I have wanted to go and see a chick flick, but what these guys need to realise, is that a chick flick is our answer to the action film. And part of me did really want to see “When In Rome”, but mainly for the fact that Rome and New York City are in one movie. I have yet to visit Rome (even though I am dying to), but New York City is, like many other people, one of the great loves of my life.

I noticed something interesting while at the cinema today. I went to the 12:05 session of “When In Rome” today by myself. Some people find going to a movie by themselves an act of desperation. I once heard one girl I used to know complaining about how much of a “nigel” she was going to a film by herself. I have done this on many occasions and I don’t feel like a “nigel” at all. Today when I went, there was about 6 other people in the cinema by themselves. There were maybe only about 20 people in the cinema, but I thought it was interesting that there were so many people there on their own. I think I might put it down to the time of day. Most of the people who came in to the cinema by themselves had shopping bags with them, so maybe it was the fact that the cinema was in a shopping centre. Once people finish their shopping, they have time and look for something to do so they go to a movie. I just find it interesting how people think it is taboo to go to a movie by yourself, because you may be missing out on a great movie just because you can’t find someone to go to it with you!

These are my own words and here is my review.

Review
“When In Rome” is the typical chick flick, which means that most guys would rather poke their eyes out than see it. It is not the worlds best movie, but there is something fun, funny and very cute about it. Beth (Kristen Bell) has always had bad luck in love and life and it only gets worse when she has to make a flash trip to Rome for her sister, Joan’s (Alexis Dziena) wedding. Down and drunk, Beth takes a venture into the Fountain of Love and instead of throwing a coin into the fountain to wish for love as most people do, she decides to take 5 coins. It is only when she gets home and starts getting strange mans following her around professing their love for her, she finds out that if you take someone else’s coins, they will fall in love with you. A real problem arises when she actually falls for Nick (Josh Duhamel), who she believes is one of the men who’s coin she has retrieved.

Nothing about “When In Rome” makes it a great film. It won’t be remembered in years to come as there is nothing which really makes it stand out. However, it is very light, fluffy and cute. It is definitely an easy watch and extremely predictable. The script isn’t all bad, there are some very funny moments, although it can be very corny. There is not much more to be expected from this film though, it is very stereotypical in the way that a girl has bad luck in love and then finds love. Even though it is very predictable, there are no boring moments in the film. The scenery of Rome and New York are well captured and can at times, detract from the story and characters at hand, which some people may see as being bad and others see as being a good thing.

Kristen Bell is adorable as Beth. Her character of Beth does seem pathetic at the beginning, but she does become more likable towards the end. Her and Josh Duhamel definitely have on screen chemistry and make a very cute couple. However, the four men that fall in love with her are loose ends. They are all pretty painful, more so than they are supposed to be. Their characters are all more annoying than funny. They are probably the biggest turn off in the film and so over the top that it is ridiculous.

Again, keep boys as far away from this film as you can. It is a stereotypical chick flick, but not the best chick flick you will see this year. The best words to describe “When In Rome” are predictable and the two words used the most in this review, cute and adorable. It is a great film to see if you plan on not thinking for an hour and a half or taking a trip to Rome or New York.
5/10