Moana

photo courtesy of movies.disney.co.uk

     Moana is the latest offering from Disney Animation’s renaissance. Following in the footsteps of giants Tangled, Frozen, and Big Hero 6, Moana combines vibrant animation with a story full of heart—and some fun subversions of princess-movie-formula. While Moana may not reach the icy heights of Frozen, it’s refreshing story and heart-warming themes make it another family outing worth a trip to the theater.

     In Moana, the titular princess is next in line to be Chief of a small and isolated Polynesian tribe that has lost touch with its exploring roots. Moana must choose between following in her father’s cautious footsteps or embarking on an adventure to both save the world from creeping darkness and recapture the spirit of adventure that her people have forgotten. Along the way, she enlists the help of arrogant demigod Maui, with whose shapeshifting help she can restore the lost heart of Te Fiti, a life-giving goddess.

photo courtesy of denofgeek.com

     In truth, there’s not much not to like about Moana. For one thing, it boasts an exceptionally talented cast, including Auli’i Cravalho as Moana, Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson as Maui, and Temuera Morrison as Chief Tui. Rachel House and Alan Tudyk round out the main cast as Moana’s grandmother, Tala Waialiki, and silly rooster Heihei, respectively.

     The music is on par with the best of Disney, featuring the lyrical talent of Hamilton mastermind Lin-Manuel Miranda. It’s at times fun and light, and at times solemn and reflective. What’s more, it seems to really capture something of the adventuring spirit of the film, as well as the unique Polynesian voice.

photo courtesy of slashfilm.com

     The animation is some of the best that Disney Animation Studios has produced. Moana is a truly beautiful, eye-popping experience. The jungle and oceanic landscapes are detailed majestically, and the animation does some truly wonderful things with light—not unlike the psychedelic brilliance of Life of Pi. Perhaps the most enthralling animation is the depiction of the primary villain, volcanic demon Te Ka.

photo courtesy of eonline.com

     Moana’s story combines a quest narrative with some solid themes about living in community. Moana must not only fulfill the task at the end of her journey; she must learn to reconnect with her people’s heritage. Her reluctant association with Maui provides a lesson on the value of friendship and togetherness. Interestingly, all this comes as something of a byproduct of Moana’s pursuit of her own identity. This self-pursuit “finding yourself” theme has become a typical facet of Disney stories, but here as in Frozen it is thankfully tempered somewhat with the larger themes about communion with family and friends.

photo courtesy of teaser-trailer.com

     If there’s anything to complain about, it’s that Moana isn’t altogether perfect; it hits some of the usual plot points and ticks off some narrative cliché boxes. That is to say, it is at times predictable. The set pieces are new and interesting enough to offset any cliché, however. And at many other times, the plot is anything but predictable.

     Even if Moana doesn’t pack quite the punch of Frozen, it compensates with a talented cast and wondrous animation. It’s a movie that honors the Disney tradition of excellent storytelling, and it should entertain youngsters and adults alike.