Why 'Frozen 2' does not live up to the hype

Saleha Irfan, Senior Sub-Editor/Reporter

Runtime: 1h 43m

Genre: Animation/Adventure/Fantasy

I was very eager to watch “Frozen 2.” I had gotten on the “Frozen” bandwagon later than others when the first movie came out six years ago so I wanted to get ahead of all the excitement this time.

“Frozen 2” follows the two sisters Elsa (Idina Menzel) and Anna (Kristen Bell), along with Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), Olaf (Josh Gad) and Sven the reindeer, as they leave Arendelle and travel to an enchanted forest. Elsa is much more in control of her powers now but hears someone calling to her from the great beyond. The group sets out to find the voice and the origin of Elsa’s powers in order to save their kingdom from an unknown threat.

The movie starts off with a flashback to the princesses and their parents. From there we venture to Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Olaf trying to have a normal family night of charades. However, the evening ends abruptly when Elsa hears the voice. No one else seems to take notice of it, though. At first she tries to ignore it but eventually gives up and the four then decide to search for it together.

But alas, the fate of sequels is one and the same. And so, no matter how hard it tried, “Frozen 2” could not be as engaging as its predecessor.

The songs are far too many and not very unimpressive which, I guess, is good news for parents who were sick of child after child belting out “Let It Go.” Add to that an average storyline, a big build-up to the climax and then a very mediocre reveal, and you have “Frozen 2.”

Don’t get me wrong — the movie is beautiful on screen; it is visually appealing to the extent that you can’t tear your eyes away. Especially the parts with any form of water involved, or the ones in which Elsa uses her powers. But it would have been nice if a good storyline had backed that as well.

Anna, voiced by Kristen Bell, and Olaf, voiced by Josh Gad, in a scene from “Frozen 2.” TNS

The movie does have its high points, though, and one great song — a ballad actually. Reminiscent of an 80s boy band, the power ballad “Lost in the Woods,” sung by Groff, is about Kristoff’s love for Anna and challenges toxic masculinity.

The duo behind “Let It Go” tried to recreate the magic with two of Elsa’s solos, “Into the Unknown” and “Show Yourself,” but other than reiterating that Idina Menzel can hit the high notes perfectly, they didn’t achieve much. Although the voice (Ah Ah Ah Ah) is very catchy. I have even caught myself singing it on several occasions.

The highlight of the movie for me was when the lovable Olaf recaps the events of “Frozen” for the people of the enchanted woods. It is the best scene of the film and had me doubled over in laughter. Olaf has really stepped up his game in “Frozen 2.” He is not only adorable but extremely funny.

There is a little treat at the end of the film for anyone who stayed until the credits finished rolling. “Frozen 2” has followed Marvel’s footprints and added a small end-credit scene. Although it doesn’t add to the movie but it’s a good one, nevertheless.

Even though, it feels like something is missing in the movie, “Frozen 2” does a good job in emphasising that girls don’t always need a Prince Charming to save the day.

3.5 stars