My little cousin loves Frozen, so when I asked her if she wanted to see Frozen 2 on Thanksgiving, I was shocked to hear that she didn’t want to see the movie. I suppose things change. She’s growing up and going into middle school. Maybe Disney princesses aren’t in her interests anymore. But, if I could teach her anything right now, it’s that change happens in its own time, and there’s no rush to grow up. You can never be too old to love Disney.
There’s always something to learn from a Disney movie, no matter how old you are or where you are in life. Adults have lessons to learn, just as much as kids do. Here’s what Frozen 2 says about coping with the changes that inevitably occur in life in terms of the soundtrack.
1. When I Am Older
“This will all make sense when I am older Someday I will see that this makes sense”
You’ve heard of “In Summer.” Now, get ready for “When I Am Older.” In this solo, Olaf (voiced by Josh Gad) talks himself through the confusing aspects of life and attempts to make sense of the complex world around him. He muses that although a lot of things are scary and puzzling right now, everything will make sense when he is older and more mature.
Little does Olaf know, most adults are still trying to untangle and figure out the conundrum that is life. Regardless, the main lesson that should be taken from this quirky, clumsy tune is that change is inevitable. As Olaf sings in this song, “Growing up means adapting.” Change doesn’t have to be “terrifying or tense.” Though it is scary and it might not make sense now, it will as time passes and you gain a better, matured understanding of the world.
2. Lost In The Woods
Who knew the world needed an 80s power ballad in a Disney princess movie? In “Lost In The Woods,” Kristoff (voiced by Jonathan Groff) contemplates which direction his relationship with Anna is going. As Anna grows independently in this film, Kristoff is left to catch up with her. This isn’t an uncommon trope in real life relationships.
How do you make relationships work in times of change? Communicate your feelings. Dealing with change requires outwardly expressing how you feel, especially if it involves another person in your life. Being open and vulnerable is key during transformative points in life and relationships.
If anything, “Lost In The Woods” shows that it’s okay to be vulnerable and shamelessly express complex feelings, regardless of your gender or sex. It is especially important for young boys to see this. Let’s deconstruct toxic masculinity and allow our boys to express their emotions freely without being deemed as weak or harassed for not being masculine enough.
3. The Next Right Thing
“The Next Right Thing” is about how even in the darkest times, when grief, depression, and hopelessness pulls you down, the only thing you can do is the next right thing. In times of great challenge, it is up to you to pull yourself out of the hole you’ve fallen in. In the film, Anna exemplifies this, pulling herself up to her feet and carrying on, even when things are “cold, empty, numb” and when she’s “ready to succumb.”
With “The Next Right Thing,” Anna (voiced by Kristen Bell) demonstrates how one must cope and move on from grief and loss. It’s one of more complex and darker lessons taught in the animation, but nonetheless, one that is necessary.
4. Some Things Never Change
“Some things never change Like how I’m holding on tight to you”
Life is full of change and adaptation. A lot of it can be scary, no matter how old you are. As we grow up and grow older, as we reach milestones in life and accomplish our goals, we become different people. We mature and evolve. However, not all things change.
“Some Things Never Change” is the opening track in the film and provides a sense of reassurance, showing that although you change and the people around you change, love keeps you grounded. The meaningful relationships around you are your anchor, so you don’t get swept away in times of tumultuous transformation.
Change is difficult to comprehend and cope with. Oftentimes, it’s easier to make sense of the complexities in life by simplifying it into a story. Frozen 2 tackles change through its music and independent characters.