It seems no film can escape the "sequel spell", not even Disney and its "Frozen" franchise.

Released on Friday, the Disney blockbuster has already grabbed 373 million yuan (53 million U.S. dollars) in China – not a bad start for an animation film, and higher than its predecessor's 298-million-yuan (42.4 million U.S. dollars) opening.

However, public reviews are polarized. Even with dazzling pictures of the magical world and exquisite designs on the princesses' dresses, it is difficult to meet the high expectations accumulated during the past six years.

In China, "Frozen II" was given 7.3 points out of 10 on Douban.com, a Chinese film rating website, seeing a one-point drop from its predecessor.

Interestingly, there are few negative comments about the film. Most audience members consider it a just-so-so sequel with a "fine story and magnificent visual effects."

"However, it can no longer touch me deep in my heart anymore," said a Doubaner.

Criticisms are mostly about the storyline being stereotypical and thin. Though trying to explore a deeper theme, many complained that the plot was pushed forward without consistency and logic. Some comments said that even Kristoff, a major character in the first Frozen film, became a functional character that could be wiped out without influencing the plotline. 

The music is good, but not surprising. Without "Let it Go," the whole story about Elsa and Anna is barely a fairy tale for kids.

Some Chinese moviegoers even call it a 104-minute music video intertwined with a bit of plot.

There are still plenty of positive comments speaking highly of the new film's theme. Many believe that the film indicates the awakening of women's self-identity and their journey to realize their value.

"Thank you, Disney, for not giving Elsa an ordinary end of falling in love with a prince and getting married," a comment reads. 

"Frozen II" still led China's weekly box office charting last week. The second spot belonged to romance "Somewhere Winter" with 93.6 million yuan (13.3 million U.S. dollars) added to its general box office. The 4K restoration of "The Legend of 1900" followed behind with 55.3 million yuan (7.86 million U.S. dollars).

Released on the same day, "Somewhere Winter" has grossed a total of 188 million yuan (26.7 million U.S. dollars) while "The Legend of 1900" has grossed 122 million yuan (17.3 U.S. dollars). Given the fact that the latter is from 1998, the gap between the two is not as big as their rating points.

The 2019 romance film, with a story based in the 1990s, was given 5.3 points out of 10, which may stop many from going to watch the film in the cinemas. The 1998 legend got 9.3 points.

The old film has surprised many with its row piece rate reaching 15 percent with a rising tendency after 21 years. Many people who are familiar with the plotline are still willing to buy a ticket and are not hesitant to write a long review expressing new thoughts and emotions inspired by the film after walking out of the cinema.

However, the new film seems to be disappointing, with many people complaining that after years, Chinese romance films still remain at their starting point, with awkward plotlines, unpersuasive characters and equally weak motivation to push forward the story.

In fact, complaints about stereotypical plots and mediocre stories are not limited to Chinese films, but for Hollywood productions as well. Debates have never ceased about what makes a good film. Big budgets, advanced visual effects, ambitious "film universes," or self-consistent and touching scripts?

With old films standing neck and neck with new ones in the same arena, the answers may still be needed. 

For the following week, moviegoers can expect new debuts of a diversified genre.

Chinese comic film "Two Tigers," starring a number of A-listers including Ge You and Zhao Wei could become a sensation on social media. Long-expected feature film "The Wild Goose Lake," which was selected to compete for this year's Palme d'Or in Cannes, will finally meet the Chinese audience on Friday.

There is also the U.S. sci-fi film "Ad Astra" starring Brad Pitt, which could be expected to stir discussions on social media. Together with a number of crime films, such as "The Whistleblower," the 2019 Chinese film market could be drawing to a colorful conclusion.

(Cover image: Gao Hongmei)