Student Film Reviews

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1. Katharine Marsden 02.05.20 / 1am

   I love you much you love this movie because I loved it too! I also was really captivated by the water horse, the color story and the overall really beautiful animation. So true that this isn’t just a kid’s movie.
2. Daniel Kormos 02.05.20 / 3pm

   I’m not a huge fan of animated film, but I definitely appreciate the themes the movie takes on because they are very positive. Everything from the colors of the film to the setting helps build a theme of courage, coming to age, and definitely positivity in times of struggle. These are all the components of a good PG film.
3. Kimberli Wong 02.08.20 / 12am

   I loved hearing your interpretation of the film, and your take, though I saw it also and completely disagree that the story was stronger and the character arcs deeper than the first film, I thought the complete opposite. But it’s good to hear varying points of view. I thought Frozen was way better than the sequel. It sounds like you really enjoyed it though :)
4. kira_spargur 02.12.20 / 4pm

   I love what you wrote about this movie and some of the themes you pointed out. When I was watching it I also noticed how Olaf continually talked about growing up and being older (he even sings a couple songs about it), and then you see the other characters in the story growing up; Elsa is queen, Anna is about to be engaged, and Christoph wears suits. In the first movie the music really propels the story forward and I think that’s true in the second movie as well. It made the transitions between scenes and different parts of the story flow smoothly. The music also allowed us to connect with the characters more. For example, Christoph’s anguish about losing Anna, Elsa’s desire to discover who she really is, and when Anna is confused about what she is suppose to next. I loved the first film and although I couldn’t possible choose one to be my favorite, I will say that the second one beautifully compliments the first and really tied the narrative together.
5. Tyler Allon 02.29.20 / 11pm

   After reading the last review that was semi negative on this movie it was pleasant to read yours which happens to look upon the positive aspects of the movie.I did enjoy the fact that in this movie they speak a little more about Elsa’s powers and the sisters parents death. I like how you touched on the fact that the movie is about the growth of the characters. In the last movie after the parents death, they really didn’t grow as people they just became older. Now that they are truly finding out who they are and what really happened to their parents it shows how little they were inside and how much they have now at the end of the movie have grown.
6. Christian Cule 03.01.20 / 11am

   Yeah I would have to agree, the first film was pretty good but in the second one it had seemed a lot less kiddish for a film. The visuals I believe are a lot more improved compared to the previous one as well as the digital complexity of the film itself. In some movies, you can see the character development and others its harder but in this movie, Olaf really refers back to growing up and getting older and trying to understand the world. Overall I would give this movie a high rating because it is a lot better than the first and I find it funny how near the end it mocks the previous film song “let it go.”
7. Daisy Manzanares 03.04.20 / 7pm

   Hi great review I enjoyed reading it! I loved the first Frozen and I agree that the second one is much more enjoyable for many reasons. I also agree that this one has a stronger message, I think this is because it aims to connect with a larger audience on a deeper level on topics such as; marriage, the future, and conflicts like you said it is more mature and I feel like we can easily connect more to it. The first one was great, funny, and sweet but the second one is an improvement from the graphics, characters, music, and story line which makes it much more enjoyable.
8. Maia Yosef 03.05.20 / 12pm

   I really enjoyed reading your review. I agree with many of the things you mentioned. I found the film to be amazing as well. Many sequels don’t live up to my expectations, and this one was the first one to do just that. I love how you said, “The film’s aesthetics were so beautiful. The use new technology really shows, the film has better graphics and beautiful scenery of nature and magic together. What really stood out to me was the animation of the water scenes. Especially with the elemental water horse that follows Elsa around.” Many elements in this film tied together in a beautiful way that left me a little bit emotional…which is a huge appreciation toward their technology and animation. The plot, music, and graphics really stood out to me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this film.
9. Michaela Lara 03.06.20 / 4pm

   I agree that this film had a lot more emotional scenes in it, especially when we find out the person calling out to Elsa was her mother. That scene definitely had me in tears! This film in my opinion applied to a more adult audience in some scenes, maybe thats why Olaf sings about growing up in several scenes. I agree they did such a good job with the computer animation, it amazed me. I think the plot in this one felt so much more powerful since Elsa found out where she belongs and why she has powers.
10. Jazmin Vivero 03.06.20 / 5pm

