Frozen 2 movie review and giveaway!

It’s been 6 years since “Frozen” hit theaters in 2013, introducing us to sisters, Elsa and Anna and their friend; mountain man, Kristoff and the most loved snowman of all time, Olaf. It became the highest-grossing animated film of ALL TIME, worldwide! Won an Academy Award for best animated feature film of the year and the song that has been repeating in homes everywhere; “Let It Go,” won an Oscar for best original song. “Frozen” is a phenomenon but will Frozen 2 be able to live up to the expectations of its loyal fans? Read our Frozen 2 movie review to find out what we thought…

First the basics…

Duration: 103 minutes

Age Restriction: PG

Plot: We find our beloved sisters, 3 years later… Elsa is queen of Arendelle. Anna is happy to have everyone she loves—Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven—under one roof. The sisters are closer than ever and their bond unbreakable. All seems well but, there’s an unrest brewing in Elsa. A calling she doesn’t want to answer but that’s ultimately impossible to ignore. I won’t say anymore in fear of giving away too much…

Themes of the movie: Courage, Perseverance, Teamwork

“Yes, she will sing to those who hear.

And in her song, all magic flows.

But can you brave what you most fear?

Can you face what the river knows?”

~ “All is Found,” “Frozen 2”

As always our sisters are brave, resourceful,  strong, courageous and passionate, independent women.

Elsa has learned to control her magic but she also has the ability to harness the power of nature. She’s always felt a connection to nature but Elsa has no idea why and when she is forced to go on a quest to discover the origins of her powers Anna is determined to go with her! 

Her loyal nature and pure grit shines as she fights to stay by her sister’s side helping Elsa uncover the mystery — along with Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven of course. 

Our friends show tremendous courage, perseverance, and teamwork (even when apart) and Frozen 2 continues to promote the same beautiful messages seen in the first:

• Acceptance.
• Tolerance.
• Unconditional love.
• The importance of communication and respecting others even when you don’t understand.
• Doing the right thing when it’s hard.
• Protecting and helping others.
• The loyal bond between family, friend and partners.

What the girls thought:

Lia (5) was awestruck, never moving… Glued to the screen! She barely even touched her popcorn or soda… Captivated by how lifelike her favourite characters have become and the beautiful world they find themselves in.

Eliana (7) really enjoyed the entertainment aspect… Laughing at every joke, gasping at the special effects and following the new storyline with ease.

Even Ava (2.5) impressed us by watching the entire movie without needing to leave the cinema once. (Obviously, I wouldn’t recommend this – or any full feature film – for a 2-year-old. But if you also have a little one that needs to tag along be sure to book a loveseat.  Ava could stretch out and lie down as she pleased and really did enjoy the movie. For more tips on taking your kids to the movies, CLICK HERE.)

What we thought:

“If ‘Frozen’ was happily ever after, then ‘Frozen 2’ is the day after happily ever after. Life gets in the way. It throws you curve balls.” –  director Jennifer Lee

Frozen 2 is definitely a more mature continuation of the first movie. Loaded with a lot more emotion. Even I couldn’t help shed a tear or two. Thankfully there is still more than enough fun and humor keeping younger fans happy and invested.

The animation is spectacular! Creating worlds that feel real and rich. The signature cool blues have made way for a beautiful, new warm autumn look. It’s a new season for everyone and the colour used portrays this perfectly. The sisters are also dressed in the coolest outfits perfectly suited for the epic journey they are about to embark on. Anna wears pants and a cape in darker colours while Elsa stayed light and cool in the most ethereal snowflake nightgown and pant set. It’s magical! 

The soundtrack is yet another HIT! Although I fear singing will be making way for a very specific “calling”… With many new original songs and far more singing going on.  The music used in Frozen 2  help make a lot of the scarier moments feel lighthearted while speaking to the viewer’s emotions and really taking the movie to another level.

Even Kristoff finally gets his big solo and Olaf gives us another giggle.

The characters deliver! Anna is still a brave, kind, loving sister, and a good partner to Kristoff. Elsa is a good queen using her powers to help her kingdom and her loved ones. Kristoff is a supportive, encouraging partner to Anna and loyal friend to Sven. Olaf is cheerful, loyal but also thoughtful and hilariously philosophical – as always. Many new characters are introduced too and although they may not seem friendly at first all will be good in the end.

Disney has created a new type of royalty in Frozen.

Princesses that are flawed. Women that have to face their fears and men who don’t stand back but rather beside them. Being supporting, encouraging and understanding while staying strong and every bit as inspirational as their female counterparts. A place where tolerance is of the utmost importance and where different worlds can learn to live in peace alongside one another.

Just a few things parents need to know…

• Viewers are confronted by the theme of loss with flashback of Elsa and Anna’s parent’s death and when some of our most beloved characters die (momentarily).
• Sequences of action include being chased by the unknown, battles involving weapons and assassinations. Although nothing is ever shown, Lia and Eliana picked up on this instantly.
• New enchanted characters can be scary at first but Elsa soon eases small fans’ hearts when she finds ways of calming even the most enraged new friends. Spirits are represented but in a magical way known for in fairytales.

Would we recommend the movie? Yes. This movie is everything you want for in an epic, family movie. The characters are strong and diverse, the worlds fantastical and every minute of this movie leaves you wanting MORE! You’re never bored or looking away (except maybe for that one awkward song medley by Christoff  – but we’ll give him his 80’s boy band moment just because we love him so much).

Frozen 2 is bigger and more epic than the first and in the end, the 2 films work together to form one complete story. – Director Chris Buck

We could not have said it better. We all (Mr. Perfect and my 27-year-old sister-in-law) left the cinema feeling entertained and excited, yet a little sad that the 103 minutes was over…

COMPETITION CLOSED – Congratulations Anri Haasbroek!

And just because it’s Christmas…

We teamed up with Disney Africa to bring you guys a fun Frozen 2 giveaway!

Win your little one a:

• Frozen 2 Lego Elsa’s Wagon Adventure set – R500
• Frozen 2 Storytelling dolls (Anna & Kristof) – R740

TOTAL PRIZE VALUE: R1260

How to enter: