Starring: Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad

Directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee

Disney, out now

Sisters Elsa and Anna travel with their trusty companions to an enchanted forest to save their home from the elements.

Disney’s sequel to their 2013 hit animation Frozen could never be accused of being a hasty follow-up, and it feels like those intervening six years have given the creators the time to develop something worthy of the original.

In many ways review-proof – this movie will make a packet at the box office – it also happens to be a satisfying continuation of the story that picks up on some of the themes established back at the beginning. While not as good as the first – how could it be? – anyone who fell in love the characters first time round will find plenty to enjoy as each gets their moment in the sun (a risk for snowman Olaf!) as well as a song or two.

If there’s nothing as memorable as Let it Go, Elsa’s new showstoppers Show Yourself and Into the Unknown are crackers, belted out by Idina Menzel, and Josh Gadd has fun with Olaf’s cute number When I am Older.

The animation has improved in the last six years, the characters’ facial impressions being as expressive as ever, and the landscapes from forests to valleys are exquisite. Importantly, there’s a few messages for feisty princesses of all ages, with a mature attitude towards addressing the past and fixing the future.

Verdict: It’s exactly what you expect it to be, and judging by the rapturous applause of mums and kids and today’s screening, it’s just what they wanted. Parents might be rolling their eyes at the prospect of buying yet another princess dress, but merchandise cynicism isn’t extended to the film itself, which is sweet, never in danger of being too scary, and will melt the frostiest of hearts. 9/10

Nick Joy