Frozen 2” is melting hearts again

Top Staff Picks: Holiday Apps

CHRISTMAS SWEEPER

This festive Christmas knock-off version of candy crush is just as addictive as the real thing.

NORAD SANTA TRACKER

The military run Santa tracker includes Santa’s location, countdown, games, music and more.

Frozen 2 Melts Hearts Again After six years, Disney delivered she must hope they are enough. an early Christmas present. With humor and musical ballets to compensate for deeper scenes, this BY CALLIE CAMERON movie is perfectly balanced. Secondary A&E EDITOR character sidekicks like Olaf and Kristoff

The charming musical Disney sequel add comical relief. Olaf matures enough to “Frozen 2” engages viewers of all ages. have a hilarious existential crisis that leads Released Nov. 22, this is a holiday movie into, “When I’m Older.” Kristoff comically everyone must see. After two weekends in struggles to propose to Anna and finally gets theaters, “Frozen 2” is already breaking box his big solo, “Lost in the Woods,” which is office records with a total of $738.6 million. presented in the style of an ‘80s power ballad Directed and written by Jennifer Lee, one music video and elicits more than a few hour and 43 minutes of this magical sequel is laughs from Gen X and older parents. well worth the cost of a movie ticket. This movie’s soundtrack full of catchy PG The plot contains multiple character arcs, special effects, flashbacks new songs will please young Elsa and Anna fans. The music, co-composed again by spouses Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert and more to keep everyone Lopez, doesn’t quite reach the success of “Let 4 out of 5 stars entertained. But with so It Go,” but “Into the Unknown” features the much going on, it might be same emotional crescendo hit. hard for a preschooler to follow. The contemporary take on female

The storyline is complex and darker empowerment and character development is than Disney’s usual happy go lucky a drastic change from Disney’s usual damsel experience. When the four elements in distress movie. The concepts of family, threaten their kingdom with mysterious perseverance and love stand as strong as natural disasters, Elsa (Idina Menzel), Anna Elsa’s magic. The animation realistically (Kristen Bell), Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), captures each scene with cool special effects, Sven and Olaf (Josh Gad) embark on a making it feel more like a real place than a journey beyond Arendelle to discover the Disney world. origin of Elsa’s magical powers to save their “Frozen 2” is a heartwarming tribute kingdom. In “Frozen,” Elsa feared her powers to Elsa and Anna’s promise to protect and were too much for the world. In “Frozen 2,” defend each other and their kingdom.

ELF YOURSELF

Place a face onto the bodies of elves and watch them dance in this hilarious app.

DO YOU WANNA BUILD A SNOWMAN?

Pictured above, Anna and Elsa approach the enchanted forest. Left, Anna and Olaf ride a waterfall. (Photos used with permission from EPK.tv)

Friendly Neighborhood Australian Bakery

Australian dive cafe, Banksia, in downtown KC is expanding to South Plaza.

BY CALLIE CAMERON A&E EDITOR

Banksia, a cute hole in the wall Australian restaurant and cafe in downtown Kansas City, is a must try. A five minute drive from the Sprint Center, the cozy restaurant serves both breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m.- 3 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. on Sunday.

flower, they incorporate their roots into not only their dishes, but also their colorful local art and photography from Australia. The vibe corresponds with a laid-back, cheerful neighborhood bakery. Young adults in the area often frequent the cafe, working diligently on their computer or chatting away with a group of friends.

Biting into a freshly baked warm cinnamon banana muffin is a $4 delightful treat for a quick on the go breakfast choice. Also on the breakfast menu is mini quiches for $6.50, sausage rolls $7.50, avocado toast with sunny side eggs $12, fruit tarts with just the right amount of tart and sweet for $4.50. While it is fairly expensive, it’s worth every bite. Expect a 10-15 minute wait for all menu items besides coffee.

Currently at 105 W 9th St, Kansas City, MO 64105, Banksia is opening a second location on the Plaza near the Kansas City Public Library. According to the manager, they are unsure of the exact date, but Named after the Australian

they expect to be open within the next couple months.

In the new location, Banksia will be serving a new dinner menu focusing on shared plates and tapas style dining. Their new mouth watering menu items are shared plates for two, featuring “lazy sushi,” $18 and pizza, $7. They will also serve a range of entrees from grilled Australian lamb cutlets marinated in Greek herbs served on tzatziki for $13-16, to gnocchi for $11, to Australian pawns for $13-15 to Asian cucumber salads for $7.

Overall, make sure to visit either location. The food is worth the drive.

AUSSIE FAVORITES

Pictured above is a mini ham and cheese quiche (top) for $6.50. The delightful caramel slices with shortcake crust (bottom) are $4.

Expands

ONE KC STREET CAR TRIP AWAY

Banksia’s store in downtown is accessible with the KC street car at the central business stop. (Photos by Callie Cameron)