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

Coraline 3D Movie Review

by: Adolph Vega

3D

The 3D experience in Coraline is a fascinating and immersive journey, made even more special by its clever use of depth and visual play. In the "real world," the 3D is fairly subdued and almost flat, reflecting the mundane and dull nature of Coraline's life. However, this lack of 3D is purposeful, as it makes the contrast with the other world all the more impactful. Once Coraline enters the "other world," the 3D truly comes alive. The rich colors, whimsical designs, and exaggerated characters create a vibrant and popping visual experience that highlights the magic and eeriness of this alternate reality.

There are many moments where the 3D elements "pop" out of the screen, adding fun and surprise. Scenes like characters reaching toward the audience or objects flying across the screen keep you engaged and bring the story to life in a very tangible way. Whenever Coraline travels between the two worlds through a tunnel, the 3D depth really shines. The depth created during these sequences is phenomenal, making you feel as though you're being pulled through the twisting and turning passageway alongside her. The sense of movement and space is expertly done.

The 3D in Coraline isn't just a cheesy gimmick but a deliberate and well-crafted element of the movie's visual storytelling. It enhances the narrative, makes the fantastical more immersive, and delivers an overall great visual experience that stays with you long after the credits roll. Speaking of the credits, stick around for a delightful 3D credits sequence and an awesome 3D post-credits scene. FYI, I haven’t seen the previous 3D release of Coraline, so I don’t know if this presentation is better or worse than the earlier conversion. However, this 2024 version is advertised as the “ultimate” version of Coraline.

In conclusion, Coraline uses 3D in intelligent ways to add an extra layer of magic and suspense, making the film a must-watch for fans of immersive animation.

3D Final Verdict : 8/10

Movie

When Coraline first released in 2009, it became an instant modern classic, and that high regard holds strong to this day in 2024. Laika's stop-motion animation is nothing short of mesmerizing, with rich, detailed visuals that continue to dazzle audiences 15 years later. The animation brings to life a hauntingly beautiful world—a great horror story for kids that adults can easily enjoy as well. I love how tangible the film looks. The hair looks amazing for stop-motion animation. The environments are so detailed, rich, and interesting to look at. The art of Coraline is so well executed that it has become iconic since its initial release.

Coraline might be a little too scary for young children, particularly those under six, but it’s perfectly pitched for older kids, teens, and even adults. The plot is relatively straightforward, following Coraline as she discovers a parallel universe where everything in her life seems better. Despite its simplicity, the story engages viewers by tapping into deep childhood fears and desires, making the simplicity of the plot a strength rather than a weakness. The plot reminds me of an episode of the classic Rod Serling Twilight Zone, and I say this with the highest regard. Sometimes, the most effective stories are the ones that don’t need excessive complexity to resonate, and Coraline is a great example of this.

One of the aspects that makes Coraline feel ahead of its time is its use of multiple universes or parallel worlds—a theme that has only grown more popular (and perhaps overdone) in recent years. In that sense, Coraline feels like it was at the cutting edge of storytelling trends long before the concept of parallel universes became mainstream in pop culture.

What truly sets Coraline apart, though, are its memorable characters. Coraline herself is an incredibly relatable protagonist, embodying curiosity, courage, and the loneliness that comes with feeling misunderstood. The sinister "Other Mother" and her button eyes are simple yet powerfully terrifying. The very concept of replacing one’s eyes with buttons is unsettling on a primal level, and it's a visual that sticks with viewers long after the credits roll. In theory, it shouldn’t be so unnerving, but seeing it on screen still gives me the creeps even after all these years. The voice acting throughout the film is top-notch, adding depth and believability to characters that could have easily fallen flat in lesser hands.

The film is also a joy to watch, thanks to a fun and fitting score that enhances the atmosphere without ever overpowering it. The music balances light, whimsical moments with eerie, unsettling tones that keep the audience on edge as the mystery unfolds. The movie flows so well and has so many interesting moments.

Coraline is, without question, one of the best spooky movies for kids—a genre that's surprisingly difficult to get right. It captures the essence of being a child: the fear of the unknown, the longing for something better, and the bravery that comes with facing your worst nightmares. Even after all these years, the storytelling remains as captivating and fresh as ever, continuing to connect with new audiences while delighting longtime fans. The only thing that dates the movie is the flip phone.

In short, Coraline is a film that stands the test of time—a beautifully animated, well-acted story with unforgettable characters and a depth that resonates far beyond its simple premise. Whether you're watching for the first time or the tenth, it’s a film that remains a joy to experience.

Please stay in the theater after the credits roll. The movie has a cute post-credits scene. In this re-release, they’ve added bonus content after the post-credits scene. This bonus content is a new behind-the-scenes video that's about 10 minutes long, this video is fascinating, informative, and well worth watching.

Final Movie Verdict: 10/10

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

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

Website:

https://www.laika.com/our-films/coraline

Moana 2 3D Movie Review

Moana 2

3D Movie Review

By Jacob Scarberry

3D

Movie

Coraline 3D Movie Review

Coraline 3D Movie Review

by: Adolph Vega

3D

3D Final Verdict : 8/10

Movie

Final Movie Verdict: 10/10