The sequel continues to break stereotypes and fulfill the highly-anticipated hype. **Spoiler free review**
“Frozen” stole the hearts of many enthusiasts the minute it hit theaters in 2013. It was different and risky and powerful in ways Disney princess movies had not yet seen before. It was not about the perfect princess who falls in love and lives happily ever after in a massive castle. Instead, it is about two princesses with visible flaws, family issues, and naivety when it comes to love. Typical character arcs are subverted every which way. The main character is flawed and insecure and faces actual consequences for her powers. The knight in shining armor is actually a woodsman who talks with animals. The handsome prince turns out to be the villain. And the most powerful twist; the love that thaws is that of two sisters, not romance.
It would appear as though all the old-fashioned Disney tropes have already been debunked. And do we really need a sequel anyway?
Hesitant to feed the hype I went into the sequel questioning whether it could live up to the insurmountable hype accumulated in the past six years. “Frozen”has been capitalized on in every which way. Even I, who grew up in complete adoration of every Disney princess before, got tired of singing “Let it Go” at the top of my lungs. The movie is played every Christmas, the merchandise is in every Disney section of every store, the characters have infiltrated the parks by storm. It’s “Frozen” everywhere all the time and the hype never seemed to quit.
There was no way a sequel could compete or even surpass the infamous original. Nonetheless, I took my little sister to the theaters with our dramatic braids mirroring our favorite pair of sisters, Olaf stuffed-snowmen, and Frozen-adorned popcorn and saw it opening night.
I appreciate and applaud Disney for staying true to the themes of the original. In the end, it was the love and support of the two sisters that withstood the trials. It would have been easy for Disney to write a whole new narrative for the beloved princesses and send them on new journeys. It would have been even easier to rewrite the same narrative with a different spin. This sequel did not do either and for that reason I am grateful.
As all good sequels do, the narrative is built on that of the first. “Frozen 2”presents a more mature narrative that explores the history and folklore of Arendelle, the growth in the character development of the main characters and of course, more compelling ballads we will be singing at high volumes for months to come.
One thing I think Disney has mastered with its plethora of sequels is its ability to grow with their audience. They understood not only would every five-year-old dressed as an ice princess with snowflakes in their hair see the film but they were very aware it has been six years and the original audience is older. And so the plot and the characters mature as well.
Elsa has overcome some of her past insecurities and is hungrier for a deeper meaning of her parent’s past and the origin of her powers. She learns and exemplifies the power of growing secure in your own identity and that change and asking for help, though uncomfortable and hard, grows you to be stronger.
Anna, although an important and lovable character in the first film, was devoid of the opportunity of a strong character arc in the original. In “Frozen 2"that changes as she sees arguably the greatest level of maturity. Anna struggled with her own identity as she often placed it in the hands of others. In her journey, she is forced to do “the next right thing” without the aid and security of Elsa or Hans or even her family’s legacy. Instead, she is left to make crucial choices for herself.
Kristoff even grows in character development devoid of princely stereotypes as you see a prince who tackles themes of toxic masculinity and feminism through his actions. He is understanding of Anna’s devotion to her sister and people. He supports her and fights alongside her not succumbing to the pressure of being just the lover or protector and being content with being in the background of her narrative.
If the first film teaches the acceptance of one’s self and the power of two sisters’ love for one another, “Frozen 2" speaks to the truth that growing up is a process of self-discovery that involves not having all the answers but still being worthy of love, support, and improvement.
If you have yet to see the film, I highly encourage it.
Ellie Wendt is a Columnist for the Boardwalk Times.
