Latest news with #ClarisseLoughrey
The Independent
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Minecraft Movie breaks box office record as highest-grossing video game adaptation in opening weekend
Minecraft's first movie has smashed box office records, becoming the highest-grossing video game adaptation in its opening weekend. The film, titled A Minecraft Movie, has earned an astonishing $163m (£128m) in its first weekend at the North American box office, surpassing the previous record held by The Super Mario Bros Movie by nearly $20m (£15.7m). The total global revenue now exceeds $313m (£245m), according to The Hollywood Reporter. Despite its commercial success, critical reception has been less enthusiastic. The Independent 's Clarisse Loughrey described the movie as 'underwhelming' and argued that 'as an adaptation, it's flawed from the ground up.' Nevertheless, fan enthusiasm and brand loyalty have fuelled the movie's widespread popularity, both in the US and abroad. Minecraft, developed by Mojang in 2009 and acquired by Microsoft for $2.5bn in 2014, is the world's best-selling video game with more than 200 million active monthly players worldwide. Anticipation for the big screen adaptation has been over a decade in the making, with early development beginning in 2014 and filming finally starting in January 2024. The film features an all-star cast including Jason Momoa, Jack Black, and Orange Is the New Black star Danielle Brooks. Black's performance, in particular, has been praised by fans, prompting social media trends and viral content online. The film's popularity has also led to chaotic scenes in cinemas, particularly in the UK. Multiple cinema chains have reported disturbances during screenings, primarily involving young audiences. Footage shared across social media shows food and popcorn being thrown across the audience, along with loud shouting, some swearing, and general raucousness, with some people jumping out of their seats. Dozens of young people and children are seen laughing with their phones out as they capture the disorder. One moment, which features prominently in the film's trailer, sees Black and Momoa confronted in a boxing ring by a cuboid Minecraft chicken, which is ridden around by another character. 'Chicken jockey,' exclaims Black's character, a reference to the video game that seems to be sending audiences wild. Several videos captured by fans show audiences chanting the line along with Black, before whooping and clapping loudly. In one cinema in the US, police were called to quell the commotion after viewers refused to calm down. It has prompted REEL cinema in the market town of Fareham to issue a warning to cinema-goers.
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The Independent
12-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Here's how to watch Moana 2 at home now
Moana 2 – the music-filled ocean adventure – has something for the whole family, and the smash hit has just landed on Disney+. After nearly 10 years, Moana is back and braver than ever. 'She's exactly the heroine you want every kid to look up to: self-empowered but tender-hearted,' wrote The Independent 's chief film critic Clarisse Loughrey in her review of the film. Auli'i Cravalho returns as Moana, with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson reprising his role as the mischievous Maui. The 2016 musical won hearts worldwide with its stunning visuals, catchy songs, and bold message on protecting our planet. While Lin-Manuel Miranda isn't composing this time, he was 'thrilled' with the all-female duo Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear's take on the new film. For more action, ocean, and emotion, here's how to watch Moana 2 at home. When did Moana 2 come out on Disney+? Moana 2 premiered on Disney+ on 12 March, so you can watch it right now at home. If you haven't already, now is a great time to sign up for the streaming service and enjoy all the action, drama and fun the site has to offer. It's not just for little kids but for big ones too. Disney+ is the first to stream all the newest Hulu and Star TV shows, including Golden Globe -winning shows like The Bear, Abbot Elementary, Only Murders in the Building and so many more. It also gets early access to all the Marvel content, both the blockbuster films and the shiny new shows. What is Moana 2 about? Following on three years after the first movie we find Moana (Cravalho) exploring nearby islands from her home of Motunui. In a vision, she hears her ancestors speaking to her, calling her to a new quest. She must find a way to rediscover the lost island of Motu Fetu in order to defeat the storm god Nalo and protect her people from extinction. So Moana, brave as ever, builds a crew and heads out into the open ocean to begin her next adventure, and it's safe to say she encounters a bump or two along the way. Loughrey writes in her review of the world Disney has created in this film: 'She [Moana] inhabits a world of Polynesian myth that feels rich and deep-rooted, not a culture merely slapped on as costume, and benefiting from Polynesian talent across its voice cast and behind the scenes.' With a stunning 'pearlescent' animation style of shimmering pink hues, we think this sounds like a film that needs to be seen to be believed.
