Movie review: Frozen 2 is a cool watch

We list five reasons why the Disney sequel is worth a watch

As a rule, animated Disney princess movies don't get theatrical sequels - they end, by definition, with 'happily ever after.' But after 2013's Frozen, that subverted fairy-tale notions of true love, became a worldwide phenomenon with an earworm soundtrack that sent frazzled parents loopy on endless repeat listens, it was only a matter of time before a sequel followed. Although it falls short of the enchantment and pure bliss Frozen had, the sequel holds its ground in the land of follow-ups. We've seen enough bad sequels to now appreciate when a movie franchise attempts to prolong the fun. 
In Frozen 2 we are taken away from the land of Arendelle to embark on a magical journey through a beautiful autumn-bound enchanted forest on the quest to find out why Elsa was born with her unique set of magical powers.
Here are five reasons we think Frozen 2 is worth a watch:
1. Elsa running on water: We're huge Elsa fans here and think anything Elsa does or touches is cool (pun intended.) But the scene where she runs headlong into the ocean and starts creating unique ice bridges and stepping stones to get across is a joy to watch. Add to that the magical water horse that erupts from the sea who first fights her, then helps her get across, has to be the highlight of the movie. 
2. Olaf's recap of Frozen: In his attempt to catch up the new characters of the movie, Olaf goes on a super quick, super fun monologue of all the events that transpired in Anna and Elsa's past. This fun session was a weird addition to the movie that we thought added to Olaf's one-of-a-kind personality.
3. Winter to Autumn: Frozen was all ice, ice baby. It was ice sculptures, snowflakes, winter coats and more ice everywhere. But Frozen 2 walks us through a picturesque autumnal forest, with bright red and burnt orange crinkling leaves and the promise of pumpkin spice and everything nice. To see Anna and Elsa go on an autumnal adventure was refreshing. 
4. Do you want to build a snowman? Anna's incessant questioning in the first movie only led to Elsa quipping at her in frustration to go away. But in Frozen 2 when Elsa is the one to ask Anna our favourite question, we knew what was coming. It isn't what you're thinking though. We don't want to spoil the movie for you, but let's just say ice may melt, but with a little magic it can stay forever.  
5. Elsa isn't in any romantic relationship in Frozen 2: We were worried that Frozen 2 would do what movie sequels are known to do; give the leading lady a man if she doesn't already have one. But the fact that Elsa is not defined by a romantic interest is a key part of her character and the franchise as a whole. We loved that she continued to search for her true identity and didn't depend on a conventional romantic relationship for her self worth.  
 
neha@khaleejtimes.com