    This movie was awesome! I was wondering what it would look like or what the story would be after 10 years. I totally agree with the production, it has improved so much it got better each time they released a new movie. It makes you forget that it’s an animated movie because it looks real! I thought it was nice that they brought back Bo Peep, it brought back memories from the previous movies and adding new characters like forky, made the movie better and funny. You would think that only children would be watching this movie, but the original movie came out in 1995 and lots of people grew up watching this movie so there was so many young adults watching it when it came out. I would say that the ending of the movie is sweet but also sad at the same time.
11. Jazmin Vivero 03.06.20 / 5pm

    I really enjoyed reading this review about Frozen 2 because I watched both movies and it summed up how I felt about the movie too. I never thought of the movie being flat because I was really into the movie but now looking back I agree. Frozen was one of the best movies and they did a wonderful job making it, they might have had a lot of pressure making the second. Both of the movies have similar themes but different stories which make it interesting. Olaf makes the movie 10x better, he’s probably my favorite character. I feel like the director had trouble with the theme with the movie, but added the song hits and Olaf’s humor to make it better.Overall it’s a good movie and anyone would enjoy watching it.
12. Andrea Hernandez 03.06.20 / 5pm

    I really loved what you had to say about the film because after watching it I thought the same things as well. Even though so many people really questioned whether or not the sequel will be as great as everyone thought it would be it exceeded everyone’s thoughts because it was a film that showed their growth just like you had mentioned. The way the scenes were displayed with the new technology did make the movie seem so realistic. The whole scene where Elsa is on the beach I thought looked so realistic that I forgot the whole film was animated.
13. Megan Krul 03.06.20 / 8pm

    Hi! I think your review was amazing and it made me aware of certain aspects of the film that I didn’t notice before. For instance, I recognized how often Olaf spoke about growing up and how that and the idea of change was becoming a small dilemma for him, but I didn’t connect that to the other characters. Anna and Elsa done growing up of their own between the first film and the second. I agree that this is one thing that the film is all about, growing up. Elsa is queen with a new sense of control over her powers, which ultimately creates a whole new lifestyle for her. Anna is still acting out of love, but is making decisions with a mature attitude, rather than being a little naive like she was in the first film. Even the film’s effects and colors seem more mature as well, as the graphics look more intricate in detail. The characters, storyline, special effects, and music have all evolved as a whole.
14. brittboytis6 03.06.20 / 8pm

    I really enjoyed this response. I think it is mostly because everyone thinks that Frozen is such a dumb movie and it is only for kids. Until you actually dig deeper into the film, which you very much did so. I agree that Frozen 2 is different from the first one in the way that this one is more mature in the way of where the characters are in their lives now and they are doing “adult” things. I think that this movie teaches kids, and teens or young adults about growing up as you mentioned. So if you really analyze the film you can dig deep into what messages it is trying to tell you. It teaches them that one day they can grow up and get married. But also the fact that real life struggles happen such as your parents passing away but life goes on where you are able to get passed it.
15. Delaney Kenney 03.06.20 / 9pm

    Your explanation of the film is fantastic. I agree with how the whole film looked much better and had a lot more details and beauty. The only thing I would say is that I believe Frozen 2 is not made for very young kids like the first one was. The second one has a lot more fighting scenes and some jokes that had very abrupt tones for a Disney movie. Other than that this review is great and I could also add how real the water drops looked like when they appeared on screen!
16. Jacob Koeper 03.06.20 / 10pm

    I agree with this film review. The film was complex and kept the audience on the edge of their seat, making them have the urge to want to know what is going to happen next. The animation was more advanced than the first and there were vibrant colors flashing throughout the movie that was very pleasing to the audience’s eye. I enjoyed this movie more than the first because not only did it include drama but it also included comedy coming from an all-time favorite character, Olaf. I appreciate the part of the film that included that past life of Elsa and Anna’s parents. It was very important to the plot and I believe that it was needed for the film to continue the way it did.
17. Natalie Depasquale 03.06.20 / 11pm

    Hi Maria, nice review on the great movie, Frozen 2. Obviously the first Frozen movie will always be a classic, but I do agree that this plot was more emotionally invested. I think this movie is great for kids to enjoy. The songs are wonderful, and the characters are just great to watch (I love Olaf). I enjoy this movie like you, and would recommend it to anyone and also watch it again as well!
    Nice review!
18. Emma Ortiz 03.08.20 / 9pm

    Maria, I really enjoyed reading about your opinion of Frozen Two. I have seen this film myself quite recently and I agree with all that you said. In my opinion, I enjoyed this sequel more than I enjoyed the first movie. I agree that the plot is more complex and the characters find out more about themselves including their past and what life has to offer in the future. The nature and the animation in this film was beautiful as you said. I enjoyed how the incorporated water into this film since ice and snow has been such a big part of Frozen. I think this adds another meaning to the power of the nature they use in this film. I also liked watching the characters grow in this film. They really get to understand more about themselves and each other which is always a powerful part for sequels in my opinion.
19. jazminacevedo 03.08.20 / 10pm