The Independent
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Moana 2 launches on streaming this week — here's where to watch
Moana 2 – the music-filled ocean adventure – has something for the whole family, and Disney+ has recently announced when the smash-hit sequel will land on its streaming platform. After nearly 10 years, Moana is back and braver than ever. 'She's exactly the heroine you want every kid to look up to: self-empowered but tender-hearted,' wrote The Independent 's chief film critic Clarisse Loughrey in her review of the film. Auli'i Cravalho returns as Moana, with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson reprising his role as the mischievous Maui. The 2016 musical won hearts worldwide with its stunning visuals, catchy songs, and bold message on protecting our planet. While Lin-Manuel Miranda isn't composing this time, he was 'thrilled' with the all-female duo Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear's take on the new film. For more action, ocean, and emotion, here's how to watch Moana 2 at home. When will Moana 2 be available to stream? Disney recently announced that Moana 2 will premiere on the streaming service on 12 March. If you haven't already, now is a great time to sign up for the streaming service and enjoy all the action, drama and fun the site has to offer. It's not just for little kids but for big ones too. Disney+ is the first to stream all the newest Hulu and Star TV shows, including Golden Globe -winning shows like The Bear, Abbot Elementary, Only Murders in the Building and so many more. It also gets early access to all the Marvel content, both the blockbuster films and the shiny new shows. What is Moana 2 about? Following on three years after the first movie we find Moana (Cravalho) exploring nearby islands from her home of Motunui. In a vision, she hears her ancestors speaking to her, calling her to a new quest. She must find a way to rediscover the lost island of Motu Fetu in order to defeat the storm god Nalo and protect her people from extinction. So Moana, brave as ever, builds a crew and heads out into the open ocean to begin her next adventure, and it's safe to say she encounters a bump or two along the way. Loughrey writes in her review of the world Disney has created in this film: 'She [Moana] inhabits a world of Polynesian myth that feels rich and deep-rooted, not a culture merely slapped on as costume, and benefiting from Polynesian talent across its voice cast and behind the scenes.' With a stunning 'pearlescent' animation style of shimmering pink hues, we think this sounds like a film that needs to be seen to be believed.
The Independent
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
How to watch Moana 2 at home as streaming dates announced
Moana 2 – music-filled ocean adventure – has something for the whole family. But if you'd rather skip the cinema, we've got great news for you. Disney+ has recently announced when the smash-hit sequel will land on its streaming platform. After nearly 10 years, Moana is back and braver than ever. 'She's exactly the heroine you want every kid to look up to: self-empowered but tender-hearted,' wrote The Independent 's chief film critic Clarisse Loughrey in her review of the film. Auli'i Cravalho returns as Moana, with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson reprising his role as the mischievous Maui. The 2016 musical won hearts worldwide with its stunning visuals, catchy songs, and bold message on protecting our planet. While Lin-Manuel Miranda isn't composing this time, he was 'thrilled' with the all-female duo Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear's take on the new film. For more action, ocean, and emotion, here's how to watch Moana 2 at home. How to stream Moana 2? Disney recently announced that Moana 2 will premiere on the streaming service on 12 March, so mark your calendars. If you haven't already, now is a great time to sign up for the streaming service and enjoy all the action, drama and fun the site has to offer. It's not just for little kids but for big ones too. Disney+ is the first to stream all the newest Hulu and Star TV shows, including Golden Globe -winning shows like The Bear, Abbot Elementary, Only Murders in the Building and so many more. It also gets early access to all the Marvel content, both the blockbuster films and the shiny new shows. How to watch Moana 2 right now? Can't wait that long? We understand. But never fear, we know how you can watch Moana 2 right now. The Disney film is currently available to buy – and right now at Amazon, the film is available for 30 per cent off. A movie night that doesn't break the bank, what more could you want? What is Moana 2 about? Following on three years after the first movie we find Moana (Cravalho) exploring nearby islands from her home of Motunui. In a vision, she hears her ancestors speaking to her, calling her to a new quest. She must find a way to rediscover the lost island of Motu Fetu in order to defeat the storm god Nalo and protect her people from extinction. So Moana, brave as ever, builds a crew and heads out into the open ocean to begin her next adventure, and it's safe to say she encounters a bump or two along the way. Loughrey writes in her review of the world Disney has created in this film: 'She [Moana] inhabits a world of Polynesian myth that feels rich and deep-rooted, not a culture merely slapped on as costume, and benefiting from Polynesian talent across its voice cast and behind the scenes.' With a stunning 'pearlescent' animation style of shimmering pink hues, we think this sounds like a film that needs to be seen to be believed.
