Moana 2 3D Movie Review

November 27, 2024 by Jacob Scarberry in 3-D Cinema, 3-D Films, 3-D Movies, 3D or 2D, Moana 2, Moana, Disney , Disney

Moana 2

3D Movie Review

By Jacob Scarberry

3D

Like recent Disney animated films, the 3D in Moana 2 remains strong throughout, with depth being its standout feature. The layering effects are well-executed, delivering a proper sense of dimension in scenes featuring crowds, jungle landscapes, and the sea, creating an impressive sense of infinite depth. However, the film disappoints in the pop-out department. Despite the potential for stunning effects, there are very few moments where objects truly extend outwards toward the audience.

While there are occasional instances—such as a limb or water reaching out—the most memorable moment happens early in the film during a slow-motion lightning bolt sequence, which is genuinely breathtaking. Unfortunately, that’s the sole standout in this regard. Many scenes could have benefited from enhanced pop-out effects, like sand and water being flung about, Maui’s hook and Moana’s oar projecting toward the viewer, or darts zipping through the scene. These missed opportunities leave the audience with a sense of “what could have been” instead of “what should have been.” Moana 2 looks very good in 3D, but its overall presentation falls short of greatness.

3D Final Score: 7/10

Movie

It’s Thanksgiving week again, and you know what that means: another Disney animated film graces the big screen, providing families a convenient holiday distraction for their kids (and family overall). This year, Disney delivers Moana 2, a sequel to the modern animated favorite. Released eight years after the original, which saw solid box office success and astronomical Disney + viewership, this sequel is poised to be a major hit for the studio. After three consecutive Thanksgiving flops (Encanto, Strange World, and Wish), Disney desperately needs a win. Encanto later became a fan favorite streaming on Disney +. Unfortunately, Moana 2 comes in the form of a mediocre sequel to an otherwise solid original.

Set three years after the events of the first film, Montunui is thriving, and Moana is living her best life as a way finder. She’s about to be named the next Tautai, or chief navigator of her people. During the ceremony, she experiences a dark vision of her people’s future and learns from the spirit of a previous Tautai that she must discover new islands to prevent her tribe’s eventual extinction. Meanwhile, Maui is on a quest to defeat a malevolent god who draws strength from the ocean and isolates the islands of Oceania, threatening the survival of its tribes and cultures. Moana, joined by a motley crew of villagers, sets sail to save Oceania from this grim fate, encountering old friends, new allies, and plenty of forgettable songs along the way.

When the first Moana movie first debuted, I wasn’t eager to watch it. I dismissing it as “Frozen set in Polynesia.” I finally gave it a chance just days before writing this review and found it charming and beautifully animated, though not as groundbreaking as others claimed. It’s a typical Disney adventure: a young female protagonist, quirky animal companions, a charming male co-lead, and one standout song that gets played on repeat by kids everywhere. Moana 2, however, falls victim to sequelitis.

The plot is essentially a retread of the first: Moana embarks on an epic journey to confront a god (this time with a different elemental theme) to save her home. To fill the runtime, the story adds a colorful cast of side characters (who are mostly superfluous), including a grumpy elder, a tech-savvy geek, and a Maui superfan. Unfortunately, the villains are underdeveloped, and the resolution feels uninspired, flattening the emotional payoff. Humor is sparse, with only a few chuckles here and there, mostly from callbacks to the original film that lack wit or originality.

The music, composed by returning talents Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa’i, is decent, but the absence of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s lyrical genius is glaring. None of the songs have the catchy hooks or rhythm of the first film’s standout numbers.

Not everything is a letdown, though. The animation is stunning—vibrant, colorful, and featuring some of the best water physics ever seen in an animated film. It’s a triumph of CGI technology, and the artists who brought this world to life deserve immense praise. The voice cast also delivers excellent performances, with returning stars Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, and Alan Tudyk joined by talented newcomers.

At the end of the day, Moana 2 will keep families entertained this Thanksgiving. Its brisk 100-minute runtime (closer to 85 minutes without credits) is perfect for holding kids’ attention. However, it’s essentially visual junk food—enjoyable in the moment but not particularly satisfying or memorable afterward. Ironically, this movie began as a planned Disney+ series that was reworked into a feature-length film after Moana became the platform’s most-watched title. It’s better than Disney’s direct-to-video sequels of the early 2000s, but only marginally. Like those films, Moana 2 is forgettable, and proof that not all sequels are necessary or justified.

