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| Scene from Frozen II |
In 2013, Frozen created one of the most unsuspecting phenomenons of the 21st century. Joining the ranks of such cornerstone blockbusters like Star Wars, Titanic, and The Sound of Music, Disney created their most successful film in 20 years. EVERYONE knows "Let It Go." Elsa merchandise litters every retail store internationally. The studio has created endless spin-offs including the controversial Olaf's Frozen Adventure and the LEGO short Northern Lights. There was even a Tony-nominated Broadway show. Frozen II isn't even the first sequel that these characters have been in (see Wreck-It Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks the Internet). To suggest that their latest outing has been long overdue feels like a bit of a laugh because of how inescapable the franchise has been over the past six years.
But how do you follow up a phenomenon that everyone knows by heart, complaining about their child watching the film on a constant loop of madness? It's a question that likely explains the long absence of an official sequel. Instead of striking while the iron was hot, Frozen II arrives fully formed in one of the studio's biggest miracles in quite some time. Sure there are constant nods to the original, but this film is far from a retread. In a story that feels richer, darker, and more emotionally complex, Disney has created a film that elevates the franchise to mythic status. It may have an uphill battle in that it isn't Frozen, but it's the next best thing. It's a sequel that uses every minute to enhance the world and prove why these characters deserve to be the international sensations that they are.
