Film Review: Moana

Directors Ron Clements and John Musker create magic once again with Moana. Seven years after The Princess and the Frog, and 24 years after Aladdin, the duo provide the winning formula for their latest film.

Teenager Moana longs to explore the ocean, but is confined to her birth island by her chief father. However, Moana has been chosen by larger forces to reunite a goddess with a relic. She will need the help of a demigod to complete her mission…

Moana combines all the right ingredients to generate a memorable fantasy adventure. The film recreates a winning formula that was key to some of Disney’s greatest animated films. Nevertheless, the preoccupations have a sufficiently modern edge. In a sense, the film combines the best of the old and the best of the new.

Focusing on the teenage daughter of the of chief (a princess in all but official title), Moana features a quest at the heart of its narrative. The film combines Polynesian mythology with an adventure which has well-paced peaks of tension. The narrative moves at a good pace, introducing characters at good intervals, and allowing for sufficient development for the film’s protagonists.

The title character is suitably strong-willed, yet is endearing enough for viewers to side with her. Moana is very much a modern Disney female protagonist. Taking cues from Brave and Frozen, the protagonist is independent and outspoken. She does not rely on the strength of a man to escape peril, and there is no love interest (so obligatory in the earlier Disney princess films). She is a modern character, and a good role model to children. Maui, similarly, goes through his own personal development through the course of the film.

Songs in Moana, some of which were written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, are excellent. They have a show tune quality, which complements the style of the film. The animation is incredibly appealing. Auli’i Carvalho, Dwayne Johnson, and Jermaine Clement are great in their respective roles.

Moana is a thoroughly enjoyable adventure, which should please viewers young and old.

Film Review: Cinderella

Kenneth Branagh’s live action version of Cinderella is a visually sumptuous fairy tale. The film’s sentiment might be twee, but it is an entertaining picture.

Ella has a happy childhood with her parents. When her father passes away, Ella must live with her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. Despite her misfortune, Ella does not give up hope…

The latest Disney fairy tale to get an update, Cinderella distinguishes itself from other recent Disney films thanks to its protagonist. Director Kenneth Branagh and writer Chris Weitz have a challenge to update the fairy tale to make it relevant to modern audiences. With Disney’s forthright female protagonists of late, Cinderella seems rather anachronistic.

Branagh chooses to keep the title character true to her animation roots. Cinderella here is not feisty or fiercely independent. Instead, the values which the film eschews are kindness and positivity. On the surface, this may feel a little old fashioned. Nevertheless, the film succeeds in promoting these virtues. Cinderella suggests kindness as a strength, even if it a less overt one.

The film does well to flesh out the title character and that of the prince. These characters are given more depth in this version of Cinderella. The light humour in the film sets the right tone, and key sequences are finely executed. Pacing could have been tighter, but overall the film is an enjoyable watch.

The real star of Cinderella is Sandy Powell’s magnificent costumes. These are opulent and appealing. Dante Ferretti’s production design also adds to the spectacle. The ballroom sequence is a dazzling affair, thanks to the costumes, production design and cinematography. Cate Blanchett is wonderfully hammy as the stepmother. Lily James makes a sweet Cinderella, whilst Richard Madden looks the part as Prince Kit.

Cinderella is the perfect fix for those looking for fairy tale escapism. The film is certainly a feast for the eyes.

Cinderella is released in UK cinemas on 27th March 2015 and will be screened alongside new animated short Frozen Fever.

Film Review: Frozen

Disney’s latest animated feature Frozen ticks the boxes for a children’s film in the festive season. Great songs and a sweet story makes Frozen an entertaining affair.

Anna and her older sister Elsa are close as young girls. As they grow up, Elsa’s icy powers mean she must keep her distance from her younger sister. Anna is determined to track down Elsa however…

Written by co-director Jennifer Lee, Frozen is loosely based on the fairy tale The Snow Queen. The film concentrates on the bond between siblings Anna and Elsa. It is refreshing to see a film such with two female protagonists that does not focus solely on romantic relationships.

The main characters are good overall. The sidekick Olaf imbues the film with humour. The relationship between the sisters is an interesting one. It is most pleasing that the finale goes the way it does; it is a stronger message than the red herring the film dangles to viewers.

There are only two downsides to Frozen. Firstly the pacing could have been tighter. The film ambles around somewhat in the middle section, although it does recover for the finale. Secondly, there is not a strong  enough antagonist for create the peaks of drama and tension.

Aside from these factors, Frozen is a most enjoyable movie. The film owes a debt to the musical Wicked. Not only in terms of theme, Frozen’s musical numbers and even the casting of Idina Menzel as Elsa indicate this. This is by no means a bad thing. For one thing, the songs are great in Frozen.

The animation is good, especially in the creation of the palace. 3D could have been utilised more. Casting is good, with Menzel displaying her vocal talents. Kristen Bell is also decent as Anna.

Frozen is not perfect, but it is a enjoyable fantasy with positive messages. Short Get a Horse!, screened before Frozen, is also a lot of fun.

Stuff To Look At

Film stuffs galore, including the Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit trailer, Machete Kills, Into The Woods and more…

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

Here is the first Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit trailer. The release of the trailer comes in the same week as the character’s creator, author Tom Clancy, passed away. Starring Chris Pine, Kevin Costner, Keira Knightley, and Kenneth Branagh (who also directs), Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit is out in UK cinemas on 26th December 2013.