    After watching this film, I really loved how different it was from the first movie. I agree. with what you wrote, this film really kept the audience entertained and made them wonder what was going to happened next. I was truly surprised, in a good way, on the animation of this film. The detail that was put into all the characters was amazing. I also agree that this time around the script was written to be more emotionally. It really help the audience to understand the history of the family of Anna and Elsa. The soundtrack for this movie was also really amazing. Overall I agree with this review and I truly enjoyed reading it.
20. Selena Michel 03.10.20 / 9am

    I just love how you focused on the fact that the film focuses on the characters growth, something positive! When I first watched this film I too noticed that each character was growing in their own individual way such as Elsa about to be newly engaged and Elsa being the queen. I appreciate how the music touched on each individuals growing experience, beautifully done. I have a soft spot for animated films, I feel as in if they aren’t taken as serious and to see your take gives me hope!
21. Selena Michel 03.10.20 / 9am

    I just love how you focused on the fact that the film focuses on the characters growth, something positive and different than the first movie which was more focused on the tragedy Ana and Elsa experienced. When I first watched this film I too noticed that each character was growing in their own individual way such as Elsa about to be newly engaged and Elsa being the queen. I appreciate how the music touched on each individuals growing experience, beautifully done. I have a soft spot for animated films, I feel as in if they aren’t taken as serious and to see your take gives me hope!
22. StefanJ27 03.10.20 / 8pm

    Hi Maria, i think you have a great review on the film Frozen Two. I saw this film with my sister and I have to admit I thought it was a good movie, and I think it can be appreciated by people of all ages. I agree with you on your observation of the theme of growing up, I also noticed it was a common thing that Olaf mentions. I also agree with the good looking aesthetics of the movie. I think its a good movie overall, and I would recommend it to anyone, as I’m sure you would too!
    Stefan Jurado
23. ramsescazares 03.17.20 / 2pm

    Enjoyed reading your review, I also believed the Frozen 2 sequel filled its expectations as a movie. Most Disney movies with a sequel can feel a bit repetitive but Frozen 2 was nothing like that. With a very strong emotional plot and beautiful film aesthetics, Frozen 2 was a very captive movie. Loved how you pointed out the water in Frozen 2, when I watched the movie I thought it was going to be a detail gone unnoticed.
24. Irene De La Cruz 06.04.20 / 7pm

    I agree with your review, although this movie is meant to be for a younger audience it can also bring viewers from different ages. Like you mentioned the film teaches about growing up and has a deeper meaning than just being a pointless animation movie.The animation just makes it fun for the audience and for younger children, it is the way to grab their attention yet it teaches them a lesson. The music was also an important part to this film because the music fit with each unique character and there growing up process.
25. April Avina 06.06.20 / 4pm

    Hi Maria! I loved the way you described the movie and I totally agree about the way the animators use technology to their advantage. I also really enjoyed reading about your comparison of the first and second movies. The first movie seems to be directed for children as it is more light-hearted, however, the second movie shows the changes between the sisters and their lives. The action in the second film was also great as the animators seem to use more settings, starting with the kingdom of Arandale and moving along to the forest and using magical elements. While watching the film, I was completely mesmerized by the scenery and plot that created so much adventure for all audiences. I really enjoyed reading your review of the movie!
26. Daisy Mendoza 06.06.20 / 6pm

    After reading the review I too agree the aesthetics were beautiful. I recently watched this film and I loved it better than the first movie. The animation made the film look so real especially the water which made Elsa seem so much more powerful. Every scene was organized perfectly to reach the meaning the writers were trying to get at. The lighting of the film was perfect with new animation its crazy how they can achieve the movie to look so real and capture the mood and the selection of music is big plus to help achieve the mood of a scene.
27. Soran 07.07.20 / 3am

    Last week, I watched Frozen 2 with my 5 years son (me 50 years). I enjoyed this film. Sometime , to escape from the world and to relax, I watch animation film with my son or I go back to the nature. Maria, I agree with your review, this film can be enjoyed by not only kids but adults as well. Frozen 2 is fantastic and beautiful.
28. Madison Jaimes 07.16.20 / 12am

    Hi! I agree in loving the first movie and that left me with some pretty high expectations for the second one but I think it delivered! One of my favorite parts along with you was the entire aesthetic of the film. Every outfit was gracefully designed and every hair flip during a song presented so much confidence and power. Between lighting, animation, sound, and everything in between it is truly incredible to me how much technology we have now and what we can do with animated films.
29. alexbicknell 07.18.20 / 9pm

