If there is one thing Disney is good at, it’s producing movies that capture your attention from beginning to end while ensuring you’re emotionally engaged and well entertained in the process. Moana is exactly that.
Based on the Southern Pacific Polynesian culture, Moana is an oceanic musical about an adventurous chief’s daughter who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. Along the way, she fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors, encounters an array of lovable monsters and discovers the one thing she has always sought – her identity.
Disney’s Moana is a state-of-the-art CG animation that is packed full of character and personality. Although a classic Disney adventure, like Brave, the colourful production manages to steer clear of the typical “girl needs boy to be happy” storyline and delivers an action packed adventure speaking its own language. Overloaded with humour, dazzling visuals and catchy feel good music, this heartfelt hero’s journey will without a shadow of doubt thwack a smile on your face. If it doesn’t, then Jemaine Clement doing an impression of David Bowie by way of a 50-foot jewel-encrusted crab certainly will.
Personally, I thought Moana was a little bipolar (prepare for a full-on emotional rollercoaster ride), however, all things considered, it was an enjoyable experience nonetheless. The film benefits from Dwayne Johnson’s comic timing and an awesome Lin-Manuel Miranda soundtrack. Disney continues its winning streak with this big-hearted musical.
