The sequel to the iconic 2013 film Frozen released just in time for winter, amidst much anticipation among both diehard Disney fans and the general public. Directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee have crafted yet another tale of adventure with Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf as the returning protagonists.

Idina Menzel (Elsa), Kristen Bell (Anna), Jonathan Groff (Kristoff), and Josh Gad (Olaf) reprise their roles as voice actors for Frozen 2. Additionally, producers have added new characters: Iduna, voiced by Evan Rachel Wood, and Mattias, voiced by Sterling K. Brown. Songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Bobby Lopez have also created a fresh soundtrack for Frozen 2.

In Frozen, Anna, Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf were fighting to rescue Arendelle from a perpetual winter, thanks to Elsa’s powers. This time, the group is trying to find the origin of her icy abilities. They must face terrifying monsters and deadly storms on their quest to save their kingdom from evil while developing tighter bonds with each other. 

For the most part, Frozen 2 evokes familiar memories of the original Frozen. The main characters are on yet another treacherous journey together, with plenty of peril and comedy to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Like Frozen, the film maintains a strong focus on the sibling relationship between Elsa and Anna, rather than on an underlying romance plot typical of Disney fairytales. Kristoff’s repeated but failed efforts to propose to Anna provide a comedic refrain that’s never the main focus of the storyline. As for the soundtrack, in 2013, “Let It Go” was the anthem of self-empowerment, teaching viewers to embrace themselves and let their fears go. The sequel has proved not to reflect the same theme like the original, with the most famous of the songs being “Into the Unknown.” This track marks the new direction that Disney has gone in for the second edition of Frozen. The “happily ever after” aspect is removed, and as “Into the Unknown” is sung, the original group from Frozen is thrown into the real world and all its challenges, dealing with the aftermath of the events of the first movie. Through this, Frozen 2 represents the growing up process we all go through, and the important lessons we learn along the way.

With its entertaining but heartfelt storyline and meaningful takeaways, Frozen 2 is perfect for viewers of all ages. Like its predecessor, we won’t be able to “Let It Go.”