It might have been released six years ago but the first Frozen film never really went away. Parents everywhere have had to watch or listen to it roughly a gazillion times, as it became an instant staple for kids. Even those without youngsters have never been able to go long without hearing the film’s iconic main track “ Let it Go,” and Olaf’s smiling face can always be found on store shelves. The movie’s oversized position in the pop culture landscape is why its sequel arrives with equally oversized expectations. Is it even possible for it to live up to them? Can Frozen 2 match the beloved original in terms of both songs and story? According to initial reactions to the movie it does, with some even saying it did the seemingly impossible by being better.
I can’t believe I am saying this, but FROZEN 2 is better than its predecessor. Darker, a little more mature, but still an excellent film for families, the songs believe it or not are catchier, so parents beware. SEE THIS MOVIE! #Frozen2 pic.twitter.com/0RLKpckHWS
— Skyler Shuler (@Skylerhxc) November 8, 2019
The first reactions to the film started coming in after Frozen 2‘s world premiere, and the strongest say it’s an even better movie than the 2013 film.
It’s hard to compare since I’ve seen Frozen 1 roughly 4,000 times with my girls but I think Frozen 2 might be just as good, if not better… it’s really funny and as sweet and moving as you’d expect. The Kristoff song (and accompanying visuals) had me in stitches.
— Kevin Polowy (@djkevlar) November 8, 2019
Loved #Frozen2. It’s a darker, more complex and more emotionally mature story, continuing everything you love about the first movie and upping the ante while maintaining the intimacy of the original. Gorgeous animation, wonderful new characters and (FINALLY) a Kristoff song! ❄️ pic.twitter.com/ZB7Dyul6Ia
— Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored) November 8, 2019
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! FROZEN 2 IS ACTUALLY THE PERFECT SEQUEL! The magic, the depth, the healing from the TRAUMA! I couldn’t name a better Disney Sequel. You shouldn’t walk to see #Frozen2, YOU SHOULD RUN! Bravo, Disney. Thanks for making me UGLY cry in theaters. ?✨?❄️? pic.twitter.com/AyOxSv5qDH
— ✨Francis Dominic✨ (@frncissdominc) November 8, 2019
While some didn’t say it’s superior to the original, they still had high praise for it.
#Frozen2 is breathtakingly beautiful and leans in on empowerment for its characters. I cried at least 3 times. From the story to the last thread on Elsa’s dress, the care and love put into it shows. And, good news, every one of Team Elsa gets at least one solo this time around.
— Alisha Grauso (@AlishaGrauso) November 8, 2019
Also, #Frozen2 really makes me want to call my sisters 2,000 miles away right this minute just to tell them how much I love them and how proud I am of them, how proud I am to be their big sister.
— Alisha Grauso (@AlishaGrauso) November 8, 2019
#Frozen2 seems to exist primarily bc box office for Frozen 1 demanded a sequel, but there’s still plenty to love here: eye-popping fantasy sequences, nice moments for your faves, LOTS of new songs incl the earworm-y “Into the Unknown,” and an unbearably cute new critter pic.twitter.com/PHg80bc1Bp
— Angie J. Han (@ajhan) November 8, 2019
#Frozen2 is a worthy sequel. Inspiring story. Elsa rides a water horse and it’s breathtaking. The song “Into the Unknown” is primed to be “Let It Go”-like addictive (sorry parents). And there’s even an ‘80s ballad… sung my Weezer in the end credits! Get ready!!! pic.twitter.com/0ZCol85OjR
— Jason Guerrasio (@JasonGuerrasio) November 8, 2019
#Frozen2 embarks as not just an evolution of its characters, but it sincerely acknowledges that it’s fanbase has grown over the last 6 years, and they have new things to learn in a changing world. Songs are plentiful. Beautiful shots at times. It was something I REALLY needed. pic.twitter.com/NMKEKvyLg0
— Clayton Davis (@AwardsCircuit) November 8, 2019
Just got out of #Frozen2! It doesn’t capture all the magic of the first, but it’s got: Elsa in a wetsuit, Anna ugly crying, Sven ugly crying, Kristoff singing a ‘90s rock ballad, Olaf at his wisest, and… THIS GOOD BOY!! (We must protect him at all costs.) pic.twitter.com/a4WJ0k08Hs
— Alison Foreman (@alfaforeman) November 8, 2019
Not everyone was totally smitten with the movie however, but even the worst reactions weren’t especially harsh, with many praising some aspect of the film.
#Frozen2 is good, of not as good as the first. It looks great and has delightful banter, but the story feels like “dark sequel” Mad Libs (without the courage of its convictions). With two exceptions, the songs aren’t very good, playing as redundant “explain my motivation” tunes. pic.twitter.com/4cGa8wpKGH
— Scott Mendelson (@ScottMendelson) November 8, 2019
FROZEN II radiates such strong “does not need to exist” vibes up until they give Jonathan Groff the best song
— Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) November 8, 2019
Frozen 2 loses some of the magic of the original but its soundtrack is surprisingly superior. Kristoff, Sven, & Olaf standout even though the script leaves Anna & Elsa out in the cold. It is a decent sequel but definitely a step down from the first. #Frozen2 pic.twitter.com/xkEmVE4w9j
— Scott Menzel (@TheOtherScottM) November 8, 2019
#Frozen2 has some incredibly ethereal animation (and what they do with water is incredible), along with very solid songs, but the story didn’t enchant me nearly as much this time around. It’s good, but the first one was great. #Frozen @DisneyFrozen
— Joey Magidson (@JoeyMagidson) November 8, 2019
Of course if the first movie is any indication, we won’t really know what we think of Frozen 2 until we see it a few thousand more times.
Featured Image: Disney