Seems I only post when something horrible happens like the dog losing half her ear, or when I see a movie. I really must post more often. Until then, I did see a movie – Frozen 2. It wasn’t bad as sequels go, but Disney missed an opportunity to represent the LGBTQ community.

Since the original Frozen was released, Elsa’s story has resonated with the LGBTQ community. Elsa conceals her powers, who she really is, to appease her parents and to prevent the people of Arendelle from fearing and shunning her. She shuts herself off from her sister Anna, who has forgotten that her sister has magical powers. After exposing her magic during her coronation, Elsa runs away into the mountains until her sister Anna finds her with the help of Kristoff, his reindeer Sven and Olaf and enchanted snowman that Elsa created with Anna and Elsa were children. Unbeknownst to Elsa, she has frozen Arendelle. Anna must bring her back to restore the town.

In the sequel Arendelle has been thawed and life is good. At least until Elsa starts hearing a voice calling out to her. She embarks on a journey to discover the source of the voice and why it is calling her (no one else can hear the voice). Anna insists on going and is followed by Kristoff, Sven and Olaf.

Much adventure, discovery and heartache commences as they learn the history of their parents, grandparents, and Arendelle. 

A few new characters were introduce – a gust of wind aptly named Gale, a little fire sprite/salamander named Bruni and a magical water horse that Elsa tames. I’m not sure how they will market Gale, but Bruni is going to be under a lot of Christmas trees this holiday season.

It’s a solid enough sequel with something for everyone. There are plenty of new songs (thankfully there isn’t another Let It Go to fill up the airwaves ad nauseam), some absolutely hilarious even if they don’t really fit in with the movie. This movie is funnier than the first, there are plenty of times where the theater erupted in laughter – even if it was gallows humor. 

I might just be getting a little too old for animated Disney movies. I brought my daughter, who is 16, so we spent a fair amount of time critiquing the movie rather than simply enjoying it.

Little kids loved this movie. 

So, it’s sadly no surprise that Disney would avoid overtly outing Elsa. Though, I am not sure the kids would have cared one way or another. With ample Georgia O’Keefe symbolism going on in this movie, one can only hope that the next one will really let Elsa be Elsa. A possible love interest was introduced and there seems to be a spark between the two, but it wasn’t explored (though, the door was left open). I think Disney missed a great opportunity to feature a main character that happened to be gay. Think of all the kids who would be able to identify with Elsa’s struggle to conceal who she is. Disney has stated they don’t want Elsa to have any kind of relationship, that they are focused on keeping her a strong single woman, which sends a sad message of its own. I hope Disney reverses their position on this and allows Elsa to discover who she really is.

If you’re looking for a family friendly holiday movie, Frozen 2 is a solid choice and everyone will enjoy it.