Weekend Movie Review: 'Frozen II' And More

Fans of the 2013 blockbuster animation"Frozen" are in for a treat as the sequel "Frozen II" hits the big screen this weekend, starring original cast members Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad and Jonathan Groff as one big family.

In the drama "A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood," a cynical investigative journalist (Matthew Rhys) gets a chance to have a heart-to-heart with Mister Rogers (Tom Hanks). In the end, he'll discover children's TV icon Fred Rogers' authentic goodness.

Finally, those looking for an action-crime drama can check out "21 Bridges," starring Chadwick Boseman as an embattled NYPD cop.

Here's what to see and what to skip this weekend:

“Frozen II” — Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel; directed by Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck

Remember the Disney blockbuster animation that made the feverishly catchy song, “Let It Go,” a household name? Well, its compelling message about sisterhood, grit, courage and friendship continues in “Frozen II,” bringing together the original cast members Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad and Jonathan Groff for another epic adventure into the unknown.

For moviegoers who have not yet seen the 2013 original film, fear not. You will certainly catch up in no time, as the sequel includes endearing flashbacks to “Frozen,” the story of sibling sisters Elsa (Menzel) and Anna (Bell), two princesses fighting to save their Nordic realm of Arendelle from an unforgiving chill.

Much like its predecessor, “Frozen II” embraces a mythology that is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s 1845 fairy tale, “The Snow Queen.” In the second installment, we see Elsa as a queen who has finally learned to accept and control her gift: the power to create ice and snow. Nevertheless, she still feels unsettled deep inside as she hears a threatening voice that no one else can hear calling from the enchanted forest.

In the end, Elsa decides to uncover the mystery once and for all. Accompanied by Anna, snowman Olaf (Gad), iceman Kristoff (Groff) and his reindeer Sven, Elsa embarks on a dangerous journey into the unknown, beyond Arendelle, to find the deafening voice.

See it. While “Frozen II” soars high to delight us all with its animation wizardry, it lacks the perpetual magic of its predecessor. For one thing, there’s no song in the movie that holds the same thunder of “Let It Go.”

Watch the trailer:

“A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood” — Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys; directed by Marielle Heller

The door swings open to a familiar cozy living room. The jacket comes off, and a warm red cardigan goes on. Yes, you guessed it right. It’s time to have a heart-to-heart with Mister Rogers.

Many will recall the late Fred Rogers, the well-loved host of the children’s TV show, "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." For over three decades, from 1968 to 2001, the children’s TV icon took the time to impart words of kindness and wisdom to millions of young children, earning his status as a hero, a beacon of comfort, for millions of Americans.

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Inspired by award-winning journalist Tom Junod’s Esquire profile on Fred Rogers, “Can You Say…Hero?”, “A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood” is not a Fred Rogers biopic. On the contrary, it is a movie told through the eyes of a jaded investigative New York journalist, Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys), who begrudgingly accepts a job assignment — a feature on Mister Rogers.

Initially, the reporter has a cynical attitude toward Fred Rogers (Tom Hanks). But the more Lloyd gets to know the man behind the myth, the more he realizes that Fred is truly a man of integrity and honesty. In other words, Mister Rogers is authentic, deserving of that special place for which millions of Americans hold him dearly in their heart.

See it. Simply put, Tom Hanks is excellent as Fred Rogers. From mannerisms to silences, Hanks radiates a persona of authentic goodness that is feverishly contagious!

Watch the trailer:

“21 Bridges” — Chadwick Boseman, Sienna Miller; directed by Brian Kirk

The action-crime drama follows the story of detective Andre Davis, an embattled NYPD cop who, for so many years now, has been grappling over the loss of his father, a cop who was killed in the line of duty. So when a drug heist gone horribly wrong results in the death of eight policemen, he feels most compelled to take the case.

What ensues is a propulsive cat-and-mouse game to find the robbers and cop killers, setting in motion Andre’s desperate-but-ingenious plan to shut down all 21 bridges in and out of Manhattan.

Will Andre's plan work?

Skip it. All in all, Boseman delivers a high-caliber performance, but it’s not enough to buoy a lackluster script.

Watch the trailer:

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