Laura O’Flanagan, Dublin City University

Moana 2

Moana isn’t a typical Disney heroine, stating quite clearly in the latest instalment, Moana 2, that she is not a princess. Her friend Maui’s response – “Well, a lot of people think you are” – elicited knowing laughter from the audience when I saw the film. This shows just how much Moana has redefined what it means to be a Disney princess.

Unconcerned with traditional tropes like ballgowns and romance, Moana embodies strength, independence and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. She powerfully demonstrates how human action can effect real environmental healing and transformation; through collaborating with the forces of nature, the world can be saved from environmental catastrophe.

In Moana 2, her commitment to protecting the Earth again takes centre stage – but this time going even further to deliver a powerful call for collective action, to restore environmental harmony and strengthen human interconnectedness. Answering the call of her ancestors, Moana sets out on a treacherous ocean voyage to ensure the survival of her island against the wishes of Nalo, a powerful storm god who is determined that humans should remain isolated from one another.

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Moana, of course, shares several traits with earlier Disney princesses. Like Belle from Beauty and the Beast and Jasmine from Aladdin, she dreams of a life beyond the confines of her immediate world. Similar to Ariel from The Little Mermaid and Mulan, she sets off on a dangerous adventure far from home. And like all the princesses before her, Moana has animal companions – Pua the pig and Hei-Hei the chicken. But what sets Moana apart is how her connection to nature is portrayed.

Disney has a long legacy of linking its princesses with nature, from Snow White and Cinderella, who recruit small animals to assist with their domestic chores, to Elsa in Frozen who can magically control ice and snow. But Moana’s relationship with the natural world is more than just symbolic interaction. Her bond with nature is an active, collaborative partnership. https://www.youtube.com/embed/qkgkUCqEum4?wmode=transparent&start=0

This is not a typical Disney princess story of self-discovery, but of active engagement with the world around her. In the first film, Moana embarks on a dangerous oceanic journey to “restore the heart of Te Fiti” – that is, repair the environmental damage caused by the trickster demi-god Maui and restore harmony to the natural world. In doing so, she sets her island and the Disney princess in a new direction.

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In the sequel, Moana is more mature, more experienced as a wayfinder, and is a highly respected member of her island community. This new story sees her lead a group of fellow islanders on a voyage to find the lost island of Motufetu and reconnect isolated island communities across the ocean. Through this, she demonstrates the power of collective action. She partners with human and non-human entities in pursuit of these goals, which will lead to better environmental outcomes and greater human connection.

Instead of simply reacting to or passively experiencing nature, as many of her Disney predecessors have, Moana works with forces of nature including the ocean, which is a key character in both films. Unlike typical 3D animation processes, where water is created through automated particle simulations, Disney artists have animated the ocean in Moana as a character, giving it more human-like movement and personality.

This approach allows the ocean to become a true partner in Moana’s journey, guiding her and actively engaging with her in meaningful ways as she restores balance to the environment and connects isolated island communities.

This is a visually stunning sequel that recaptures and builds on the magic of the first film, and should be seen on a large screen. Dazzling artistry fills every frame – in particular, bioluminescent sea life is spectacularly rendered. Polynesian culture is represented in more detail, with traditional rituals, dancing, artwork and singing giving the film a weightier authenticity.

As a musical, the songs are not initially quite as catchy as in the first film, but time will tell if they resonate with audiences. The characters have grown since we last encountered them. Moana flourishes in her role as both a leader and a protector of the Earth. We also see her develop into the role of “big sister” – to her younger sibling Simea and, symbolically, to all who she encounters.

There are heartfelt callbacks to the first film as we see Moana share her knowledge of the ocean and pass on the wisdom she has received from her grandmother, now in spirit, who is portrayed beautifully onscreen in human form and as a manta ray. Moana’s relationship with the egotistical Maui is again a source of comedy, but now contains an emotional depth that comes from a platonic friendship with roots.

Through Moana, we have moved into a new era of the Disney princess. Physically strong and fit, a skilled navigator and blossoming leader, she is a heroine on screen and in the world of the film, where she is depicted on decorative tapa cloths alongside gods and myths. She announces herself as “Moana of the land and of the sea”.

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In her seminal work Feminism and The Mastery of Nature, ecofeminist and environmental philosopher Val Plumwood wrote:

If we are to survive into a liveable future, we must take into our own hands the power to create, restore and explore different stories, with new main characters, better plots, and at least the possibility of some happy endings.

Through stories of human interconnectedness, ecological harmony and respect for the natural world, Disney’s Moana 2 appears to be doing just that.

Laura O’Flanagan, PhD Candidate in the School of English, Dublin City University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Halloween is creeping around the corner, bringing with it a season ripe for ghouls, ghosts, and things that go bump in the night. To add a dash of spooky excitement to your October festivities, ChicArt PR and Lion Heart Distribution invite you to become a ghost hunter extraordinaire with the “eVil Sublet Ghost Challenge.”

eVil Sublet: Where Horror Meets Comedy

Crafted by the imaginative director Allan Piper, eVil Sublet offers a unique horror-comedy experience. Set in a haunted apartment, the film keeps audiences on edge with subtle jump scares, thanks to the many ghostly faces that surprise viewers throughout the scenes. These spectral images were cleverly integrated into the movie as a nod to its supporters, whose faces have been transformed into haunting portraits concealed within the film’s setting.

