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Film reviews

Moana Review

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I enjoyed both animated versions of Moana (2016) and Moana II (2024). Unfortunately, this live version was just average. There was plenty of positivity surrounding the many wonders of the sea and the Hawaiian setting as well as lots of music, laughs, and adventures. It is not terrible, but cheesy enough to shred. The magical charms are good in parts, but the storyline goes off in too many imaginary directions. Directed by Thomas Kail, this is Moana. The voyager vibes are joyful, and so are the characters, but it wasn’t enough to make this film soar. 

For Disney, however, it is what I expected. The movie has over-the-top moments to inspire viewers of all ages. The music and the songs are top-notch. Most of the film’s glory comes from the vocal performance of Catherine Laga’ala in her role as Moana. Thanks to the music, the storyline about fulfilling one’s destiny by overcoming hurdles is fun.  Dwayne Johnson plays Maui, and also did the voice of this character in the animated versions. When Johnson is in the picture, there are bound to be moments of quirky, yet satirical humor. He displays that bad yet sappy attitude as one of the main characters. 

Moana dreams of fulfilling her family legacy by saving her island and making it return to its voyager setting. However, this requires her to go to the sea and find Maui. The dynamics between Laga’ala and Johnson is where this film shines. Behind them are CGI-generated sea monsters. The village where Moana comes from lacks the resources, and she is on a mission to change that. The film feels like an oceanography journey with lighting that highlights the beauty of the water.  Sadly, much of the film struggled to sell me. The film needed more magical components. I respect Disney’s style of movie-making, but I would have rather had more layers of seriousness and suspense in addition to more conflict added to the fantasy.

I did enjoy the film credits with their wonderful quotes. One quote, “Restore the heart,” means there is happiness that comes with growth. Another quote that speaks to me is, “No one goes beyond the reef,” which means that breaking the rules comes with some entertainment. Moana  “goes beyond the reef,” but her adventures just felt mediocre.

In the end, the movie was joyful and nice for families. I just wish that the magic in the waters and the writing had a few more components to make the final cut stronger. I give this version of Moana two-and-a-half out of four stars.

Film reviews

Toy Story 5 Review

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When it comes to Disney and Pixar Animation, The Toy Story franchise has always held a special place in my movie history. Being born in 1993, I have grown up watching the evolution throughout the Toy Story films. Toy Story 5 paints a portrait of how much reality has changed, yet there is a strong sense of having a heart for the past. Directed by McKenna Harris and Andrew Stanton, the invigorating animation in this franchise still tops the charts. The toy clan is still together in different places, but their new challenge is today’s reality with screen-time. 

When it comes to technology, the new adventures of Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), Buzz (voiced by Tim Allen), and Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack), involve finding ways to get the attention of the kids in the neighborhood who are all hooked on their tablet devices. Looking back at the previous Toy Story films, there was not yet this form of technology featured. The writing in this film syncs up with the transitions that have occurred over time. The animation combined with the writing seeks to inspire audiences of all ages.

Looking back in time, the toys now find themselves fading into the past. This aspect of the story is central to this fifth installment of the franchise. The choice of technology over toys is inevitable. The fight for love and attention does not come easy, but with positive teamwork and the spirit of “YOU GOT A FRIEND IN ME” hope springs eternal in this timeless adventure. 

The well-done animated scenes are worthy of admiration in Toy Story 5. Whether the scene is in someone’s old bedroom, a backyard, or a forest—the toys find ways to keep pushing forward. That is the Toy Story movies never fail to entertain people of all ages. The special role that toys play in people’s lives sparks joy which is noteworthy again in this fifth edition. 

This time around, there is a device called a Lilypad (voiced by Greta Lee), a new device holding the children’s attention. The primary child character is Bonnie (voiced by Scarlett Spears), and she is aching for attention. Her parents have resorted to technology to help her fulfill her need for friendship. Bonnie still has a connection to the toys, yet feels pressured to fit in by dismissing them. Woody, Buzz, and Jessie fight for the sentimental value that toys hold. 

Jessie plays a bigger role in the fight this time, because her adventures bring her back to where it all began. The memories from Toy Story 2 came back to me due to Jessie’s story especially when she realizes that a previous connection to someone can be dismissed. Toy Story 5 inspires viewers to never let go of what is most important in our lives. It also still reminds us that technology should never take the place of  human connection. Even though the focus of the story is on the toys, they also fight for humans to remain together.

When it comes to beloved characters Woody and Buzz, their leadership is still entertaining. This time around, they live in different places yet find themselves collecting dust. This tactic added to the technology focus makes for many joyful adventures in Toy Story 5. The movie gives audiences a chance to look back at the past and compare it to the present. It also piques curiosity about what may happen in the future. The popular quote, “TO INFINITY AND BEYOND,” still resonates in Toy Story 5. The competition for love and companionship lands just right in Toy Story 5.

Toy Story 5 is not only noteworthy due to the wonderful script, but also because it illustrates how much today’s kids rely on technology over playing with toys. I will be fully open. As someone on the spectrum, I remember loving to play with toys, even those related to the Toy Story franchise. In the 1990s, there were far fewer advancements in technology. Watching Toy Story 5 reminded me that kids today often play online more than they do in person. While both options offer a form of connection, this movie offers a gentle reminder that technology can have a detrimental impact. Therefore, choosing to step away from screens to play with friends or toys the old-fashioned way can lead to great enjoyment. Can Buzz, Woody, and Jessie find a way to get that message into Bonnie’s head? Find out in Toy Story 5. Four out of four stars.

Film reviews

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu Review

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The film continues after the events of Season 3 of The Mandalorian. With mixed expectations, the Force maintains its strong suit in Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu. There are moments of flaws and scenes that feel a bit redundant. Regardless, the galaxy and characterizations still thrive well in this franchise. Directed by Jon Favreau, the adventures of The Mandalorian carry the weight of the franchise as an assigned mission is accomplished. I appreciate the honorable tone of someone keeping their word while utilizing powers for the better with cinematic vengeance in Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu.

After the collapse of the Galactic Empire, the galaxy is still devastated. Pedro Pascal is Din Djarin aka The Mandalorian. He reports to the New Republic. After trying to maintain peace and do the right missions, he cannot keep up with the fallen sections around him. He has a new mission which is to rescue Rotta the Hutt, played by Jeremy Allen-White. White is the voice of the alien character. Then there is Ward, played by Sigourney Weaver. She assigns Din to this task. Din’s small alien creature is Grogu, basically a baby Yoda who does not speak. With the rebels clashing, and much evil resurfacing, Din and Grogu are in for one wild ride.

What I found joyful was how there were many moments whenDin wanted to keep his helmet primarily because The Mandalorian has the desire to hide his identity. At the same time, the helmet protects him. The film goes on an adventure of teamwork and competitions, many of which have deadly consequences, especially when they involve creatures and monsters. There is not so much lightsaber action, but more strategic attacks, which provides lots of fun in Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu. Overall, I found inspiration because of the buddy dynamic between the film’s two main characters, Din and Grogu. This is a film that is continued from a series and follows the right steps to reach its conclusion. It loops in plenty of Star Wars elements and focuses on the most important. It is witty and inconsistent at times, but mostly spot-on.

The galaxies full of adventures leading to conclusions is where the film excels. The performance of Pascal as the king of destruction for a better cause is strong. His loyalty to the New Republic as The Mandalorian provides the “presence of importance” because without him, there is no mission. There is no one to hunt, but all around him there is a galaxy of keys to leaders, threats, and adventures. The moving parts are attention- grabbing in Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu.  I walked out feeling entertained but not blown away. Three out of four stars.