When Disney’s Frozen reached the big screen in November of 2013, it promoted themes of love, sisterhood and strength among women, sparking increased interest for people all over America. It was something fresh that no one had seen in a Disney movie before. For the first time ever, a children’s cartoon emphasized the idea that a princess doesn’t need a prince to be happy, that family is important. The first movie brought humor, heartwarming characters and memorable songs.

After the long six-year wait for a sequel, Disney gave the people what they asked for, releasing Frozen 2 in November of 2019. The new film covered everything from the characters’ past lives to how they’re growing and moving forward, in addition to the comedy that Olaf the snowman brings to both. In the movie, viewers really see Anna and Kristoff’s relationship grow, as well as the bond between Anna and Elsa strengthen.

The inspiring sequel to the original movie captures the attention of children, teenagers and adults. It covers deeper topics than the first, and still keeps the lightheartedness, true to what the original story was all about.

Common Sense Media said, “Underlining everything are positive messages about sisterhood, empowerment, acceptance, tolerance, perseverance, and true love, and both Anna and Elsa are examples of strong women who lead confidently and communicate with and support each other.”

So after a six-year hiatus, did the new film deliver?

DISCLAIMER: Spoilers for Frozen 2 ahead

The movie begins with a flashback to the younger versions of Anna and Elsa. Their father, King Agnarr of Arendelle, tells a story to his daughters about their grandfather, King Runeard. It was told that he established a truce with the tribe of Northuldra that neighbored the kingdom of Arendelle. A dam was built, uniting the two communities for many years, and together they lived in peace. Unfortunately, a battle occurred, resulting in King Ruenard’s death. This battle enraged the elemental spirits of Earth, Fire, Water and Air that lived in the Enchanted Forest. The spirits disappeared, trapped the forest in a wall of mist, and young Agnarr hardly escaped alive, eventually being saved by an unrecognized savior. 

It has now been three years since we last saw the characters, and Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven celebrate autumn in the kingdom.

Elsa, Anna and Olaf continue to move north, leaving Kristoff and Sven with the civilization in the Enchanted forest. They later learn about the existence of a fifth spirit unknown to the Northuldra, said to unite the people and the magic of nature. As Elsa, Anna and Olaf continue their journey, they come across their parents’ wrecked ship, and within it a map of the route to Ahtohallan. Ahtohallan was a mythical river that the sisters heard about from their mother. It was told that this river contained all truths about the past. As Elsa reaches Ahtohallan, she realizes that the mysterious voice calling to her was Iduna, and that her powers were given to her because of her mother’s noble act of saving her father Agnarr. Elsa herself is the fifth spirit the Northuldra told her about.

The suspenseful story of two sisters concludes with a happy ending, as all Disney films do. Overall, Frozen 2 received a 77 percent Rotten Tomatoes rating, and I personally would give it 8 out of 10 stars. 

I really liked the way that Olaf brought humor to the plot, making the film a more enjoyable experience. For the most part, it kept a continuous theme throughout the movie, and didn’t get sidetracked with any unimportant details. 

The soundtrack had sadder songs than the first, but it really enhanced the feeling of maturity that went along with the film. Certain songs like “Show Yourself” and “Some Things Never Change” were more catchy than others, as a few of those were added to my playlist. With the first film, the songs would be stuck in my head for months, and this one brings that same feeling back. Although some may find the original movie better, Frozen 2 hit all the marks of sisterhood, women empowerment, and the humor we all loved so much.