Frozen II

The kingdom of Arendelle needs to be evacuated when the forces of nature threaten to destroy it. Elsa, Anna, Olaf and Kristoff set off to find some answers. But Elsa has been distracted. She has been hearing an unfamiliar voice calling out to her in a strange tune. Led by her, the group follows the melody to find themselves at the edge of an Enchanted Forest with untold mysteries and dangers.

Rather than retracing the steps of its record-breaking predecessor, Frozen 2 tries some new thematic tricks. This time around, the surprisingly mature plot focuses on transformation and growing up. The films setup leading up to the climax appears to be promising, but its third act doesnt quite live up to expectations. The conflict resolution lacks a...

While Frozen 2 isnt as strong a film as I had hoped it would be, I wouldnt go so far as to call it a disappointment. Its still incredibly entertaining and I found myself engaged throughout. These films do have an undeniable charm, and outside of the now-completed How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, Moana and Laikas Missing Link, these are the only major American animated films attempting the use the form to create a cinematic experience. It is a pity that the story never finds its feet; a combination of this level of craft and a real ripper of a yarn would have made this a slam-dunk. As it stands though, the magic of the Frozen franchise is still there - dimmed, but there nonetheless.

• Daniel Lammin

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As you should know by now, I enjoyed Frozen more than I expected. Therefore, I was genuinely excited about its six-year sequel. Its one of the few movies in 2019 to which I went in 99% blind. I didnt watch a single trailer, I barely saw any images or small clips, and I didnt know anything about where the story was going. So, with my expectations moderately high, how did it perform? Very, very well. Im going to write it straight away: I enjoy this sequel more than the original. For one simple reason: it possesses a more emotionally complex narrative, one which I think the target audience (basically kids) wont even fully understand.

Its really hard to create an anima...

Better than the first film which I found lackluster in almost every area outside the animation, this one had a stronger story and character development and while I can't say there was one highly memorable song, it did flow a bit better in the sequel. 3.75/5

Making a quality sequel can be tough, and even moreso when its a follow-up to a beloved modern classic. Frozen II has huge shoes to fill from the outset, and this second installment of the Disney animated tale of two sisters is a mostly unsuccessful adventure. Even the dazzling animation cant make up for whats lacking, including the absence of an instant hit song (nothing here even comes close to the brilliance of Let It Go), dry voice performances, and a mediocre story.

When ice queen Elsa (Idina Menzel) begins hearing a strange voice calling her, she and sister Anna (Kristen Bell), Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), snowman Olaf (Josh Gad) and reindeer Sven set out on a perilous journey to discover why Elsa was born with magical powers. Its a ...

Exactly what one can expect from a Disney princess movie.

Away from the 'Toy Story' franchise - Disney's greatest sequel to date? I believe so.

'Frozen II' is quality. I'd argue 'Frozen' is the better film, but this 2019 production is terrific. It isn't as funny (though still has its moments) as it is a more darker, deeper story. Considering this premise only really exists in this film, it is impressive how well it comes out and pays off. The score is improved, though the musical numbers aren't quite as memorable as 2013's.

All the cast reprise their original roles and are again very good; props to Idina Menzel (Elsa) and Kristen Bell (Anna). Josh Gad remains very amusing as Olaf, there's one recap scene in particular that stands out.

Entertaining, once more. No complaints from me.

Way better than the first. I still didn't like all the singing. The story was great. You get to see what she can do more with her powers.

I suppose a sequel was inevitable, but I can't help wondering if maybe they could have spent just a little longer on the substance of the story? This time around, "Elsa" has lost her powers and so, with the kingdom in peril - again - she, "Anna", "Kristoff", "Sven" and the scene-stealing "Olaf" are lured by a mysterious voice to a forest far away so they can find out what's gone wrong for "Elsa" and to try and restore her powers before her people - and those in the neighbouring "Northuldra" fall foul of an evil power that could destroy a dam and wash everything away. The animation is pristine, if not especially imaginative, and it's got a couple of belting power ballads - notably "Into the Unknown" and "Show Yourself" to help the soundtrack...