Final Movie Score: 6/10

Learn more about how we rate 3D content via the link below:

https://www.3dor2d.com/3d-or-2d-ratingssystem/

You can read our review of the first Moana by clicking the link below:

https://www.3dor2d.com/reviews/moana

Official Website:

https://movies.disney.com/moana-2

The Nightmare Before Christmas 3D Movie Review

October 12, 2024 by adolph vega in 3-D Films, 3-D Movies, 3D or 2D, Nightmare Before Christma, Nightmare before Christ, Nightmare before xmas, Disney, Nightmare Christmas, Nightmare Christmas 3D, 3-D Cinema

The Nightmare Before Christmas 3D

Movie Review

By Adolph Vega

3D

The 3D aspect of The Nightmare Before Christmas offers a mixed experience, with occasional standout moments, but these are few and far between. While some 3D layers are noticeable, the overall depth remains minimal and subtle, failing to create a truly impressive effect. It feels like a product of its time (2006), reminiscent of the 3D techniques used nearly two decades ago. Unfortunately, Disney did not update the 3D for this 2024 re-release. Some special effects, like ghosts and falling snowflakes, do pop off the screen, offering brief glimpses of what the 3D technology can achieve. However, these instances are not enough to elevate the overall experience.

The movie is bookended with high-quality 3D shots. At the start, the camera zooms and pans around the town as ghosts fly toward the screen, creating a fantastic 3D effect. As the film concludes, snow falls in Halloween Town, with snowflakes appearing on different planes of 3D space, making this sequence look phenomenal.

The presentation suffers from minor technical issues, including ghosting artifacts that detract from the experience. Despite these shortcomings, certain elements, such as camera pans, provide a sense of motion that can feel like a theme park ride. These moments hint at the potential of 3D to enhance storytelling, but they are overshadowed by the overall weak presentation. The film’s 3D struggles to maintain engagement, offering only a few highlights amid an otherwise dated visual experience.

It’s not a bad 3D conversion per se, just a weak one. The Nightmare Before Christmas has an adequate 3D presentation, but it should and could be significantly better.

3D Final Verdict: 6/10

Movie

The Nightmare Before Christmas is a true classic that has stood the test of time, offering a delightful blend of nostalgia and entertainment. Watching it in theaters for the first time brings a renewed appreciation for its iconic, spooky aesthetic. The richly detailed character designs and intricately crafted environments create an immersive visual experience. Each scene feels thoughtfully designed, capturing the unique atmosphere that has made the film a beloved staple over the years.

One of the highlights is the film’s musical elements. About half of the songs are particularly memorable and catchy, adding a rhythmic energy that enhances the overall experience. While not every track is a standout, the soundtrack as a whole significantly contributes to the film’s charm and appeal. My favorite songs include “This is Halloween” and “What’s This?”. Danny Elfman’s musical score is a sublime treat, making certain scenes unforgettable and heightening the sense of fun that permeates the film.

The film’s pacing is another strength, maintaining a brisk flow that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. Its straightforward plot makes it easy to follow, even if some of the rules of its world remain unexplained. This simplicity allows the audience to focus more on the creative visuals and character moments rather than getting caught up in complex details. Though the narrative might lack depth, the film compensates with its vibrant energy and unique setting.

The basic plot follows Jack Skellington, who grows bored with being the Pumpkin King in Halloween Town. One evening, he discovers Christmas Town and attempts to bring the festive spirit of Christmas into the haunted world of Halloween Town. As expected, the mixing of holidays leads to hijinks, mixed results, and plenty of confusion. The characters are interesting, though somewhat shallow.

Despite its simplicity, the movie remains a thoroughly enjoyable experience, offering a nostalgic trip that still holds up well today. Its iconic spooky look, combined with its lively spirit, ensures that it remains fun to watch, even for those familiar with its story. Overall, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a classic film with a timeless style. My issues with this film are minor. It may not dive deep, but it delivers a visually rich and charming ride that’s easy to love.

Movie Final Verdict: 8/10

4DX Experience

This 4DX experience truly enhanced my enjoyment of The Nightmare Before Christmas, transforming it into an immersive audio, visual, and kinetic adventure. The synchronization between the camera panning and the corresponding chair movements is well-executed, adding a dynamic feel to the on-screen action. Smoke effects fill the auditorium at key moments, like when Jack arrives in Christmas Town, drawing viewers deeper into the scene. The vibrating chair effect during Dr. Finklestein’s scenes adds an extra layer of immersion, perfectly matching the character’s on-screen presence. The wind effect near my feet, especially during the scene with the snake in the Christmas Town home, created a tactile sensation that made it feel like a snake was slithering through my feet.

The 4DX effects continue to shine during the film’s more intense sequences. The Oogie Boogie scene is a particular highlight, with the seat jerking around, adding to the chaos and energy of the moment. While there are no actual water sprays, the air sprays during the scenes in Christmas Town add a refreshing touch. The military’s attack on Jack stands out, with powerful seat shakes and lightning visuals that heighten the action and tension. Overall, these effects create a richer atmosphere, making the movie feel like a fully interactive experience. I highly recommend purchasing a 4DX ticket if it’s available.