I feel I should be upfront here. I was not a fan of Frozen. There’s a myriad of reasons from plot lines, to annoyance at Frozen-mania, to personal experiences at the time that tainted most experiences. But with Frozen 2, I didn’t want to take this past baggage. So with a fresh and open mind, I entered the El Capitan theater, fully expecting to at least be amused by the film.
This isn’t a review piece, so I’ll simply say that it was perfectly enjoyable, certainly better than the first, and I appreciated the music and visuals considerably. There’s also one of the most powerful Disney songs in existence in “The Next Right Thing.” A song about taking each step even in the midst of crippling darkness (too accurately representing depression). This stone cold heart nearly cried. No matter how uninvested you may be in the franchise, that song is worth your time. Listen. Stumble blindly towards the light. Cry. Know that you can crawl out of the darkness. Make the choice.
In the midst of this powerful song, there are other aspects of this film that I appreciated, especially in light of the first. In particular, this film showed the women working together to solve a historical incident of violence caused by a man.
And they did it wearing pants!
Both Anna and Elsa receive entirely new wardrobes, dressing for their explorations “into the unknown.” Elsa strips herself of everything iconic from her outfit in the first; no more braid, no more dress, no more draping frost fabrics, no more shoes. She is willing to risk everything to find out more about her place in the world and save the enchanted forest from their childhood stories. She even tames a kelpie, showing her strength of will.
And Anna is similarly transformed. Whereas in the first film she desires love and acceptance, in this, she willingly walks away from Kristoff, stepping out with a satchel and Olaf at her side. Her sister has a task and so does Anna. Neither is easy. Neither is safe. But both are willing to risk it. Battling inner demons, past traumas, and mystical beings.
Their colors represent them well, especially at the conclusion of the film when the characters and audience realize that these two sisters are two sides of a bridge between the magical and human. Elsa remains ethereal in frosty colors, pale skin, and even paler hair. Anna is warm, wearing the deep colors of fall, well suited to her red hair. Elsa – the magical. Anna – the human. Each powerful in their own ways. Each dressed for the tasks set before them. Each overcoming the darkness of the world to find beauty in their differences.
Frozen is still not my favorite Disney franchise. Not by a long shot. But I do appreciate the improvements upon the first, and I see the core message as a healthy trend in their animated features of late. Kids may love the films, but Disney also seems to be writing for young adults who struggle with high rates of mental health disorders and desire acceptance in a world that often scoffs at the struggles of young people. Amidst the fun, the 90s boy band music videos, and singing snowman, there is a heart of something much deeper here. I don’t mind seeing some Frozen-mania here. Because I honestly see it as a positive thing after this film. Certain styles of dress are not gender specific. We are powerful because of our differences. And we can all make it out of the darkness.
So go ahead. Belt your heart out. Disney Bound. Visit Anna and Elsa at Disneyland. Don’t let others rain (or snow?) on your enthusiasm. If this franchise helps you out of the dark, then I’m glad we’re past the days of 90s direct-to-vhs releases. Because I think the world actually needed this sequel.
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