The much-anticipated “Frozen 2,” which continues the Disney animated saga of once-estranged sisters Elsa and Anna, premiered locally in theaters across the south suburbs Nov. 21.
Inside Marcus Theatres in Orland Park, exit reviews were red hot.
“I loved it,” said Luma Ammari, 26, of Orland Park. “It was kind of better than the first one. I would definitely recommend it because of the new songs and the story make it better.”
Mollie McCormick saw the film with her sister, Maddie McCormick, and their mom, Tracie McCormick. The family, from Orland Park, also attended opening night of “Frozen” back in 2013.
“I thought that Olaf had a lot more humor than the last time. Some of the jokes were kind of geared toward adults or older kids, so it was funny,” said Mollie, 17.
“A big thing for me, too, is the female roles in (the Frozen films) are so different from what you usually see in Disney movies. There’s a sister connection,” she said. “And I know a lot of people were speculating why Elsa didn’t have a romantic interest. I think it’s good for kids to see someone just being independent.”
Tracie McCormick added, the film “doesn’t feel hokey to me. Sometimes the animated movies have boring parts where it kind of loses my attention. This one doesn’t do that. It just holds my attention the entire time.
“I was worried it wouldn’t live up to first one but I think it’s just as good. I really enjoyed it.”
“Frozen 2” ranked as the second most anticipated holiday movie, behind “Star Wars,” in a recent Marcus Theatres survey of more than 11,000 moviegoers in 17 states, according to Marcus spokeswoman Julie Caan.
To accommodate demand, the theaters planned to expand operational hours to include early and late showings and to have at least 50% of screens dedicated to the film, she said.
Other films expected to do well at the box office, she said, include “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” “Jumanji: The Next Level” and “Little Women.”
In the lobby of the Orland Park cinema, awaiting the evening’s second showing, Sadeel Alzabbagh, 9, beamed with excitement.
“I love ‘Frozen,'” she said. “This is a big deal because I think Elsa is looking in the ocean to find her parents.”
She also speculated as what Anna’s powers might be.
The Tinley Park Disney fan was at the movies with her mom, Manaal Alzabbagh, and older brother Malik, who, in a nod toward the characters’ sisterly love, said he was there to “support my sister.”
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Lisa Valkenburg, of Palos Park, attended the premier with her daughter.
“I thought there was a lot of excitement that lasted and built throughout the movie,” she said. “It left an open ending for another movie.”
Dressed as Anna and sporting the character’s braids, 3-year-old Natalie Ligas stayed up past her bedtime to see the movie.
She demonstrated what she likes best about her favorite character.
“She twirls,” the Frankfort preschooler said. “And she saves Elsa.”
Her mom, Deanna Ligas, said, “I loved it. I cried. Olaf was really funny. It definitely shows girls as stronger, that they don’t have to rely on anyone.”
The Kissane family, of Orland Park, gave the film top marks.
Mom Erin Kissane said, “It was great, funny, magical. There are lots of new songs. I thought Olaf was hysterical this time.”
Dad Jim Kissane praised the new characters, particularly a fire lizard and a sea horse. “And they’re on our side,” he said.
Eight-year-old Teagan Kissane, who was at the theater with her sister Caitlin, 9, and their friend, Addison Naronleski, 8, said she also liked the fire lizard.
Without giving too much away, Teagan said she enjoyed learning about Anna and Elsa’s parents and an unexpected heroine in the sisters’ past.
Also, she added, “Guess what? A turtle breathes from its butt.”
Waiting for the movie to begin, Bridget Hunter snapped photos of her 4-year-old daughter, Kaylee Alexander, in front of a giant “Frozen 2” cutout in the theater lobby.
“We are extremely excited. I purchased tickets weeks ago. We are here tonight to enjoy it,” said Hunter, of Richton Park.
Not everyone gave a five-star review, however.
Eight-year-old Layan Elbanna, of Orland Park, said while she thought the movie was “good,” it was “not everything I thought it would be.”
She expressed disappointment over a particular character’s new-found independence.
And 2-year-old Kennedy Krokos, on a date with her dad, couldn’t go the distance.
“She really liked it,” said Allan Krokos, carrying her toward the exit. “She’s just done; she’s had enough.”
He said they’d be back, though, the following week, with Kennedy’s older brother.
“I liked it,” Allan Krokos added. “I thought it was very interesting. I wonder how it ends.”