Movie Reviews
“Moana 2” Brings Oceanic Waves with New Characters and a New Voyage
Three years later after returning the heart to Te Fiti, Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho) is seen exploring a deserted island and discovers an artifact indicating the island was inhabited. She sails back to Motunui to share her findings with her family and island community. At the celebration, she gets a calling from her wayfinding ancestors and learns that she must go on a quest to find the hidden island of Motufetu, which is believed to be the connection to other communities across the Oceania. This is the only option that will help preserve and continue their bloodline, otherwise their tribe will fade into nonexistence.
We see new characters that have particular useful skills and become part of Moana’s crew. Together, they prepare for the dangerous voyage in search for Motufetu. Yes, HeiHei (Alan Tudyk) and this time Pua join in on the excitement. The adventure gets hysterical when Moana and crew encounter the Kakamora – the coconut pirates. I love these guys, the minions of the sea! With the help of Moni (a storyteller), he was able to translate the Kakamora’s banging chest and tribal drums language. They come to understand the Kakamora have been sailing the ocean longing to find their homeland. It was thrilling to see Kotu unite with Moana in search for the lost mysterious island. Finally, Maui (Dwayne Johnson) makes an appearance in his mischievous ways, stuck in a bind with a mysterious “bat lady”, Matangi (Awhimai Fraser). Not much is revealed about Matangi – Goddess of Wind, just that she’s an enslaved demigod under Nalo, and has a connection to bats. She also has a threatening demeanor. Matangi sends Moana, Maui and crew through the portal to face Nalo, the powerful God of Storms, who deliberately keeps humans divided for he fears their powers when they are united. Moana realizes the best way to defeat Nalo, and to lift up the lost island Motufetu, is with strong teamwork, creative thinking, sacrifice, and with a little help from her spiritual ancestors.
Moana 2 has a good storyline with some exciting action and stunning animation. However, it went overboard with the flatulence humor and projectile regurgitation. The songs were fun and rhythmic – Maui (Johnson) performing “Can I Get a Chee Hoo?!” sounded a bit like Busta Rhymes with a similar saxophonist dance move scene from 1987 vampire movie The Lost Boys. I wonder if that was a connection to the “bat lady” Matangi.
Moana 2 did not have a strong enough wave impact as the first movie, but I do believe it will be used to bridge over a connection to a potential Moana 3. Stay for the post credits. More is revealed about Matangi who is still enslaved under Nalo’s control, and is in talks with him to perhaps assist in his revenge on Moana. Meanwhile, a familiar devious crustacean happens to be eavesdropping.
Movie Reviews
‘Wolf Man’ will have you howling in fear – Review
Talk about perfect timing to release a horror film, right after the first full moon of 2025, which is known as the wolf moon. Blumhouse is known to produce amazing horror movies without the large budget and granting directors the freedom of creativity. Wolf Man has all the right elements for delivering a fantastic terror thriller movie.
Director Leigh Whannell once again raises the bar for the new era of horror films. He knows how to get into the mind of the audience and lures them into a psychological nightmare. Whannell stuck with the Blumhouse tradition with the main plot being set in a home– a place where you typically consider to have a sense of security, a home sweet home feeling. Then, the terrifying atmosphere begins to set in as soon as rug is pulled from underneath you and the warm feeling is gone.
The storyline has a unique approach about a father-son-daughter relationship and mother- daughter relationship that applies the supernatural werewolf theme. Wolf Man has the ideal cast that were able to convert and adapt their characters gradually throughout the scenes. Christopher Abbott as Blake delivered an impressive performance, especially transforming from a subdued father to bring out his inner animal. Julia Garner as Charlotte, Blake’s wife, did well transforming from a city dweller to finding her grit to survive and protect her daughter, Ginger – played by adorable and witty Matilda Firth.
Whannell also used distinctive camera angles and styles that immerses the audience into Blake’s viewpoint when he is transitioning into a wolf man. The slow heavy breathing and deep low vibrating sound effects also added to the chilling experience. The make-up special effects department did an exceptional work with the disintegrating tissue and detaching limbs. There are plenty of gruesome scenes that will have you squirming and popping out of your seat, even pulling your hair. If you are familiar with Whannell’s work, you will even notice some references to Saw and M3GAN.
The ending did leave a bit of a cliffhanger. It will have your mind wondering and forming your own conclusions, a great way to make discussions with your movie companions. Wolf Man will be sure to satisfy the appetite of horror film fanatics.
Movie Reviews
Nick Frost’s new film ‘Get Away’ will having you second guess the next family vacation – Review
Synopsis
Written and starring the hilarious Nick Frost, ‘Get Away‘ puts a slight spin on previous horror films such as “Midsommar‘. You get everything from the humor to the gore that you expect from a Nick Frost film and there are some twists you won’t see coming. Catch it now on the Shudder streaming service and let us know what you think in the comments.
Synopsis: The Smith family’s much-needed vacation to the remote Swedish island of Svalta takes a dark turn when they arrive during preparations for a mysterious local festival that celebrates a dark history. Unsettled by the unfriendly locals and strange rituals, they try to make the best of their trip, stubbornly enjoying the island’s isolation and natural beauty. However, as the festival looms closer, the family realizes something far more sinister is unfolding—especially when they discover that a serial killer is on the loose.
Movie Reviews
‘V/H/S Beyond’ is a solid addition to the franchise – Review
From Shudder comes 6 all new short films that make up V/H/S Beyond. Directors Kate Siegel, Justin Martinez, Jay Cheel, Justin Long, Christian Long, Jordan Downey, and Virat Pal have compiled 6 very different yet effectively terrifying tales that make V/H/S Beyond a worthy addition to the franchise. See my instant reaction below.
SYNOPSIS: Six bloodcurdling tapes unleash horror in a sci-fi-inspired hellscape, pushing the boundaries of fear and suspense. From Directors Kate Siegel, Justin Martinez, Jay Cheel, Justin Long, Christian Long, Jordan Downey, and Virat Pal.
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