“Having hundreds of hidden ghost faces makes the movie scarier,” explains Piper. “People will jump in the middle of a scene when they suddenly realize there’s been a face peering out of the shadows the whole time.”

Are You Up for the Challenge?

To celebrate the movie’s release, ChicArt PR and Lion Heart Distribution challenge you to a ghost hunt like no other. Here’s how you can participate:

1. Watch the Movie: Stream eVil Sublet on platforms such as Amazon, Fandango, Spectrum, or other cable systems. Prepare yourself for a night filled with chills and laughs.
2. Start Ghost Hunting: As you watch, be on the lookout for the ghost faces lurking in unexpected places throughout the film.
3. Share Your Ghost Count: Post your ghost count on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), or Facebook. Be sure to tag @eVilSublet and use the hashtag #EvilSubletGhostChallenge.
4. Win Unique Prizes: The ghost hunter who gets the closest to the actual number of hidden ghost faces will win a special eVil Sublet T-shirt and a collectible 11×17 poster signed by stars Jennifer Leigh Houston, Sally Struthers, and director Allan Piper.
5. Extra-Credit Opportunity: In the event of a tie, share which ghost you found hardest to spot and see if you can stump the filmmakers themselves.
6. Completion Deadline: Submit your entries before the witching hour strikes at midnight ET on Halloween!

To ensure your skills are up to snuff, start by searching for the 13 hidden ghost faces in the eVil Sublet trailer—a fun teaser to the full challenge awaiting you in the movie.

Why Join the eVil Sublet Ghost Challenge?

This challenge is the perfect opportunity to dive into the spooky spirit of Halloween while enjoying a film that seamlessly blends horror with comedy. Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or just in it for the laughs, the eVil Sublet Ghost Challenge promises an engaging and interactive way to enjoy the holiday.

Grab your friends, prepare your best ghost-hunting gear, and settle in for a night of fun. With ChicArt PR and Lion Heart Distribution leading the charge, it’s bound to be a Halloween to remember.

Start Your Spooky Adventure Now

Are you ready to uncover the hidden phantasms of the eVil Sublet? Watch, enjoy, and let the ghost hunting begin. Don’t forget to follow @eVilSublet on social media for updates and to share your findings. This Halloween, may your ghost-hunting skills shine!

Happy Haunting! 🕵️‍♂️👻🎬

To know more about eVil Sublet, please follow:

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IG: www.instagram.com/eVilSublet

FB: www.facebook.com/eVilSublet

X: www.x.com/eVilSublet

HASHTAGS: #eVilSubletFilm #EvilSubletGhostChallenge

eVil Sublet Official Trailer

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Source: Lion Heart Distribution

Welcome back to the world of Detective Axel Foley in the fourth sequel, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. Directed by Mark Molloy, this action-packed film brings back Eddie Murphy as Foley, now teamed up with a new partner played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt. We also see familiar faces like Billy Rosewood and John Taggart.

In this installment, Foley returns to Beverly Hills after his daughter’s life is in danger. The movie is full of twists and turns, blending action, comedy, and crime – capturing the essence that fans have loved for decades.

When my wife and I watched Axel F, we were immediately drawn into the story. Taylour Page and Joseph Gordon-Levitt bring a fresh energy, while not overshadowing the classic charm. Kevin Bacon, as the villain, adds a unique touch to the role. Bacon’s portrayal of a calculating, yet charismatic antagonist is something that keeps the audience engaged and makes the plot more gripping.

Sure, Axel F has its flaws, but they are easily overlooked. The chemistry between the characters is great, the action scenes are engaging, and the humor is on point. The movie also excels in its cinematography, with stunning visuals and dynamic shots that enhance the storytelling. The soundtrack, featuring a mix of classic hits and new compositions, fits perfectly with the movie’s atmosphere and keeps the energy high throughout.

Additionally, there are several nods and homages to the previous films in the franchise, which long-time fans will surely appreciate. These elements create a sense of nostalgia while also bridging the gap to a new audience. The storyline is well-paced, with just the right amount of suspense to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

For a movie night, whether in theaters or at home, Axel F is a solid choice. Grab some popcorn and a drink, and get ready for a fun time with Axel Foley’s latest adventure. The film also provides moments of reflection and emotional depth, which are interspersed with the fast-paced action, providing a balanced viewing experience.

In summary, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is a worthy addition to the franchise. It’s an entertaining film that’s sure to please fans and newcomers alike. Don’t miss out on this enjoyable ride through Beverly Hills. With its intriguing plot, memorable characters, and the perfect blend of action and comedy, Axel F promises to be a standout film in the series.

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F | Official Trailer | Netflix

Check out the links below. Warnig: Movie Spoilers

https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/beverly-hills-cop-axel-f-easter-eggs?utm_source=mediacenter

https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/beverly-hills-cop-axel-f-release-date-plot?utm_source=mediacenter

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Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at [insert website URL] and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/

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