    Great review of this film. Really enjoyed the note on the growing up theme. I agree with you that many girls all across the world “grew up” from watching this film just like Olaf. The animation done on this film was brilliant truly captivated the viewers emotional in the music and overall color tones. Also, the story line is inanely emotionally investing, can be a tear jerker and tears of joy.
30. Amy Garcia 07.19.20 / 7pm

    I am glad that you think that a film like this could be enjoyed by people of all ages. I think that as we grow up we lose our love for animated movies because we don’t realize how deep they can be. For example, I didn’t think I would enjoy Frozen because I thought of it as a movie for kids but when I watched it, I saw a strong and independent woman. She questioned her abilities but slowly came to realize that with the love her sister had to offer, she could do anything. It pushed to the side the narrative of a woman needing a man and pushed forward the idea of a sisterly bond being one of the strongest bonds in the world. Movies like this can actually be really eye-opening when you’re older!
31. Shannon Kiefer 09.07.20 / 7pm

    I really enjoyed reading your review and your thoughts on Frozen 2. I took my five year old daughter to see it since she loved the first one so much and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it, too. I even thought it was better than the first one as far as animation and storyline. I completely agree with you that each scene was filled with such vibrance but the outstanding animation of the water was simply amazing. I am not 100% sure but each movie tends to look better than the last because they use animation from previous movies, and they had perfected the water in Moana. I enjoyed how the action focused on everyone growing up, as you put it. Elsa finding her true place, Anna learning how to stand on her own, and Olaf’s wisdom and funny anecdotes about growing up. I definitely agree with you that this is a film for all ages, the music and storyline are both very engaging for kids and adults alike.
32. Blake Ekeler 10.10.20 / 6pm

    I feel that this review of Frozen 2 accurately represented everything the film stands for. What I enjoyed so much about this review is the specific details about the plot, theme, and aesthetics within this film. I’m normally not a fan of animated films, but Frozen 2 had a very moving theme of growing up, I would definitely agree. I also feel that it is obvious the aesthetics were so amazing partially due to the use of new technology as the film has better graphics and beautiful scenery of nature and magic together as you mentioned in the response. I feel that the mise-en-scene in this animated film was truly captivating, as well. Finally, I feel that the plot was definitely more complex like you mentioned in contrast to the first film, and it definitely has more substance and depth to it. Overall this review definitely made me want to watch the film again, and I feel it would be extremely beneficial to anyone who wants to know a secondary opinion on the film before watching.
33. Andy 10.24.20 / 7pm

    I believe this film expanded in many ways as the first film did not, not just the storyline but the characters as well. there is a scene in the middle of the film where Kristoff sings and lets out his emotions in a way that no other film I’ve seen done. Kristoff’s song opens up his feelings when we thought of him as a closed character. this got me to think about the meaning and form of the film. I understand the form by plot segmentation. by doing this I can see what the director is trying to tell me. The segments I took most note of is when the singing is, it all happens at a Time of loss or confusion, and singing is just a way for them to get their feelings out. The meaning is different from the first as the first was more focused on Elsa and what she was missing for her to control, in the end, we find it was love. The second showed us a different side of the characters and what each thought, for instance, Olaf thought about growing up, Anna thought about losing her sister again, and Kristoff thought about Anna. Overall I think this was an amazing movie and you did a great review, I think this is a good movie to watch with friends and family too.
34. Marissa Gomez 10.24.20 / 9pm

    I strongly agree with the review and definitely agree at the point made that not only the movie’s plot matured but the characters and entire film as a whole has matured and evolved as well. The first movie perfectly embodied the classical disney persona, and executed the meaning of sisterhood and family. But, the second movie not only appeals to a younger audience, but to viewers of all ages. It creates a more appealing plot with the uncovering of unknown elements that viewers were left questioning from the first film. This helps the film look more intriguing and allows the audience to dive into the back story that created the world of Frozen. The setting and visuals also majorly stepped from the first. It always amazes me to see the outstanding animation that Disney provides, it creates a realistic world that blurs the lines between fictional and what could be real.
35. Susana Espinosa 07.08.21 / 9pm

