Into The Unknooown!

This year has been a big year for the House of Mouse; and while I still haven't seen their live action versions of Dumbo, Aladdin and The Lion King (part of me doesn't want to either!), there was 1 big project that I WAS excited about: Frozen 2!
It's very rare for Walt Disney Animation Studios to do a recognised, as opposed to direct-to-video, sequel of one of its properties, but when they do, they're known to be just as high of a standard as the original. The classic example is The Rescuers Down Under - which is known as the forgotten gem of the Disney Renaissance. Released between The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, it is known as to be EVEN BETTER than the original and one of the most underrated Disney films of all time.

I digress, but my point is that official Disney sequels are often up there, so while it may well be that the producers were persuaded by the HUGE dollars the original made, it MUST have a decent-enough effort put into it for this to be recognised as an official Walt Disney Animated Studios piece and to be released in cinemas.

So, the question is, does it?

When our favourite ice-queen Elsa starts hearing the spirits of the Enchanted Forest, she goes on a quest to save the forest, Arandelle, and also discover the truth behind her powers. And you bet her sister Anna, Anna's boyfriend Kristoff, reindeer Sven and warm-hug-loving snowman Olaf are all coming too. (And Olaf is bringing snacks!)

I will be honest and say plot wise, it is not AS strong as the original, but what it DOES do right is keep the Frozen spirit alive and kicking, and it keeps the bond between Anna and Elsa at the centre of the film - which is good as that has always been the centre of the whole franchise. There is though another side plot with Kristoff that does not work as well with the rest of the film - bless him, he has pulled the short straw a bit...

The songs follow a similar fate. Husband and wife duo Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez have returned, but how the hell can you top Let It Go and the rest? They may not have gotten to those heights, but still close, as they're all lovable in their own way.
This is even including Kristoff's big number Lost In The Woods, which may be the weakest, but is unashamedly cheesy in how it mimics 80s power ballads with a whole chorus of reindeer all voiced by Jonathan Groff (voice of Kristoff). This would be a fine time to mention the main voice cast from the original all return, including Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell and Josh Gad (Beauty and the Beast), all doing a fine job either spoken or sung.

Back onto the songs, as well as a solo for Kristoff, Anna gets a song all to herself, as well as Olaf - and Elsa gets not just 1 big solo but 2! Into The Unknown may be the one that Disney is pushing, with Panic At The Disco doing a cover and all. It is catchy and will be the new nuisance for parents and singing teachers around, but I personally think that out of the 2, Show Yourself is the better song.

I finally need to mention the animation - Disney always seems to surprise us in that department doesn't it? From Arandelle to the Enchanted Forest and beyond, the world building and backgrounds looked stunning, and as the film is set in autumn, there's more opportunity for a lot more colour rather than loads of ice and snow (as pretty as that looked).

The highlight in the animation though was definitely in the effects animating the spirits, from the adorable fire spirit to the Earth giants, and also where Elsa reaches the water.

It may not be quite as good as the 1st film, but Frozen 2 is still an enjoyable film with its own heart and magic. Kids will of course lap it up (sorry Mums and Dads), as well as fans of the first film. If you're not a fan of the first, then this probably isn't going to change your mind on the franchise.