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

Wicked 3D Movie Review

By Adolph Vega

The 3D presentation of Wicked is a mixed bag that leans more toward moments of brilliance than consistent excellence. Perhaps it was due to my theater, but the overall 3D visuals felt subdued, as if the magic that defines the story wasn’t entirely optimized for the format. The vibrant visuals and rich color palette are undeniably beautiful, with the world of Oz coming to life in bright and vivid detail. However, while certain scenes shine, much of the movie’s use of 3D is just fine, failing to leave a lasting impression across its runtime.

That said, the 3D truly enhances several key moments, elevating them to cinematic visual spectacles. 3D depth really makes the library scene memorable with its layered depth and enchanting atmosphere, is particularly breathtaking. One quick scene on a river with the mesmerizing ribbon fish is phenomenal in 3D. Those fish seem to flow out of the screen with a dazzling grace. The climactic final flying sequence also benefits from the added dimension, delivering a grand and immersive conclusion. Overall, Wicked has solid 3D visuals. As per usual I must state that your experience may vary depending on your local cinema (I imagine that it will look better in IMAX 3D or other premium formats). While the visuals are bright and engaging, the film feels like it could have been stronger in its execution of the format, leaving room for improvement in delivering a truly transformative 3D experience.

Final 3D Score: 7/10

Movie

Wicked is nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece—a dazzling spectacle that transcends expectations and delivers one of the most engaging movie experiences of the decade (2020’s). Having watched the play last year, I approached this adaptation with high hopes, and not only were those expectations met, but they were thoroughly exceeded. This is a film that takes the already iconic subversive source material and elevates it to a new level of artistry, making it not just a worthy adaptation but a superior one in almost every conceivable way. This is a film that the entire family can love. Wicked is cinema at its best.

Yes, Wicked is a musical, and unapologetically so. If musicals aren’t your thing, too bad—you’d still be hard-pressed to find fault with the jaw-dropping performances. Each song is impeccably sung, filled with power, and resonance that linger long after the credits roll. The music is more than just a backdrop; it is the lifeblood of the movie, delivering moments that are fun, emotional, and deeply moving. The chemistry between the characters adds another layer to this, as the relationships feel authentic and real, drawing the audience further into this enchanting world. All the notes are hit perfectly, and everyone gives a stellar performance singing and delivering their dialogue. The characters sing because that is natural for the characters, and it fits the movie perfectly. This movie may charm you into liking musicals-it’s simply that wickedly good.

Visually, Wicked is an absolute triumph. From the breathtaking sets that transport you to a fully realized Oz to the intricate, fabulous costumes that feel like characters themselves, every visual element is a feast for the eyes. The film doesn’t just depict Oz—it immerses you in it, making it feel like a tangible, visitable world. The dance choreography only amplifies this immersion, with sequences so beautifully orchestrated that they feel like an extension of the narrative. The makeup is truly beautiful and is crafted with love. Whether it’s the grandiosity of the Emerald City or the intimate moments between the characters, the visuals and movement work together to create an atmosphere that is truly magical. The sets are grand, and they all look incredible. The CGI is fantastic and overall, the visual aesthetic is truly extraordinary.

The writing in Wicked is sharp and deeply emotional. Originally ahead of its time when it debuted in 2003, the story now resonates with even greater poignancy—perfect for late 2024 and beyond. Its themes of fake news, hatred of minorities, acceptance, resilience, and the cost of ambition feel more relevant (sadly) than ever in today’s world. Impossible as it may sound, but the story of Wicked is somehow both timely and timeless. The narrative strikes a perfect balance between fun and depth, delivering humor, drama, and heart-wrenching moments that will stay with audiences for years to come. The allegories represented in this film are all expertly done as it never feels too preachy. Wicked is a film that deeply connected with me, offering a message of hope, perseverance, and love even in dark times. Despite its epic runtime (2 hours 40 minutes), the film never overly feels long. This movie ends perfectly, delivering a satisfying conclusion to the plot while still leaving me wanting more. I can’t wait to rewatch this movie, and I eagerly anticipate its second part in 2025.

The performances by the cast are nothing short of iconic. Each actor fully inhabits their role, making their characters unforgettable and, at times, downright meme-worthy. Wicked is perfectly cast. The movie’s fabulousness, in every sense of the word, is a celebration of individuality and identity, and it embraces its campy, vibrant, and deeply emotional tone with pride.

Perhaps what stands out most is how Wicked surpasses the play. While the stage production had its undeniable brilliance, this adaptation refines and improves upon it, trimming the weaker elements and enhancing the highlights. Some moments from the play didn’t make it into the movie, and some characters are given less screen time, but overall, the film is superior. It’s a rare feat when a movie adaptation outshines its stage counterpart.

This is not just a movie; it’s an instant classic, a film that will be studied, celebrated, and revisited for decades to come. It’s the perfect film for these challenging times, a reminder of the power of storytelling to inspire, uplift, and unite.

Whether you’re a fan of musicals or not, Wicked demands to be seen. It is, without question, one of the greatest prequels stories (The Wizard of Oz) of all time, and I left the theaters feeling 100% satisfied. Wicked is truly fantabulous wonderful film. From its jaw-dropping visuals to its emotionally charged performances, from its timely themes to its unforgettable music, Wicked is an unparalleled cinematic achievement in excellence.

Final Movie Score: 10/10 and Editor’s Choice Movie Award

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

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

Official Website :

https://www.wickedmovie.com/