Student Film Reviews

Film reviews from theaters, couches, and film festivals

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1. Hassan Kandil 11.17.16 / 1pm

   Very nice review! reading this makes me want to go watch an animation movie at the theaters. The work done on animation movies nowadays is astounding, and really does take the audience into a dreamlike state for the whole period of the movie. Would love to see the new work of both these talented directors which have been blessing us with many great animation movies throughout the years.
2. Felix Palmqvist 11.17.16 / 4pm

   Great review. Seems to be a film built on visuals but lack of storyline? I do like how Disney gets the older generation interested despite the fact that it is animated and played out as a kids movie.
3. Vincenzo Muia 11.21.16 / 5pm

   Excellent review Luke. I was a row behind you and I certainly could bear witness to the laughter you mention. The formula makes for a successful Disney animation feature including a very impressive soundtrack anchored by the delightful singing voice of actress Auli’i Cravalho (Moana). As you mention, The Rock (Maui) was well-cast as the voice of Maui. One of the underlying themes I decoded in the film was female empowerment, much like Disney encodes in films like Mulan which contrast the princess-like female characters Disney has created in the past. The non-diegetic soundtrack was quite menacing at some points, but Disney provides another family film who are sure to sell quite a bit of HeiHei (dim witted rooster) merchandise.
4. Corona Yu 05.24.17 / 1pm

   Yes, the animation was just phenomenal (as is almost every Disney movie). CGI animation is getting better and better. The gorgeous visuals just transport you into their world and story. The colors and the ocean are stunning. I also like Moana’s relationship with the ocean from a very tender age and how the ocean is a character.
   I also agree that the editing was great. The scene that stood out to me in terms of editing was in the song “Where You Are”, where Moana is handling the coconuts and then she twirls around and then dances what looks similar to a hula dance. Speaking of which, I absolutely love the soundtrack.
   They had a very talented cast and the Rock and Auli’i Cravalho definitely fit their roles very well.
   Like you said, I also think that Moana resonates with younger people. After all, as Auli’i said, this is a movie “about self-discovery.”
   I also noticed some symbolism and motifs in the movie, like the shell.
   Moana brings something fresh to the Disney franchise (the movie is reminiscent of many of the action-adventure greats) while still maintaining the Disney magic and spirit.
5. Bella Delgado 09.08.17 / 6pm

   I am usually a big fan of Disney movies and am often impressed by the animation, detailed plot, and creative storyline. Moana made me love Disney films ten times more. I felt that there was an authenticity about the Hawaiian culture too, especially since the main character was played by a native Hawaiian. The music and original tracks from this film were definitely an added bonus since they help tell the story and are extremely catchy. I agree that the casting, editing, and overall emotions that you feel while watching this movie were exceptional and wholeheartedly agree with this review!
6. Margaux Pfau 02.13.18 / 11pm

   Really nice review, I would just add that what was really important in the movie was the metaphor it was. I think it was a real message for the audience about the fact that we should be protective with our nature instead of destroying it and leaving it dead behind us.
7. Alexis Simentales 03.08.19 / 4pm

   Great review! I definitely believe that the innocence of Moana connects well her audience, younger children, and gives them the hope that they can be/achieve anything. I agree that the cinematography gave most of us an emotional feeling throughout the film. The music contributed to the old fashion Disney movies we are all used to. I would watch this movie again and hope for a sequel!
8. Audri Paez 03.22.21 / 11am

   Excellent review!
   A great little summary of how Moana was always intrigued by the mystery of the world beyond the horizon. I too agree that picking the Rock was perfect for the casting to voice Maui. I loved your description of the “color and animation” of this film explaining how it was the equivalence of “visual candy”. I agree that the lighting and coloration in the animations truly helps with understanding the meaning of the scenes and emotions
9. Amanda Allen 06.01.21 / 12pm

   Wonderful review! I appreciate the fact that you gave a summary of what the movie is about this is extremely helpful to jog everyone’s memory before reading your review. This can also help people who have not yet seen the movie and want to know the main idea. I also agree that the rock was perfect for the voice of Maui. The chicken was an amazing addition to the film that added comedic relief at all the right places. This was a classical narrative that followed the rising action, climax, and then the falling action with a happy Disney ending. I agree that they gave this film an amazing tempo.
10. Antonna Mollo 06.05.21 / 2pm

    I really ADMIRE how well you wrote this review!! The way described the key components to this much is perfect! You use the perfect analogy to describe the animation of the movie with the colors being “eye candy”. I also think you summed up the narrative of the movie pretty well by saying “Moana tells the story of a young girl who is raised to be the chief of her village but keeps being drawn by the mystery of the world beyond the horizon…”. That statement perfectly explains how her heart has always been in the best interest of her village as her destiny was following her heart! Over all, this was a great summed up review for the enjoyable film.
11. JP Boyle 10.21.21 / 8pm

    Title: Review of Moana
    This review of Moana was very well written and it almost makes me feel like I just rewatched the movie. I would have to agree with you when casting a buff Demi-God I think the Rock was the perfect to voice Maui. His voice is so full of life and really embraces what the character is about. One thing that I really liked what you said is when you compared the movies visuals to eye candy because it really is, all the colors the animated islands are so visually appealing you cant get enough of it. The sound track that goes along with the movie just makes you want to sing along with your friends and makes you feel like a kid again. I very much agree with you when you say the chicken was your favorite character, it just reminds you of that one friend that everyone has that is clueless but everyone loves.
12. kiani rojas 10.23.21 / 3pm

    I love this movie it is one of my favorite Disney movies and I loved how you analyzed it. I like how you included the editing and cinematography and how it helps to make the scenes more intense and emotional powerful. I think it is very important to have good editing because it makes the movie more enjoyable and allows it to build more character. Colors in the movie also definitely help and I think it helps to intrigue the audience and gives it a warm and calm feeling.
13. Layla Al-Alawi 06.04.22 / 2pm

    This movie, Moana, is definitely by far one of my disney favorites. This review describes Moana perfectly and also makes good points about the movie. I too believe that The Rock was perfect casting for Maui. He added so much more to the character with charm and charisma and convinced me that Maui was actually real. Animation has become insane nowadays, creating the most perfect and aesthetically pleasing settings. Moana definitely has amazing imagery and not only that, but a beautiful message. This film honestly does well for a Disney Movie and is clearly a top favourite. I would definitely recommend anyone to watch this movie, especially families.

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