REVIEW - Frozen 2 - The Real Mum's Verdict

So we’ve seen Frozen 2. Yes we went today on the day of release, and yes I was just as excited as the girls, but what did we think? Did the Frozen sequel live up to expectations? Was Frozen 2 better than the original? Were the songs in Frozen 2 just as catching as the original Let it Go which we have heard every single day on repeat since 2013??? Will Frozen 2 toys and gifts be on the top of everyone’s Christmas lists this winter, or did it simply leave us feeling cold?

It’s time to find out… #nospoileralerts

Table of Contents

Frozen 2 Storyline

With a slightly darker and more thrilling action packed synoposis, Frozen 2 takes Elsa on a journey to discover the truth behind her powers and their source. She starts to hear a voice calling to her which leads them to an enchanted forest. There they quickly learn that unless Elsa takes real action, the future of Arandelle and everyone in it is at risk of an impending doom! But can she save the day? Will she push Anna away again or will they work together? What does the future hold for the royal sisters?

New Characters in Frozen 2

The characters in the original Frozen were pretty epic, with the girls almost instantly falling love with Olaf and Sven (hence Neve’s excitement when Ride on Sven arrived on the scene.) but what about in Frozen 2? Are there any new characters to fall in love with?

Frozen 2 sees the original cast incuding Idina Menzel, Kirsten Bell and Josh Gad return as our all time Frozen favourite, and sees the introduction of Queen Iduna and Leiutenent Matthias, both of whom you may have had a sneak peek of in the trailer.

Frozen 2 also sees the arrival of Nok, an absolutely stunning ice horse, as well as a baby reindeer and super cute chameleon – so I am fully expecting toy versions of the latter two to arrive on the scene very soon!

The relationships grow and evolve and we learn lots more about the sisters and their past – oh and the child versions of Anna and Elsa at the beginning are simply adorable.

The Frozen 2 Soundtrack

The original Frozen soundtrack was pretty epic, with songs like Let it Go and Love is an open door being a hell of a lot to live up to. So how did the Frozen 2 soundtrack compare?

I LOVED IT.

From the catchy, fast paced and high energy Some things Never Change which had Neve bobbing in her chair, to Kristoff’s 80s power ballad Lost in the Woods, which has an epic visual montage that even includes a little nod to Freddie Mercury! I also loved Olaf’s rat pack jazz hands song “When I’m Older” and another bold and powerful ballad “Show yourself”. It has a far more Musical feel about it than the original Frozen, and I personally really enjoyed this element.

Into the Unknown has been predicted to be the new Let it Go and at first I didn’t think it was possible. However, the more I hear it (both on the Frozen 2 Singing Elsa Doll and in the movie) the more I have a feeling this will definitely be on the tip of everyones tongues, as I am already humming it on repeat ever since we got back from the cinema. One word of warning however – it has a LOT of high notes, which means we will inevitably be hearing a LOT of kids hitting a LOT of bum notes on repeat until at least 2025. Thanks for that Disney.

So how did it compare to the original?

It is really hard to compare the two Frozen films because they are both very different. Frozen 2 has a much darker and more complex storyline, which may be a little more difficult for younger children to fully understand compared to the original “love can thaw a broken heart” concept.

Some of the themes are quite emotionally mature, and the movie is much more fast paced, action packed and thrilling. There are lots of edge of your seat moments which compare to the wolf chase and Marshmallow scenes in the original, with fire, ice, wind and giants all added into the mix.

The animation is pretty impressive, and I would go so far as to say that it is even more visually pleasing that its predecessor, with some amazing landscapes and water scenes that at points make you forget you are watching an animated movie!

As you would expect, Frozen 2 keeps a strong amount of humour throughout and has some great one-liners from Olaf, who at one point becomes a little like Donkey in Shrek! Overall Frozen 2 is very amusing and has lots of laugh out loud moments for adults and children alike.

I wouldn’t go so far as to say Frozen 2 is better than the original, as they are VERY different, however I will say I would be MORE than happy to watch it again – which is a good job really, as I somehow think that is inevitable! The girls have already asked if they can go again tomorrow, and when it will be on the TV!!

Take homes from Frozen 2

My main take homes from Frozen 2 include the following:

Elsa looks really pretty with her hair down (Mikes tuppence worth is that ‘Elsa GOT HOT!’, and I am going to have to spend my life YouTubing Anna’s hairstyles as they are likely to be requested A LOT.
The girl’s wardrobe has expanded, with not one outfit, not two, but multiple outfit changes during the movie. This of course is no accident as I can imagine there will be versions of every style available to purchase in stores at some point soon!
If you’re an 80’s child, you’re likely to be a fan of the soundtrack (I’m already downloading it) – Look out for the Bohemian Rhaposody’esque scene!
Frozen 2 has grown up, with a far more edgy and less “wholesome” vibe.

Overall, we really enjoyed Frozen 2, and it most definitely lived up to my expectations! A big thumbs up from us!