After six long, long years, we've finally gotten the sequel to one of the most popular movies of all time, Frozen. Boy is it a good one! The sequel has its fair share of problems, sure, but overall it's a very strong sequel that does a lot of things right.
Today, we're going to be taking a look at five reasons why the sequel is superior, as well as five reasons why the original takes the cake. Let's get right into it.
Updated by Colby Tortorici April 9th, 2o20: With Frozen 2 making its way to Disney+ a bit earlier than we expected due to the impact of COVID-19, we saw it fit to take another look at these movies to determine which of the two is better, and name a clear victor. Keep reading to see who wins.
Better: The Animation
It's a given that in the six-year timeframe between the two releases, Frozen 2 would look better than the original film. While the original still looked absolutely beautiful, the sequel pushes the boundaries even further. Stunning bodies of water, ice sculptures, and even Elsa undergo a transformation that looks great. There's nothing in this movie that looks poor. Everything in Frozen 2 is simply gorgeous from start to finish.
Not Better: Originality
The originality of the entire Frozen concept isn't really as fresh as it was in the original. While the charm of the characters isn't gone at all in their second outing, the idea of the fivesome just doesn't have the same uniqueness that they had in their first film. Still, this is only a minor concern, as the characters all still provide a ton of entertainment that is certainly worth the watch.
Better: A Natural Progression
Sure, while the concept of Frozen 2 isn't as novel as the original film is, the story makes sense, overall. Characters feel like they're where they should be at this point in their lives. Their motivations feel real. We didn't necessarily need a Frozen 2, but this movie proves that it has a right to exist, it isn't just some shameless cash-grab that exists to print Disney money, which it is still doing either way.
Better: The Soundtrack
Let it Go is dead. She was murdered. By who, you might be asking? Oh, well that's simple. By Into the Unknown. The Frozen 2 soundtrack is fantastic. Elsa has two fantastic songs, Anna shines more than once, Kristoff finally gets his own song (and it's everything you could ever dream of), Olaf goes in, and the whole thing is fantastic.
While all of the songs are fantastic, the soundtrack also has three pop versions of the songs on it, performed by Panic! at the Disco, Kacey Musgraves, and Weezer. All of these renditions are great. The soundtrack is absolutely fantastic from the beginning to end. It also features some outtakes from the movie! We did not deserve this at all. We don't deserve Idina Menzel at all.
Not Better: Anna And Elsa's Relationship
Spoilers follow for the rest of the article!
The structuring of Frozen 2 keeps Elsa and Anna apart for most of the movie. In all honesty, it makes sense narratively, and makes the story very strong. Unfortunately, you can't help but wonder what things would have been like if the story was a bit different, and Anna and Elsa got to work together. Instead, Frozen 2 follows in Frozen's footsteps, and keeps the sisters on separate journeys for the majority of the film. While they do get some good moments between each other, it is a bit disappointing.
Better: Olaf
Of course, Olaf is killing it left and right in the second film, it's what he does best. His comedic relief is as great as it ever is. Olaf was one of the highlights of the original Frozen, and he's no different in the sequel. He's funny, heartwarming, and his song is great; he's got it all for the second time around. Truly the best of the snowmen.
Not Better: Supporting Cast
The original Frozen had quite a few interesting side characters, such as Hans and all the Weasletown people. Also, Rapunzel was there because why wouldn't she be? These characters added to the film. and the side characters in Frozen 2 are really a non-entity. They really don't add anything to the film in any meaningful way, save for a few interesting moments here and there. Overall, they just moved the plot forward, and didn't do anything too exciting for the film.
Better: Elsa's Outfits
THE HAIR. In Frozen 2, Elsa does the unthinkable, and LETS HER HAIR DOWN! Yeah, you heard that right. Everyone has a new wardrobe in the sequel, Anna looks great of course. However, Elsa is killing it.
She gets an entirely new dress, which is just great. But we have to get back to the hair. It looks absolutely fantastic while it's down, and it's animated so beautifully, good god. Never has someone's hair been so important, but Elsa's truly is.
Not Better: Elsa's Character
In Frozen 2, Elsa's character doesn't go through any big changes, it's almost as if she didn't learn anything in the original film. Elsa would still rather take on all challenges herself, instead of working with her friends to solve their issues. Elsa instead sends Anna away. Did she really think that would work? She should know that her sister isn't going to sit by while Elsa puts herself in danger. Of course, Anna ends up saving Elsa in the end, thankfully, but Elsa really should have learned a thing or two in the original film about herself, and her sister.
Better: Anna's Character
Luckily, Anna does see a fair amount of growth in Frozen 2. Throughout the film we see her struggle with some very dark themes, and the fact that Elsa goes off on her own once again enrages Anna, rightfully so. She has to save her sister once more, yet, she doesn't hold it against her. She still loves her. Despite the trials that Elsa puts Anna through in Frozen 2, the new Queen of Arendelle persists.
Not Better: Kristoff's Character
While Kristoff has some good moments in the film, like his aforementioned solo song, he doesn't really do that much throughout the film. His story didn't really make sense. He feels like Anna isn't interested anymore, but this isn't the case, and there really isn't much reason for him to think that this is the case at all, he just kind of does. Still, once again, it makes for a fantastic song.
Better: The Narrative
In an overall sense, Frozen 2 has a better storyline than its predecessor. It deals with some heavier themes, has different consequences, it's just stronger overall. Frozen 2 goes deeper, and digs into Elsa and Anna's background in some new ways. When looking at the big picture, Frozen 2 tells a better story than Frozen. However, there is one issue with the story that overall drags it down a bit. The ending.
Not Better: The Ending
The ending of Frozen 2 is just kind of... quick? Things move so quickly in the final few moments of the film. Of course, it is a kid's movie, so it makes sense that it does have to wrap up rather quickly. Still, with only five more minutes, Frozen 2's ending would have had a lot more impact. The conflict just wraps up so quickly that it makes things feel a bit cheap. Overall, the narrative is great. However, the ending just takes away from the experience. That doesn't make the film bad in any way at all, but just keeps it from soaring even higher. It'll still break the box office with or without a perfect ending.
Better: The Lore
Frozen 2 dives deeper into the lore of Arendelle and Elsa's powers. We get a better understanding of the world that our protagonists live in, which is something that the first movie lacked. We also get a deep dive into Elsa's powers, how and why they exist, and why they exist within her. Getting to understand why it is that Elsa has her powers was something that a sequel needed to do, and it was handled very well in Frozen 2. It doesn't feel like the explanation was created in order to be an explanation, it just fits.
The Winner: Frozen 2
Frozen 2 is a better movie than the original, that's for sure. There are certainly quite a few things that the original does better than the sequel, but all-in-all, Frozen 2 is a stronger film than the original. Whether or not we'll get a third movie to wrap things up as a trilogy is currently up in the air, but either way, we have two spectacular animated films here.