Film & TV
The magic is still alive in Disney’s Frozen II
Isabella Finn reviews Frozen II, the highly anticipated sequel to a modern classic
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rozen II had big shoes to fill following its release in November. The first Frozen film was released in 2013, grossing $1.27 billion, making it the most successful and biggest animated film of all time. Six years on from the “Let It Go” music machine and Olaf plush toys are still being sold worldwide. The first film retells the story of Hans Christen Anderson’s tale the Snow Queen but with a twist, Elsa is not a villain. Frozen seems to only borrow the idea of a monarch with mystical ice powers – the rest is pure Disney. Frozen even strayed from tradition of a prince saving the day, instead, the royal sisters save themselves. Frozen II begins the same as its predecessor with young Anna and Elsa playing. Although the characters animation is almost identical to that of six years ago, we immediately see a new fluidity to the characters movements, a clear development of new technologies. Following an enchanting lullaby sang by the princess’s mother Queen Iduna, it becomes clear that this is the same night as the ‘build a snowman’ incident, the opening of the first film. When we meet the more familiar adult versions of the beloved characters you can instantly sense the calm before the storm. Anna in particular is not the happy go lucky character that the audience is used to. Instead she is
tense and worried. She is clawing out of her role as the little sister and desperately tries to control her surroundings the best she can. A stark contrast to the optimistic princess we all know. In fact, all of the characters seem more mature. Olaf even takes a moment to break the fourth wall and address that the audience has also grown with them. Forecasting that change is coming and to just do the “next right thing” – did you catch that? Elsa on the other hand is being haunted by a siren’s call. A call, she is convinced, belongs to someone just like her and who needs her help. Because of this Elsa ventures ‘Into the Unknown’ of the enchanted forest, where we meet our Pocahontas story line. I’ll say no more. All of these characters experience a whole evolution of growth emotionally, and even though they’re cartoons the vocal performances given are more realistic than some actors could physically give. Kristoff makes a brief appearance in the film but the storyline didn’t concern him as much as the sisters. However, every moment Jonathon Groff’s character is on the screen is iconic. Groff finally got the solo he deserved and he nailed it. Kristoff was really well written in this installment; he openly expressed that his love for Anna was not fragile and in her time of peril he did not swoop in to save the day. He asked her what she needed and how could he help. Now. That is a man I respect.
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Only time will tell if Frozen II’s new music will be as memorable as “Let It Go”
Only time will tell if Frozen II’s new music will be as memorable as ‘Let It Go’ but Queen Iduna’s lullaby is clearly an anthem. I have been humming it to myself for a week now. Frozen II is without a doubt a beautiful sequel that expands on the story that its audience adores. Although it has darker undertones than the first, it is a stunning tribute to the mythical fairy tale and explores human relationships in way that is accessible to both children and adults. It’s guaranteed to make your heart melt.
Klaus is a heartwarming Christmas film with a lot to say
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Emily Clarke tells us about Klaus, the heartwarming film of the season
laus is a heartwarming animated Christmas movie for the entire family to enjoy. Released as a Netflix original movie, Klaus gives a new take on the origin of Santa Claus, exploring valuable lessons of love, happiness, grief and compassion. Set in a time before Santa Claus, Klaus follows the journey of a young postman, Jesper, voiced by Jason Schwartzman. He lives his life surrounded by people who tend to his every whim. His father becomes fed up of his lazy ways and sends him to the island of Speerensburg, with the challenge of delivering 6,000 letters in year. Jesper soon learns that Speerensburg is a place of hatred, built on feuds and grudges. When he discovers a reclusive, frightening toy maker, Mr. Klaus, the postman accidentally leaves behind a drawing of a young boy trapped in his house. Mr. Klaus, played by J.K. Simmons, decides to deliver a toy to this boy, in an attempt to cheer him up. Once Jesper realises he can persuade children to send letters in exchange for a gift, he begins to work closely with Mr. Klaus. Soon, children begin to realise only good children get toys and they start to help their neighbours and attend school. Seeing this change in community, over a small act of kindness is moving for both Jesper and the audience. Jesper grows to love Speerensburg as he forms new friendships and spreads joy alongside Mr. Klaus. The movie is both moving and funny as we meet a variety of different characters, each with a unique personality and qualities who are affected by the goodwill of Mr. Klaus and Jesper.
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The movie is both moving and funny as we meet a variety of different characters, each with a unique personality and qualities
Sergio Pablos, a Spanish animator and creator of “Despicable Me” uses an unusual style of animation, which adds breathtakingly gorgeous visuals to the movie. Pablos cleverly uses this movie to show how Jesper overcomes grief, how good behaviour will be rewarded and how important friendship is. This beautifully animated movie is driven by visuals, as there is very little dialogue. This works best as you see for yourself how the people and town of Speerensburg are changing and developing over time. The audience is moved when Jesper puts aside his selfish ways, and “Invisible” by Zara Larsson plays as the pair decides to work together to continue
to change Speerensburg for the better. “Invisible” is a song about how happiness can have powerful changes, rather than material objects. Seeing this change in character and community is truly magical and proves that Christmas is about coming together and being happy, not just the gifts under the tree. I believe the most important lesson in this movie is that, “a true selfless act always sparks another”. Whether you enjoy the emotive themes, the comedy or the visuals, “Klaus” has something for everyone, for people of all ages. I have no doubt that this will be a classic Christmas movie in years to come. the college view The Hype |7