    I definitely agree that the technology is what made this film stand out the most. Disney and Pixar have always been frontrunners when it comes to innovative technology from Avatar (2009) to Toy Story (1995) which is what draws in audiences. Moreover, the music is a driving force in telling the story of growing up, letting go, and finding one’s identity in the world. Similarly to The Sound of Music (1965), Disney utilizes music in order to demonstrate the development of their characters. In Frozen II we can hear Elsa change from curious in wanting to find the voice calling her to emotional once she finds out the truth about her origins. Moreover I think the changing of the seasons is symbolic of the sisters’ longing to grow up and find their true identities although they are also frightened of this concept.
36. Emily Gilberg 10.14.21 / 3pm

    I love that you reviewed this film, because it is such a good one! Most people enjoyed the original Frozen film better, but I personally loved this one as well. I am not the biggest fan of animated movies, but this film had much more depth and meaning to it. In children’s films the character development is usually less present, but I feel like we got to know the characters better in this film. For example, finding out Else and Anna’s parents are no longer with them speaks volumes on why and how they are so independent. You mentioned how the use of new technology allowed for much better graphics and I completely agree.
37. Kassandra Navarro 03.11.22 / 2pm

    Hi Maria,
    I agree, I think that the second film definitely has a more mature tone to it compared to the first film. I think some of the elements that really bring out a more mature tone is the changing dynamic between the relationship Elsa and Anna have. As you pointed out, in the first film the focus is on the relationship they have as sisters, while the second focuses on their backstories and how it could affect their future and the kingdom’s future. The use of diegetic and non-diegetic sounds in the film such as the soundtrack also bring out a more mature tone versus the first film, such as Anna’s song “The Next Right Thing”. Overall great work on your review!
38. Carter 03.11.22 / 8pm

    Hey Maria, I really enjoyed reading your review of Frozen 2! Like you mentioned in your review I too was one of the people extremely excited to see the sequel of the original Frozen. I had pretty high expectations going into the second film because of how great the first one was and my high standards were met. I thought that all of the characters especially Olaf created a super strong and emotional connection with the viewer. One aspect that I loved about this film was how funny and lighthearted it was. Even though there were moments of darkness, the film always felt like it was staying on the positive side.
39. Anita Avila 10.21.22 / 1pm

    After watching Frozen 2 I agree that the film is a lot more mature compared to the first film. What I liked most about this film was the fact that it answered a lot of unanswered questions that were in the first film. As mentioned in the post it answered why Elsa has powers and it went more into detail about their parents. The set design or the mise-en-scene, in this animated film, was also really intriguing. There were many dark scenes to make the viewer feel scared or some sort of discomfort, but there were scenes where it was bright and colorful to make the viewers feel hopeful and happy. I overall really enjoyed this film and think they did a really good job of connecting the storyline from the first film.
40. Crystal Vulih 02.26.23 / 11pm

    I really loved watching both of the “Frozen” films. I do think this movie had more depth in being all about self-discovery, connection, empathy, and personal growth. I also think it sent a message to all of us that we should listen to our intuition as it can guide us safely in the direction we are meant to go. The movie also explored environmentalism and the importance of a community working together.
    I think the mise-en-sense worked very well to help the story come to life with all the color choices that were dominated by shades of blue, white, and purple, creating a cold and wintry atmosphere. The film’s music and sound design were a huge part of creating the film’s emotional impact, starting with the very first song you hear and the consistent sounds of spirits whispering. The setting of the film created a sense of mystery and danger with the dark forests full of tall winding trees, and hidden caves. The costumes were beautiful thought of as they fit the time, place, and each character differently.
41. Crystal Cummings 06.13.23 / 9pm

    Hi Maria,
    I love the film Frozen 2 and i really enjoyed reading your review on this film. Your review gave me a different view on this film in details that i never thought of before. Yes, it’s a kids movie, but your review showed me that it doesn’t matter if it’s a kids movie or not, you can still analyze it just like any other film. What i learned from your review was the plot is much more complex than just a girl with superpowers and when you talked about Olaf talking about “growing up” i didn’t realize that was the main theme and that’s how they tied the 1st film to the 2nd film. Thank you for teaching me something new.
42. Logan Surber 02.06.24 / 11am

    Hi Maria,
    I honetly also really like Frozen 2 and believe that it is one of the best animated movies disney has released in the past 7 years (as of writing this) mainly due to it understanding that its audience is almost 10 years older and showing the struggle of finding maturity in times of struggle. Even though its a movie targeted towards kids it depicts these struggles of stress on all levels, from Olaf wanting to grow up the way a kid would to Elsa having to understand her past to control her future. This also plays into the songs on more personal topics than just catchy musical music, giving thought into anxiety of wanting control of your life while wanting to stay in the comfort of your current life. I also agree that the visuals, especially the scenery, is some of the best ambiance in animated cinema.

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