FROZEN II

PG
Starring the voices of: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff, Sterling K. Brown, Evan Rachel Wood and Jason Ritter
Running Time: 1 Hour and 43 Minutes

Sequels are so unpredictable, you just never quite know what to expect. As we all know by now, the original “Frozen” was such a huge smashing success that it has just become a part of our culture especially with the eternal ear-worm song, “Let It Go”.
It seems to me nowadays that the movie industry is trying so hard to be current and empower young women to be fiercely independent that sometimes it’s just too forced and artificial.
Even with the message of strong young women, “Frozen II” stayed true to the original story theme and it felt like it was a fairly smooth transition from the original to the sequel.
It’s hard to believe that “Frozen” came out in 2013 so Disney has had six years to get this sequel just right.
Fortunately, “Frozen II” does NOT have a huge theme song like “Let It Go”. I am so grateful for that!
Anna (Kristen Bell), and Queen Elsa (Idina Menzel) are both back in Arendelle, along with their loyal crew; Olaf (Josh Gad),  Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and Sven (Jonathan Groff) and yes, he does indeed do the voiceover for both Kristoff and Sven.
Anna and Elsa hear a tale about a battle that took place between their ancestors and different tribes living on a mountain in an enchanted forest land. This battle destroyed the relationship between the people of Arendelle and the mountain people. Elsa knows and is determined that she has to go and explore to find out the mystery that is her and Anna’s past history. She also is being haunted by a  voice that only she can hear. When she gets to the mountain she finds a beautiful Autumn-like forest that she has to enter to begin her adventure.
Anna gets together with the always enjoyable snowman Olaf, her boyfriend Kristoff, who is always searching for the perfect opportunity to propose to her and and the reindeer Sven. They also enter into the  elusive enchanted forest to search for Elsa.
This is a movie full of adventure and excitement about the two sisters who are fiercely loyal to one another that I think both children and adults alike will enjoy.
The special effects were incredible and very realistic! The  detail and colors were phenomenal!
There is also a darling little character who is a Salamander named Bruni who will capture everyone’s hearts.
Parents be advised: This movie is rated PG. I think this movie is appropriate for children of all ages. However, there is a dark and scary forest with some frightening situations that take place that are fairly intense.
I am giving “Frozen II” three and a half bags of popcorn.