Frozen 2 Movie Review | Safe for Kids?

Is Frozen 2ok for children to watch? Frozen 2 Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, an honest parents guide and mom review of the new Disney animated film sequel. No spoilers. #Frozen2 May contain commissioned links.

Frozen 2 Movie Review | Safe for Kids?

A sequel worth melting for? Or is this review is cold, ice cold?

(The Disney puns only get better, folks.)

Disney’s Frozen brings back all sorts of memories. The first film that my daughter had ever seen in a movie theater (she slept through the whole thing at age 9-months), it was the unexpected Disney princess film that ended up surprising the world. Anyone else wonder why Disney hadn’t capitalized on multiple princesses in one film yet?

Fast forward to 2 years straight of Frozen on repeat for a toddler (for the first time in forever…and ever…and ever…), and a now 6-year old Frozen obsessed child, Frozen 2 (fever) became more than just a movie. It’s personal. High hopes would be such an understatement. But does Frozen 2 deliver another unexpected performance? Or are we talking “another Disney princess sequel?” In this Frozen 2 Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, we’re talking visuals, story (no spoilers!), a full PG rating breakdown, and whether this film exceeded one girl’s whole childhood in this no spoiler parent review.

Grab your Frozen 2 recipe ideas for kids!

The Visuals

I thought I wouldn’t like the darker theme. Shadows, coloring, everything about Frozen 2 foreshadowed this dark foundation for the film. But let’s be real. The animation only got better. From Elsa’s ice powers to numerous costume changes (thanks, Disney, my bank account is shrinking per dress) to the gorgeous nature landscapes of Arendelle and beyond – the visuals of Frozen 2 were stunning. Big applause for the water animation – truly a visual feast for the eyes.

The Story

If you couldn’t tell from the trailers, Frozen 2 is all grown up now. Uncovering past family secrets, digging deeper into Elsa’s powers, all while building off of the foundation of a successful Disney franchise – did we really need a good story?

Duh.

I was waiting for the flop. Truly. I mean Cinderella 2? Little Mermaid 2? *Cough* Mulan 2? Disney didn’t exactly have a running stream of successful “Disney Princess” sequels. I really…REALLY wanted a good story. And I got one.

That’s not to say that Frozen 2 didn’t have it’s “awkward” moments.

Some of those Anna and Elsa family moments? Cringe worthy. Some of those Kristoff and Anna moments? Yeah, I was on the fence for those too. Emotional breakdowns breaking into song? I didn’t feel that. Frozen 2 lacked some of the visceral emotional responses I had to the first film. Love over perfection. Family love over fleeting love. Loss and grief got muddled in parts when they really should have grabbed our heartstrings more.

But the tears I cried? Those were real. The laughs? 100% real. Digging into the unknown and getting answers for some of my burning Frozen questions? I was here for it. The introduction of a more diverse cast and surprising inclusiveness moments (watch for a Frozen favorite returning to the screen!) – yes, Disney. Yes.

But beyond some of the story flaws, I love that the shining star of this movie is actually NOT the story. It’s the music. While I fully expected a sub-par Disney sequel score, I found myself tapping my toes, humming melodies and laughing along with songs that not only inspire, but give hope. Everyone got a song reflective of the character represented. Everyone got a moment to shine. And everyone in the audience got a new Disney song to love hate for another 6 years.

That PG Rating

So now we wonder – is Frozen 2 kid friendly? PG and dark – I was worried. And as we all know, not all PG ratings are the same. As a parent, it’s been rather heartbreaking to realize how much movie ratings have shifted over the years – PG rating oscillating between Incredibles 2 intense and Christopher Robin calm. (Most recently, the Maleficent: Mistress of Evil PG rating was questionable.)

But unlike most Disney animated films, Frozen 2 is rated PG, not G. Why is Frozen 2 Rated PG? Rated PG for “action/peril and some thematic elements“, is Frozen 2 safe for kids? Maybe not all little ones.

Language. Thankfully on par with the original. All princesses on their best Disney behavior, even with a darker underlying theme.

Violence/Suspense. As expected, Frozen 2 is darker than the original. Besides shadows and darkness, we experience some of the intense effects of nature – storms, lightning, fire, wind, raging water. Some scary magical creatures emerge. Weapons such as swords are being used. And there are a few mild jump scares that had my 6-year old clinging to my hand.

Adult Themes. Death and loss is an inevitable part of this film. We know what happens to Anna and Elsa’s parents – and here we are digging into the past again. Grief and dealing with grief is a continual theme throughout this film. And for any child who has experience with grief – it can be triggering, especially for the characters who we’ve grown to love dearly over the years. That’s why I have a hard time nailing down an age rating for this film.

What Frozen 2 Age Rating is Recommended for Kids?

Is Frozen 2 safe for kids? Keeping all of the PG rating info above in mind, if your kids have seen Disney’s Frozen, good chances are that they will also love Frozen 2. While this film has much darker nuances than the original film, grief and loss are common themes throughout the film, giving an overall sadness overtone. But with the humor, the music and the enticing story, it’s still on par with what we’d expect from Disney for kids.

What age rating is recommended to watch Frozen 2? I would recommend kids as young as 4-years old to be able to watch, depending on maturity level.

The Overall

It’s a sequel, y’all. Let it go. If you were expecting a Disney sequel to blow away the original Frozen concept, you’ll be chillingly disappointed.

BUT.

And this is a HUGE but.

Frozen 2 stands it’s own. More than just a fast princess sequel money grab, Disney invested some thought, time and effort to make this sequel different than the rest. The visual sensory overload, appreciation for nature, the impressive score – I can’t put Frozen 2 in the same “Disney princess sequel” category. If your children loved the original Frozen, they won’t be disappointed. There’s a fun end credit scene too.

If nothing else, Frozen 2 gives hope for future Disney Princess sequels and the potential for families to ALL want to watch sequels together, instead of groan through them. While not better than the original, I honestly didn’t expect Frozen 2 to be that. I think we as movie critics and society as a whole need to stop putting these unattainable expectations on movies, especially sequels. Just sit back, enjoy, get another Frozen song stuck in your head for the next 6 years. Let it go, ya’ll. Let it go.

Be sure to catch all of my family film ratings and reviews over at my Rotten Tomatoes page!

Follow Frozen 2 on social:

• Website: https://movies.disney.com/frozen-2
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyFrozen/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneyfrozen
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disneyfrozen/
• #Frozen2

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Frozen 2 blows into theaters on Friday November 22, 2019. Will you be taking your kids or letting it go?

I was invited as press to screen this film in exchange for this Frozen 2 Movie Review | Safe for Kids? All photos courtesy of Disney. Be sure to follow Raising Whasians for more movie updates, celebrity interviews, entertainment and behind-the-scenes info!