If you're looking for a family movie that will captivate audiences that span generations, interests, genders, you name it, look no further than Disney’s No. 1 Animated Feature Film of All Time, “Frozen II.”
The sequel to the 2013 smash hit "Frozen" that introduced Princess/Queen Elsa and Princess Anna of Arendelle to the world, "Frozen II" unveils the mystery behind Elsa’s powers — which is fantastic because the answer helps save the kingdom from being destroyed. Joined by their friends from the original film, Olaf, Sven, and Kristoff, and new friends Gale, Bruni the fire lizard, Nokk the water horse, the Earth Giants (well the latter are friends … eventually) and others, this new classic is full of adventure, mystery, yes, some Disney drama and suspense, and of course, musical scores that will steal your heart (“Into the Unknown” and “Show Yourself” are a couple of our favorites).
"Frozen II" entertained my 7-year-old nephew and 10-year-old niece (and their 40+-year-old mom) who saw it in the theater and said, "It was better than the first." It held the attention of my teenaged son and husband (and that's not easy to do) who claimed: "The animation and Olaf's humor made the movie." And my 20-year-old daughter and a longtime fan of Idina Menzel's vocals (Elsa) snuggled up with me as she used to when she was little and it was no surprise that she LOVED the soundtrack.
For those who can't wait, the digital edition was released on Feb. 11, but if you want the "Frozen II" CD and/or on Blu-ray for your collection, you'll have to wait until Feb. 25. Oh, did I mention bonus features include a singalong version of the film plus exclusive content, including outtakes, deleted scenes and songs, and much more? You can buy the digital or pre-order the CD and Blu-ray HERE.
Berkshires Macaroni Kid recently received an advance copy of the movie and to celebrate we hosted a School Break Frozen Kickoff Party and Movie Screening with the Central Berkshire CFCE for over 40 families and the film was the perfect compliment to the pre-screening Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) activities planned by our favorite early childhood educator, Wendy Provencher. The activities all incorporated the elements of fire, wind, Earth and water/snow, which are referenced throughout "Frozen II." Could they be clues as to the origin of Elsa's powers? You'll have to watch and see.
Want to know how you can incorporate a few Frozen-themed learning activities into your next "Frozen II" Family Movie Night? Here are a few of our favorite STEAM activities from our party below.
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1. Gale's Flying Sven STEAM Activity
What you need:
- Straws
- Sven reindeer cut out (you can minimize the Sven coloring page and cut it out on the FROZEN WEBSITE HERE)
- Pipette
- Tape
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
Directions:
Take the pipette and cut the long end off leaving just the bulb end. Tape your Sven cut out to the bulb and place the open end of the bulb on the straw and blow. Use your measuring tape to see how far Sven flew.
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2. Olaf’s and Nokk's Snow Science
* The “snow solution” needs to be made the night before or a few hours in advance so it has time to freeze (or just become cold so it resembles snow)
What you need:
- Baking soda
- Water
- Silver and blue glitter
- Eyedropper
- Cookie tray with sides
- Mini-plastic containers with covers
Directions:
Combine water, glitter and baking soda until it becomes moldable, distribute into plastic containers and place in the freezer until it appears cold or frozen. Pour vinegar into a small bowl. Empty the “snow” onto the cookie tray. Using the eyedropper place drops of vinegar on the snow and watch it bubble and melt.
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3. Elsa and Bruni’s Camp Fire Craft
What you need:
- 8 oz. Plastic Cups
- Yellow, Orange, and Red Tissue Paper
- Battery operated tea light candles
- Glue Sticks
Directions:
Glue tissue paper to the outside of the plastic cup to resemble fire. Turn on the battery-operated tea light candle and place it inside the cup. Now watch your fire glow.
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4. Anna and Kristoff’s Frozen Slime
What you need:
- 1/2 cup white PVA school glue
- 1 tablespoon saline solution (must contain boric acid and sodium borate)
- 1/4-1/2 tsp baking soda
- White, blue and silver glitter
Directions:
Mix 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup glue in a bowl and combine completely. Add glitter. Stir in 1/4-1/2 tsp baking soda.Mix in 1 tbsp saline solution and stir until slime forms and pulls away from sides of the bowl. If slime feels too sticky add a few more drops of saline solution. Knead your slime until it reaches the correct slime consistency and put it in a clean container.
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5.. Earth Giant Bath Bombs
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup Epsom Salt
- 1/2 cup corn starch
- 1/2 cup citric acid
- 2 1/2 tbsp melted coconut oil
- 1 tbsp water
- Green and blue food coloring
- Mini-globe-shaped plastic container/bath bomb molds
- Optional: A few drops of essential oils of your choice
Directions:
Mix the first three ingredients together. Then mix citric acid, coconut oil, and water (a few drops of essential oils if using) in a separate bowl. Add slowly to the dry ingredients and whisk as you go. If the mixture starts to fix, slow down. Split into two bowls add green food coloring to one and the blue coloring to the other. Mix well. Fill half the mold with the blue mixture and the second half with the green mixture. Close securely and let dry all day. The following day remove your Earth Giant Bath Bomb from the mold and use it in your bath the next time your child starts to smell a little "earthy."
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Want to invite some friends to your Movie Night? Here are a few more fun ideas to do with them:
- Don't forget the popcorn and water (feel free to get creative and name them after characters from the movie)
- Create a Frozen II photo op wall with white paper and items from the FROZEN II Activity Pages. For added fun, find Frozen II photo props online, at party stores, or some discount store.
- Want to get really creative? Try Frozen II face-painting featuring water-, fire-, Earth-, and Wind-inspired designs, and let's not forget the snowflakes!
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Thank you Wendy Provencher from the Central Berkshire CFCE and Phoebe Wehner for organizing and planning some super creative STEAM activities for this event and Debora Ellsworth for the face-painting. Faith and Olivia Wehner I appreciate you two giving up your Saturday morning to help us, thank you. And thank you to Disney Studios for sponsoring Our Frozen II STEAM Party and Movie Screening. I was compensated for the purpose of this review, all opinions are my own.
