[Movie Review] Moana (2016)
Directors: Ron Clements, Dn Hall
Writers: Ron Clements, Jared Bush
Runtime: 113 min
Main Cast:
- Auli'i Cravalho as Moana (voice)
- Dwayne Johnson as Maui (voice)
- Rachel House as Gramma Tala (voice)
- Temurea Morrison as Chief Tui (voice)
Review: by Faith and Marie
We have been anxiously waiting for this movie to come out and now that it’s here we were super excited to see it was everything we dreamed it would be. Moana most certainly represents contemporary Disney at its finest. This is a rendered adventure that combines traditional storytelling and colorful characters, all enlivened by a terrific voice cast. Like folkloric cultures of the Pacific Islands, this tale about a self-possessed teen who embarks on a journey to save her home from falling to extinction.
Everyone should know that Moana follows an adventurous girl from the Pacific Islands (voiced by new/native Hawaiian Auli’I Gavalho), guided by a large, tattooed demigod named Maui (Dwane Johnson). Moana sails out on an epic quest to become a master way-finder like her ancestors and save her people. Moana is the daughter of a Polynesian Chief and she lives on a peaceful island where no one bats an eye at the thought of her one day leading these people without question. Moana has a dreamy song inside of her that involves not staying on the glistening island of Motunui, but yearns for adventure. The big shame is that her father forbids anyone in their village to sail beyond the reef. There has been no seafaring for many years. Especially not since the demigod Maui stole the heart of a goddess, getting himself marooned in the process and dooming all of the Polynesian Island way-finders from ever coming home again. Nevertheless, the sea takes a liking to Moana. Literally, as the ocean is every bit the sidekick to the teenage heroine.
What We Liked:
We very much liked the scene when Moana was a little girl and first comes in contact (by herself) with the ocean. Just as all Disney babies are, Moana was simply adorable. Playing back and forth with the ocean while gathering seashells was super cute and funny.
What We Didn’t Like:
There really was not anything to dislike in this movie. If we had to say one thing, we would say that the chicken character (Hay-Hay) was more annoying than funny. Initially being introduced to that character; he was funny, however as they pushed the character more in the film it got more annoying. Regardless though, this did not sway our liking of the film.
Summary
On its own merits, Moana is an exceedingly joyful film and every bit the life-affirming catharsis many will be looking for this holiday season, particularly if you have a daughter during these times. Moana has buoyancy that allows it to glide across its gorgeous renderings of aquatic life. At the end of the day, the film comes down to the immensely appealing rapport between Cravalho and Johnson, the latter of whom exudes the kind of charisma not seen by animated Disney characters since the days of Robin Williams and Eddie Murphy. Even Maui’s tattoos (which are actual two-dimensional animation) are teeming with bravado. This movie may not be able to let it go quite as well as Frozen, but this is an undeniable treasure that families will be setting said towards again and again for years to come.
User Review
( votes)Images Courtesy of IMDB