Rio 2

Talking animal alert! Rio 2 features the voices of Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, Leslie Mann and Jamie Foxx. Blu, Jewel and their three children venture to the Amazon for a family reunion. Rio 2 is due for release in April 2014.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Here is the latest trailer for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. This middle instalment features Orlando Bloom returning as Legolas, but a distinct lack of Gollum in the trailer at least. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is out in UK cinemas on 13th December 2013.

Machete Kills

Machete Kills is the follow up to 2010’s Machete. The film features more outlandish casting (including Charlie Sheen) and a more outlandish plot. Machete Kills hits cinemas on 11th October 2013.

Into The Woods

Well, Meryl Streep looks different. She plays the Witch in the first image released from Into The Woods. Based on the musical of the same name, Into The Woods is an amalgamation of a number of well-known fairy tales. The film also stars Johnny Depp, Emily Blunt and Chris Pine. It is set for a Christmas Day 2014 release in the US.

Frozen

Here is the first full trailer for Disney animation Frozen. With a talking snowman as a sidekick, the film seems perfect for Christmas. Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Idina Menzel provide the voices. Frozen   hits UK screens on 6th December 2013.

Stuff To Look At

Plenty of film-related goodness this week, with the new Frozen poster, trailers for Seventh Son and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, and more…

Frozen

Here is the new Frozen poster, Disney’s upcoming animated feature. It really does not give too much away. Frozen centres on Anna, who sets off on an epic journey to find her sister. Frozen is set for release in the UK on 6th December 2013.

Seventh Son

From the first few seconds of this trailer, I could tell that I’m going to love Julianne Moore’s character in this film. Seventh Son is a fantasy action about a war between mankind and supernatural forces. The film is set for release in February 2014.

Mr Peabody & Sherman

There’s an upcoming film featuring a talking dog and I wasn’t aware? Sacre bleu! Mr Peabody & Sherman is a comedy adventure about a dog and his ‘pet’ boy. This alone makes it a must-see film. Mr Peabody & Sherman is due to be released in 2014.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

The Hunger Games sequel Catching Fire is being released later this year. The trailer promises more brutality. The film follows on from the events of the first instalment. The final part is surely not too far away. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire will be released in UK cinemas on 21st November 2013.

Saving Mr Banks

Who is Mr Banks and why does he need to be saved? Well this poster does not reveal this, although I love the shadows cast in it. Saving Mr Banks tells the story of how Mary Poppins made it to the screen. Starring Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson, Saving Mr Banks is due for release later this year.

Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom

Celebrating his 95th birthday last week, it seems apt that a biopic is soon due for release. Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom stars Idris Elba as Nelson Mandela and Naomie Harris as his wife Winnie. The film will be released in UK cinemas on 3rd January 2014.

Filth

Here is the latest trailer for Filth, which promises to be so much ruder than the trailer will allow. Based on Irvine Welsh’s novel, Filth is released in Scotland on 27th September and the rest of the UK on 4th October 2013.

Stuff To Look At

Plenty of stuff on upcoming movies this week, including the brand new Anchorman: The Legend Continues trailer, Disney’s Frozen, and more…

Anchorman: The Legend Continues

Here is the latest Anchorman: The Legend Continues trailer. Almost ten years later, one of the funniest comedies of the 2000s gets a sequel. The original cast are joined by a host of other stars, including Harrison Ford, Tina Fey and Sacha Baron Cohen. Anchorman: The Legend Continues hits the big screen on 20th December 2013.

Frozen

Here is the first trailer for Frozen, the latest animated comedy from Walt Disney Animation Studios. The trailer reveals little about the plot, which revolves around a girl trying to find her sister in a kingdom besieged by an eternal winter. Frozen is due for release on 6th December 2013.

The LEGO Movie

The first trailer for The LEGO Movie was released today. Featuring the voices of Will Ferrell, Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson and Elizabeth Banks, The LEGO Movie will be released in UK cinemas on 14th February 2014.

The Wolf of Wall Street

There was a palpable excitement (at least virtually) when this trailer for The Wolf of Wall Street was released on Monday. There is little not to like in this trailer of Martin Scorsese’s latest film. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matthew McConaughey, Jonah Hill (and a monkey!), The Wolf of Wall Street is out 17th January 2014. I can’t wait.

The Wolverine

Here is the latest trailer for The Wolverine. I wonder if one day Hugh Jackman will become too old to play Wolverine. But for this upcoming film he still looks the part. The Wolverine will be released in 3D on 25th July 2013.

300: Rise of an Empire

300: Rise of an Empire is a prequel to the 2006 hit 300. The film has the same look as its predecessor, even though Zack Snyder is not at the helm for this adventure. 300: Rise of an Empire is due for release in March 2014.

Frances Ha

Here is the trailer for Noah Baumbach’s Frances Ha, co-written and starring Greta Gerwig. Worthy of the praise it has hitherto received, the film explores the friendships of a dance company apprentice in New York. Frances Ha is released in UK cinemas on 26th July 2013.

Despicable Me 2

Above is a short featurette with Steve Carell exploring the upcoming animated sequel Despicable Me 2. I am kind of relieved that there is a unicorn in this film as well. Despicable Me 2 hits UK screens on 28th June 2013.