Moana 2 and Disney’s Focus On Theatrical Over Streaming

Disney’s announcement of the upcoming release of Moana 2 in theaters during Thanksgiving may be shocking but it is not surprising. Why is it shocking? It goes back to the Disney Investor Day in 2020. Moana: The Series was among a number of Disney+ series announced at the time, due for release in 2022. At some point, the studio made the decision to rework the project as a sequel movie. Given how easy it is…

"Moana 2 and Disney’s Focus On Theatrical Over Streaming"

Disney100: Home Entertainment Re-releases Announced

Disney announced a special series of anniversary re-releases as part of the company’s 100th anniversary celebration aka Disney100. The re-releases come from some of the most beloved films released by the Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm studios through the years. It also comes days after the company aired one of the most emotional ads that anyone will watch this year. What we know is the following: a selection of titles will be released nationwide in special…

"Disney100: Home Entertainment Re-releases Announced"

Auli’i Cravalho talks Crush, Moana

Moana actress Auli’i Cravalho spoke to Solzy at the Movies about starring in Hulu original movie Crush and playing a Disney princess. Cravalho stars opposite Rowan Blanchard in the romantic comedy. The film, about an artist who is forced to join the high school track team before falling for an unexpected teammate, also stars Isabella Ferreira, Tyler Alvarez, Teala Dunn, Rico Paris, Addie Weyrich, Aasif Mandvi, Michelle Buteau and Megan Mullally. Sammi Cohen directs Crush…

"Auli’i Cravalho talks Crush, Moana"

John Musker on Animation, Filmmaking, and Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

Walt Disney Animation Studios director John Musker was in Chicago this week and addressed students of The Second City Training Center and Harold Ramis Film School.  I didn’t take a lot of notes during the Q&A session but here’s a recap of what I did jot down. Musker has an impressive resume over the years, having co-directed The Great Mouse Detective, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Hercules, Treasure Planet, The Princess and The Frog, and most…

"John Musker on Animation, Filmmaking, and Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers"

Moana: The Ocean Comes Calling

Moana is the 56th animated film to be released by Walt Disney Animation Studios and it continues the studio’s reign of animated hits as it enters Disney lore. Disney veteran directors Ron Clements and John Musker (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Princess & the Frog) directed the animated musical, set across the Pacific Ocean. They were joined by co-directors Don Hall and Chris Williams. The voice cast is led by Auli‘i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson.…

"Moana: The Ocean Comes Calling"