Category: Premiere

Moana 2 Review : A Vibrant and Heartfelt Return to the Seas of Oceania

MOANA 2 – © 2024 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Moana 2 Review : A Vibrant and Heartfelt Return to the Seas of Oceania

Stepping into the historic El Capitan Theater for the Moana 2 premiere was like setting sail on a dazzling, emotional voyage. It was truly a treat to take my 85 year old mother with me to enjoy some of our favorite Disney characters on the big screen yet again.

Walt Disney Animation Studios has masterfully crafted a sequel that not only honors its predecessor but expands the horizons of Moana’s world in every sense. The all-new feature film opens in theaters on Nov. 27, 2024, just in time for Thanksgiving.


In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ all-new feature film “Moana 2,” Moana embarks on an expansive new voyage to the far seas of Oceania—but she’ll surely miss her litter sister, Simea. (she’s absolutely adorable) Featuring the voices Auli‘i Cravalho as Moana and Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda as Simea.

From the opening scenes, the film envelopes you in a kaleidoscope of breathtaking colors and intricate designs that evoke the warmth and majesty of Oceania. The animation has reached an extraordinary level of detail, making the ocean shimmer like a living character and the islands pulse with life. The visuals alone could leave you spellbound, but Moana 2 offers so much more! Ahhh it was a visual treat.

This sequel picks up three years after the original, with Moana (Auli‘i Cravalho, whose voice remains as powerful as the ocean itself) being called by her wayfinding ancestors to venture into long-lost waters. The stakes feel even higher this time, with Moana navigating not just treacherous seas but the weight of her leadership and the legacy of her people. Her reunion with Maui (Dwayne Johnson, bringing his signature charisma) is both heartwarming and hilarious, and their bond deepens in ways that feel authentic and earned.

FAMILY TIES — In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ all-new feature film “Moana 2″

Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.
Leaving her father, Chief Tui; little sister, Simea; and mother, Sina, is so hard—but the future of their people depends on it. Featuring the voices Auli‘i Cravalho as Moana, Temuera Morrison as Chief Tui, Nicole Scherzinger as Sina and Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda as Simea.

Watch the trailer here.

The new crew of seafarers is a delightful addition, with standouts like Moni (Hualālai Chung) and Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda) stealing scenes with humor and heart. Nicole Scherzinger’s Sina and Rachel House’s Gramma Tala anchor the story with warmth, reminding us of the powerful generational ties that guide Moana. And of course, Alan Tudyk’s Heihei provides perfectly-timed comedic relief. My mom and I shared many belly laughs.

Directed by Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller, and David G. Derrick Jr., Moana 2 balances humor, action, and heartfelt moments with a deft touch. The film’s themes of courage, legacy, and connection to one’s roots resonated deeply, and there were moments when tears were inevitable.

t. As the credits rolled, the El Capitan Theater erupted in applause, a fitting end to a journey that had everyone in awe. We truly enjoyed it, and watching with my mom made it even more special.

This sequel doesn’t just expand on Moana’s story; it cements her legacy as one of Disney’s most inspiring heroines. For anyone who cherishes adventure, culture, and a touch of magic, Moana 2 is a voyage worth taking! ????

Go enjoy it with your entire family. Happy Holidays!

1992 Movie Review: A Gripping Tale of Fathers, Sons, and Survival Amidst the Los Angeles Riots

1992 Movie Review: A Gripping Tale of Fathers, Sons, and Survival Amidst the Los Angeles Riots

As someone who grew up during the 1992 Los Angeles riots, I’ve always been curious about how a city could be so deeply divided, yet so desperately in need of healing. When I heard that Lionsgate was releasing a film set during this pivotal moment in history, I knew I had to see it. After attending the world premiere of 1992 with my daughter Clarissa, I left the theater not just moved, but profoundly affected by the stories it told—stories of fathers and sons, of strained relationships and desperate choices, all set against the backdrop of a city on the brink.

A Tale of Two Fathers

At its heart, 1992 is more than just a movie about the riots; it’s a deeply personal exploration of the lengths to which fathers will go to protect or reconnect with their children. I found myself drawn to Mercer, one of the film’s central characters, because his journey felt so real, so relatable. Mercer isn’t just another man caught in the chaos; he’s a father trying to pick up the pieces of his shattered life and reconnect with a son who seems almost lost to him. As I watched Mercer struggle to rebuild their relationship, I couldn’t help but think about the times in my own life when I’ve seen loved ones drift apart, only to desperately try to come back together when things get tough.

Across town, another father is planning a heist, using the riots as a cover to pull off a dangerous job. His son, reluctantly roped into the plan, is clearly torn—he wants to be loyal to his father, but at what cost? Their story is a stark contrast to Mercer’s, yet it feels just as real. We’ve all seen or experienced relationships that are a mix of love and conflict, where the lines between right and wrong get blurred by circumstances.

These two parallel stories converge in a way that’s as intense as it is heartbreaking. When the heist targets the very place where Mercer works, the film brings both families to a collision point that had me on the edge of my seat. What happens next is a powerful reminder of how fragile our lives and relationships can be, especially when pushed to the limit.

A Story Set Against a Volatile Backdrop

For me, the film’s portrayal of the riots was particularly impactful. Growing up, I clearly remember those days—the fear, the uncertainty, the anger. Seeing it all play out on screen, through the eyes of characters who felt so real, brought those stories to life in a way that was both harrowing and eye-opening. The film doesn’t shy away from the reality of what happened, but it also doesn’t lose sight of the personal stories at its core.

Reflecting on Deeper Themes

Beyond the action and drama, 1992 made me think deeply about the themes it explored—race, class, family, and the human condition. Mercer’s struggle to find his place in a society that seems stacked against him is something that resonates on so many levels. His story reminded me of conversations I’ve had with friends and family about the challenges of navigating a world that often feels divided.

Why 1992 Is a Must-See

Leaving the theater, I couldn’t stop thinking about the characters I’d just spent two hours with. 1992 is more than just a film about a historical event—it’s a story about people, their relationships, and the choices they make when their backs are against the wall. Whether you’re interested in intense dramas, action-packed thrillers, or thought-provoking stories about family and society, 1992 has something to offer.

For me, the film was a powerful reminder of the strength and fragility of our connections with others. It’s a movie that makes you think about your own life and the people in it—about what you would do to protect those you love, and how far you’d go to make things right.

So if you’re looking for a film that’s both emotionally gripping and visually stunning, 1992 should be at the top of your list. It’s a story that will stay with you long after the credits roll, sparking conversations and reflections about the world we live in, and the relationships that define us.

Check it out in theaters TODAY!