Moana – Review

Moana – Budget of $250 million – 1 hour and 55 minutes

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Centuries ago, Te Fiti brought life to the ocean. However, people wanted the power for themselves. So, they asked the demigod Maui to steal Te Fiti’s heart and bring it to them. He stole it, and a volcanic demon, Te Kā, appeared and shot Maui out of the sky. Maui dropped the heart and his magical fish hook into the depths of the ocean. They and Maui were never seen again.

Tala tells the legend to the children of Motunui, including her granddaughter, Moana. When the children’s eyes glow with fear, Moana’s father, Chief Tui, assures them that monsters don’t exist. Moana stands on the edge of the island, and the water gives her the heart of Te Fiti. She hides it when she hears Tui calling for her. He tells her to never go beyond the reef. It’s not safe for their people there. She needs to abide by these rules because she is the future chief. They stay on the island and never sail the open waters.

Years later, Moana is preparing to be the next chief. She settles disputes and offers guidance. One day, she will climb to the top of the mountain and place her stone on top of her father’s. But something doesn’t feel right. The sea is calling her. Recently, the crops have been dying, and the fish have disappeared. Moana believes they need to sail farther to find food. But Tui says no. Moana tries to sail, but the ocean pushes her back. Tala sees Moana emerging from the water and examines her bruised ankle. Years prior, she saw the water choose Moana and give her the heart. Tala takes Moana to a cavern filled with ships. Moana discovers that her ancestors were voyagers. To save the island, Moana must find Maui and return the heart to Te Fiti. Tala gives Moana her necklace to encase the heart, then tells her to leave. Moana sneaks away, grabs one of the old ships, and sets sail. Can she find Maui, return the heart, and save her dying island?

This live adaptation of the Disney animated movie stayed true to the original (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). It has the iconic lines, memorable characters, and stunning visuals. While it was very similar to the original, it didn’t bore you because the animation maintained most of the magic. The animation was the artist’s blueprint. They made it more realistic yet fun. The magic fell flat when Moana and Maui interacted with Pua and Heihei. Viewers will see the open space between the characters and the animals, as well as the awkward jump cuts. The glow from Tala and the heart was spot-on. Fans will feel the same connection to the earlier film. The songs and dancing hold the same spirit of the culture. While this film doesn’t deserve the online hate, it was made too close to the original. Also, the director removed the end credit scene. Otherwise, this movie is a solid adaptation of its predecessor, but you won’t prefer it over the animation.

I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars

You’re welcome – Moana

Maui isn’t spelled with a we. It’s spelled with an I – Maui

Is there something you want to hear – Tala

He was just like you, Moana – Sina

There are no monsters – Tui

I didn’t order cala-Maui – Tamatoa

The Invite – Review

The Invite – Budget of $12 million – 1 hour and 47 minutes

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Joe travels home from work and immediately lies on the floor after shutting the door. He notices his wife, Angela, scurrying through their home. He asks why she’s panicking. They are having guests today, and Angela is preparing food for them. It’s their upstairs neighbors, Hawk and Piña. She wants to impress them because she thinks they are cool. Then, Angela ponders if Joe bought the wine. Joe doesn’t remember Angela requesting wine, but she swears she messaged him about it. He pleads with her to cancel plans, but she won’t because they will be there soon. Joe informs Angela that he will confront their guests about their amorous lovemaking. Angela begs him not to do it, but he’s steadfast in his choice. They argue until they hear a knock at the door.

Hawk and Piña cautiously enter with a flan. They fear it’s a bad time because they heard Angela and Joe arguing. However, Angela states that they are fine while Joe stands in the corner. They make polite conversation, but Joe is aghast when Piña accidentally exposes Angela’s lie. Angela invited them over that morning, not weeks ago. Joe grits his teeth. Before he can air out his issues, Piña apologizes for their loud escapades. They didn’t realize Angela and Joe could hear them until he banged on their door. As Joe tries to deny it, Hawk shows them video footage. His behavior disgusts Angela. As the couple unveils their secrets, Piña and Hawk have an invitation for Joe and Angela. And accepting it will alter the course of their relationship forever.

This screwball comedy plays on social norms and new-age relationships. The audience sees the combative dynamic between Joe and Angela as she prepares for the guests. This dialogue allows you to understand the long-running contention in their relationship. By allowing the second couple to enter after the setup, you can compare their relationships. The dialog doesn’t paint Hawk and Piña as the perfect couple. Later in the plot, you see the cracks in their intense relationship. The film starts funny but becomes serious when Piña becomes their impromptu therapist. The script changes from a comedy to a sad drama. It puts a damper on the plot and becomes painfully honest. The camera angles are intriguing. It makes you the nosy neighbor watching all the mayhem and hearing their arguments. Then, you become a fly on the wall; however, you are never a part of their world, just an observer. While the comedy is compelling, the drama kills the mood. This film will win awards but not a spot in your permanent movie queue.

I give it 3 out of 5 stars

Sorry to let you down. Maybe next time – Joe

People forget their they deserve more – Piña

It’s like you want everyone to be uncomfortable – Angela

We love a contentious environment – Hawk