MOANA (PG)

Released by Walt Disney Pictures
Review by Adam Mast

Walt Disney Pictures is back with a brand new animated feature and it looks like the famed studio has another hit on its hands. MOANA is an absolute delight from start to finish.

Set to a Polynesian backdrop, MOANA tells the tale of a fiercely independent Moana (Auli’i Cravalho), a young islander who looks to sail past the reef of her people in an effort to save her homeland from potential extinction. Moana’s journey will lead her to a mythical warrior called Maui (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.) Together, this mismatched duo will battle mother nature, defend themselves against an army of coconut pirates, and come face to face with an angry creature of enormous size and unmatched strength. Will team work prevail or will the obstacles in Moana and Maui’s path be too much for this duo to handle?

MOANA offers up a traditional Disney sensibility that might remind viewers of THE LITTLE MERMAID and ALADDIN which should come as no surprise because the storytellers behind those celebrated animated features–Ron Clements and John Musker–also co-directed this picture. And if the sporadically quirky nature and high energy of MOANA brings to mind THE EMPEROR’S NEW GROOVE,  that should come as no surprise either, because this film also includes the notable talents of co-directors Don Hall and Chris Williams. Keep in mind though, that while there are certainly shades of the familiar in MOANA, this film ultimately carves out a path all its own.

Newcomer Auli’i Cravalho is strong, sweet, tenacious, and determined as Moana. Add to this a fantastic singing voice and you have a  courageous heroine that is sure to join the ranks of legendary Disney characters like Ariel, Belle, Elsa, and Anna. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson lends his undeniable swagger to the role of charismatic warrior, Maui. Together, Cravalho and Johnson  form a formidable team in Moana and Maui. From their initial hesitance with one another to what ultimately becomes an unshakable bond, their chemistry is spot on.

The songs in MOANA which were co-written by “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, are outstanding. As moving, rousing and heartfelt as “We Know the Way” is, it’s the quirky numbers that are really worth noting. Maui’s egomamical anthem “You’re Welcome” is a ton of fun as is a David Bowie-inspired glam rock tune sung by a sea crab called Tamatoa  (wonderfully voiced by a zany Jemaine Clement.)

As expected, the animation is stellar. From the epic open sea vistas, to the beautiful islands, to the detail in the character work (Maui’s living tattoo\inner voice-of-reason  is particularly adorable), MOANA emerges as a masterclass in the animation department. Look no further than a jaw-dropping final act. Gorgeous stuff!

In addition to throwing in little winks at the likes of INDIANA JONES and STAR WARS, MOANA  offers up a sparkling display of culture and diversity. It’s also a movie filled with monumentally relevant themes: Dream big, never give up, and always look out for those around you. MOANA also delivers a somewhat unexpected environmental message in  grandiose, awe inspiring fashion. Don’t worry. No spoilers here. I’ll just close out this review by saying that MOANA is enchanting, funny, and thrilling, but more importantly, it has a heart as big as the ocean.