Improve def ‘Moana 2’? Better tunes, maybe

By Savannah Chaboty | Manor Ink

I went to watch “Moana 2” in the theater the day it came out with my best friend, Manor Ink’s editor-in-chief, Zoey McGee. She and I had been extremely excited waiting for this movie to be released because we saw “Moana” when it was first released in 2016 – when we were just 8 years old. In a sense, we wanted to relive our childhood.

I decided we would watch “Moana 2” in 3D because I figured that would add to the excitement and, after seeing it, I can confidently state that it was amazing.

All of the meaningful characters from the first movie were represented in one way or another, and the story was an extension of the plot from the original “Moana.” I am obsessed with the soundtrack from the original film, and the songs in “Moana 2” were good. But nothing can compare to the tunes from the first film. However, I believe this movie is close to being just as incredible as the first, and that typically isn’t the case. “Moana 2” really impressed me, even when considering the original.

Overall, the movie was visually very interesting, too, and it didn’t feel like it was dragging on, being only an hour-and-forty-minutes long. The amount of storytelling the producers fit into that time frame while keeping the plot moving at a good pace was impressive. “Moana 2” is meant for younger kids, so the length is good and the story is easy to grasp for younger audience members.

I would recommend watching this film if you’ve seen “Moana,” but I wouldn’t say it’s required. This would be a great movie to watch with children of any age, except those pre-teens who may think they’re too cool to watch it.

Moana is truly an inspirational Disney character because of her strength and notably strong motivation to accomplish amazing things. Zoey and I both would strongly recommend watching this movie, no matter your age or maturity level. Everyone can learn something from “Moana 2.” I rate it a strong ten-out-of-ten stars, and will be encouraging the rest of my friends and family to watch it as soon as possible.

‘Wicked’-ness reconsidered

By Othello St. John | Manor Ink

The new movie “Wicked,” adapted from the book and play sharing the same name, tells the story of the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch from the classic movie “The Wizard of Oz.” “Wicked” is a colorful, fantastical film filled with characters we know from the “The Wizard of Oz” and new ones that we have just met.

I recommend first seeing the original 1939 film and its depiction of both witches to see how the two movies compare. In both, the wizard himself is a leader of questionable ethics and trustworthiness. But in this new film his kingdom and motivations are shown in a new light.

In the original film, the Wicked Witch is depicted as pure evil, but in “Wicked” we see the story from a different perspective. In “Wicked,” we learn the Wicked Witch’s backstory, as well as her name, Elphaba. Even the flying monkeys are given a history that makes you want to rally around them. When you watch the two movies together, your perspective on good versus evil begins to change. The comparison also helps you realize just how far filmmaking has come in the past 85 years.

In the original film, there are painted sets and people dressed as animals. The old movie uses practical effects (think digital effects, but in real life), while in the new film they have beautiful CGI effects. They even have a 15-ft.-long train made entirely of 3D models, as well as new talking animals. The flying monkeys look great as well.

Despite the technological differences, both films manage to create a feeling of awe and wonder. As”Wicked” goes on, and you learn more about the characters, you realize that it is not just about two witches, but it is, in fact, about problems that run very deep in our society, problems that start wars and fell nations, problems like leaders exploiting prejudices against different groups. You may have seen this and not even noticed it.

Based on its technical excellence and its character development, as well as its subtle reference to bigger issues, “Wicked” deserves ten stars.

‘Dance’ draws praise from Venom enthusiasts

By Skyelar Roberts | Manor Ink

Six years, three movies, one addicted kid (that’s me). Love ’em or hate ’em, the three films of the Venom movie trilogy produced by Sony Pictures present action stories based on a beloved childhood villain (well known to those who grew up on Marvel’s Spider-man comics).

“Venom: The Last Dance” concludes actor Tom Hardy’s Venom trilogy with a heart-tugging ending for long-time fans. Just to let you know, there will be spoilers in this review for those who haven’t seen the movie. Eddie Brock and Venom find themselves on the run, hunted by a mysterious military force and deadly alien creatures from Venom’s home planet. These pursuers force them to make a devastating decision that ultimately leads to a sacrifice as they face a final confrontation. Venom must give his life to protect Eddie and the world from the impending threat. Here are a few key points in the plot.

The main antagonist is a powerful entity often referred to as “Knull.” He, too, is from Venom’s planet, and it is he who sends the dangerous alien hunters called “Xenophages” to capture Venom.

The government is also in pursuit. A military organization, led by a character named Strickland, is actively hunting Venom and Eddie, seeking to contain the symbiote (that’s Venom). Much of the action takes place in a heavily guarded Area 51-like facility where Strickland’s crew is studying and attempting to control the symbiote. During the movie’s climax, there’s a heartbreaking moment where Venom sacrifices himself to save Eddie.

That’s the movie summarized. After seeing “Venom: The Last Dance,” I asked a few people for their opinions about it, and here’s what some of them said.

“I watched the original 2018 Venom movie in the theater, and I gotta tell you, this is the best one yet, and certainly my favorite.”

“I thought the previous movie (“Venom: Let There Be Carnage,” also produced by Sony Pictures) was a joke. But this one was much better”

So, you see, the Venom movies have been great, not so great and in between. Still, these movies mean a lot to Marvel fans and movie-goers alike. If you like action movies or buddy movies or just plain junk-food flicks, the Venom films will hit just the right spot.

In conclusion, “Venom: The Last Dance,” is one of the best Marvel movies in a while. Eight stars!

Here’s looking at ‘You’

By Anahi Rodriguez | Manor Ink

Interested in a new TV series that will engage you and keep you curious about what happens next? I have a great show in mind. “You” from Netflix is an intense, psychological thriller that shows the extent people will go to for love and romance.

Our main character, Joe Goldberg, is a charming young man who sees himself as the loyal, romantic type who would do anything to find and keep that special someone. Including kill for them.

From Joe’s perspective, once he finds a beautiful and smart woman, he is committed to his decision to fight for her love, and nothing will change his mind. A sometimes awkward crush, however, becomes something more sinister when love turns into obsession for Joe.

Through social media and the Internet, Joe uses every tool at his disposal to become close to the women of his dreams, going so far as to remove any obstacle standing in that objective’s way – even if that involves violence. While Joe thinks he is helping them by being the perfect lover, his deceits derail the romance he seeks and make him reckless and angry. The result? He murders the women, employing perfect strategies to get away with the crimes.

Joe moves to another city, hoping for a fresh start while looking for a new target. He thinks his next romance will end as the others did, but he soon finds out that this time, the opposite is true.

I’ll leave it to you readers to find out what happens next in the “You” series. But, suffice it to say, the show is wonderful. Not only because of its quirky storyline, but also because of its unique and talented actors.

Playing the lead role of Joe Goldberg, Penn Badgley’s performance brings Joe’s actions and love obsession to life perfectly. His co-stars, including Elizabeth Lail who plays Guinevere Beck, Joe’s first love interest, are all phenomenal. I highly recommend that you watch “You,” and I hope you all enjoy it just as much as I did! Nine stars!