#but being able to go into youtube.com and type 'full soundtrack' and get these bangers all lined up...mwah

[appleciders]

no soundtrack has been there for me like she has

[fortheloversoffilm]

Frozen 2

Title: Frozen 2 Director: Jennifer Lee & Chris Buck Release: November 22nd, 2019

Alright, so if you know me at all, you know I’m not a huge fan of Frozen (let’s be real “Let It Go” ruined it for A LOT of us).

SO, upon seeing this 2nd film of the franchise, and enjoying it, I was BAFFLED.

*I also apologize, in advance, for the amount of photos/stills in this -- seriously cannot get over the animation*

We’ll start negatives and build into the positives, end with a high note, cuz there are FEW issues I had with this film.

One of the first negatives I want to discuss is the storyline.  I wasn’t a big fan of the “no villain” aspect of this.  the argument for the Grandfather being the villain, is valid, but I also don’t think he’s the major issue here, plus it was a troupe I’ve seen MANY times and wanted something different.  It’s that Arendelle is in danger of being destroyed by the forces and spirits of the elements.  But after Hans, who was an excellent villain BTW, it felt like it was missing something.

I also have the issue that this storyline seems kind of out of no where.  We never REALLY met her parents much in the first -- which is why we could be going deeper here, but it didn’t feel necessary.  However, the fact there was NO mention of the Northuldra people (Is this the people of Kristoff’s origin?  Why are they not in the first? How can a whole grouping of people be completely forgotten?  How can Anna remember a portrait of Mattias but never know why he’s there in a portrait?).   I did LOVE the new rendition of the Frozen opening, I thought that was STUNNING, and I loved meeting the Northuldra people, regardless of my issues with where they were in the first film.

There is also the discussion piece of “This is the same as the first film story wise” -- which is a valid discussion, BUTT I would disagree with this based on the lack of a villain like Hans.

OK, so moving on from “Debbie Downer, just enjoy the movie for what it is.”  THE POSITIVES.

Firstly, I need to SCREAM about how AMAZING this soundtrack was!  Between Kristoff’s power 80s, love ballad and “Into the Unknown” -- I CANNOT.  It was WONDERFUL. Beautiful.  Spectacular.  And Panic! at the Disco’s rendition of “Into the Unknown” leaves me with CHILLS.  LIKE GUYS -- I have to leave a link.  

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcmHucRKTnI)

I also have to RAVE about how spectacular the animation is.  From the details in costuming to just how REAL the trees look in the flooding scene -- LIKE:

ANDDDD

ANDDDDD

It’s just stunning and beautiful.  The talent, craftsmanship, and beauty that went into these animations were amazing.  I caught myself MULTIPLE times with my mouth open in awe of this animation.

I loved the fun and beautifully designed Spirits of the Enchanted forest as well!  They’re quirky and understandable mad.

We also need to talk about the vulnerability that is shown by MULTIPLE characters in this film.  They are breaking barriers, stereotypes, etc., all over the place.  This is where I’m gonna dive deep -- so be prepared.

We’ve got Anna, who sings a whole ballad ("The Next Right Thing") about being in pain and feeling sadness and sorrow and still going forward.  She also continues to be strong in her sorrow, and do what is right at the cost of losing everything.  I think that message was powerful in the aspect that she show that fragility is important, but you shouldn’t let it engulf everything that you are capable of doing.  You can move forward from it.

Then we’ve got Elsa.  She should be extremely happy in the life she has and being freaking QUEEN.  But she isn’t.  She craves for something else, and knows this.  In leaving her royal crown, she is showing that dreams do not have to be those that were put in front of you.  They can be something different than what you’d imagined, pictured, planned out.

We also have to talk about her hair -- thats a MAJOR symbolism that has happened in film, animation, etc., for a long time (mostly from what I’ve seen in Studio Ghibli films, so I see you nodding at that Disney).  We go from a tight updo braid, to a longer braid in Frozen.  We are sticking with the longer braid in Frozen 2, showing her restraint.  However, we then move to a ponytail -- still restrain, but more free as she moves forward in her journey.  By the end we have FREE FLOWING LOCKS people!  That’s extremely important because it shows her entire freedom.  She is in her element and able to be who she TRULY believes.

Plus the PANTS!! *claps*  We have pants people for both Anna and Elsa!  -- I just really love their pant outfits

Now Olaf, who has grown to understand feelings and anger, and also to be selfless.  I mean Olaf chooses to encourage Anna to go forward and almost comforts her in his moment of complete despair.  I thought that was beautiful character growth for a comical relief character.

Now the big one -- Kristoff. We are TACKLING toxic masculinity in this man and I LOVE it.  I mean the man sings a full 80s rock style love ballad, “Lost in the Woods” (as mentioned earlier), with reindeer back up singers!  Like come on!  And we CANNOT pass up the fact he tells Anna “what do you need” and let’s her be her own hero.  That itself was powerful to show they are a TEAM and he is not her “hero” in the typical “knight in shining armor type.”  I also almost SCREAMED when he said “My love is not fragile.”  I am obsessed with it and the fact he directly communicates it with her.  It’s a beautiful moment of trust, love, and understanding on his part.  

***But I still have questions about Kristoff.  Is he Northuldra?  I thought he was an ice person’s son? But then why was he raised by the trolls? I need answers, Disney!

I honestly do have a lot of questions (was their mom the 5th element before them? I have soooo many Kristoff questions.  I need to see a royal wedding.  What happened with Ryder?), but at entertainment and that “leave the theatre feelings” I truly enjoyed this film.  It was a beautiful show of emotions from all the characters, while also having a BANGER of an album and STUNNING animation.

So if you’re on the fence to see it -- I’d definitely say go for it. <3

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imdb.com

indiewire.com

bbc.co.uk

youtube.com -- “Into the Uknown” by: Panic! at the Disco

nerdist.com

imgur.com

popsugar.co.uk

thewrap.com

latimes.com

CNBC.com

people.com

usatoday.com

insider.com