A new sure-fire hit sequel (set three years henceforth) to a beloved 2013 musical animated adventure isn’t that structurally sound yet follows a path destined to delight.
Frozen II doesn’t have that same magical quality of what was loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen”, but it often enchants without out familiarity or what previously was successful. Oscar-winning duo Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez are key again in doing so much to make the score so prominent and vibrant.
Part of Frozen helming coterie are back – Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck – not to mention the main actorly ensemble – Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell and Jonathan Groff – who provide their voices and singing in what may be considered less risky as well as of a sweeping trek.
After an icy spell and a perpetual wintry grip has been averted Queen Elsa (Menzel, who once began strongly in theater in the original “Rent”) is plagued in her Arendelle realm.
It bothers her enough to head to the source in a mesmeric forest with sister Anna (Bell), goofy mountaineer Kristoff Goff with a running gag about impediments that have Elsa realizing where her destiny lies when it comes the mystery behind her power to preserve what has been entrusted to her. That parentage — as an initial flashback includes the King and Queen voiced by Alfred Monila and Evan Rachel Wood.
This follow-up has a spry, acerbic quality with humorous spots, especially in many a musical number that manages to smooth out to a degree a more unwieldy narrow squalls. A bigger budget allows the filmmakers to embrace their gloomier impulses once in a striking palisade of woods, and the gorgeousness woven in personage and panoramas. Oh yes, there are rock ogres and fire demons that call to mind creatures from J. R. R. Tolkien as an aura of heaviness presides.
A tune of the caliber and impact of “Let It Go” isn’t accessible in a fun Frozen II but “Into The Unknown” is rather catchy and lively with its lyrics that weave fashion. “Show Yourself” may not have the reach of “Love is An Open Door” but there is much to engage in what will leave a smile on many a face. Especially when Kristoff croons with a croons with a country-twang “Lost in the Woods” and Olaf on the run from terrors warbling and even when he’s older everything will make sense.