I join the CTV NewsChannel to talk about the sequelitis of “Moana 2,” Angelina Jolie in “Maria,” he bad assery of “The G” and the animated family film “Flow.”
Watch the whole thing HERE!
I joined CP24 Breakfast to have a look at new movies coming to theatres, including the sequelitis of “Moana 2,” Angelina Jolie in “Maria” and the animated “Flow.”
Watch the whole thing HERE!
I sit in with CKTB morning show guest host Karl Dockstader to have a look at movies in theatres and streaming including the sequelitis of “Moana 2,” Angelina Jolie in “Maria” and the bad assery of “The G.”
Listen to the whole thing HERE!
I join the Bell Media Radio Network national night time show “Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift” for Booze & Reviews! This week we have a look at “Moana 2” and talk about the perfect Tiki drink to enjoy while watching the movie!
Listen to Booze & Reviews HERE! (Starts at 30:30)
Listen to the entertainment headlines HERE, including a story about the happiest song of all time! (Starts at 10:38)
Fast reviews for busy people! Watch as I review three movies in less time than it takes to do a high five! Have a look as I race against the clock to tell you about the sequelitis of “Moana 2,” Angelina Jolie in “Maria” and the bad assery of “The G.”
Watch the whole thing HERE!
SYNOPSIS: Set three years after the events of the first film, “Moana 2” sends the strong-willed Moana (Auli’I Cravalho) and shapeshifting demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) off on an adventure to the seas of Oceania to break the curse of the island of Motufetu. “Before Maui stole Te Fiti’s heart,” Moana explains, “our ancestors wanted to connect our island to all the people of the entire ocean. It’s my job as a Wayfinder to finish what they started.”
CAST: Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Rachel House, Alan Tudyk, Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, Rose Matafeo, David Fane, Hualālai Chung, Awhimai Fraser, and Gerald Ramsey. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller.
REVIEW: Originally planned to debut on Disney+ as a long form limited streaming series, “Moana 2” has been reshaped into a compact 1 hour and 40-minute (including credits) movie that hits theatres as the live-action version of the story is still being filmed.
The new animated version brings with it many of the characters that made the original so engaging. Moana, voiced by Auliʻi Cravalho, is an easy-to-root-for hero, more mature than the last time we saw her, more adventurous and connected to her culture.
The movie is at its best when she shares the screen with her demigod pal Maui, once again voiced by Dwayne Johnson. It’s a shame then that the story keeps them separated for much of the running time.
This time around Johnson amps things up, playing the mischievous demigod with more spirit, humour and heroics. His big song, “Can I Get A Chee Hoo?” is a bit of fun, playfully rhyming “Moana” with “Come On-a.”
The score and songs itself, by Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foaʻi and Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear (a.k.a. Barlow & Bear) respectively are rousing, but the magic delivered in the original by Lin-Manuel Miranda songs like “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome” is missing. Still, tunes like “Get Lost,” by Matangi (Awhimai Fraser) are a welcome addition to the “Moana” playlist.
Visually, the animation is gorgeous, featuring beautiful visuals of Moana’s sandy island, her adventures on (and under) the water and marvelous sea creatures. It’s vibrant, state-of-the-art work that goes a long way to build Moana’s world and entertain the eye when the storytelling hits some rocky shores.
The Sequel Law of diminishing returns is in effect in “Moana 2,” but, while it may not top its predecessor, it is a tuneful, exciting kid-friendly action movie with good messages of the importance of community and connection.
