Regardless of what you call her though, Moana stands out as a terrific protagonist, in a film that refreshingly discards any element of a love story and simply follows Moana doing what she must for her people.ĭirectors Ron Clements and John Musker’s - whose credits include not only Little Mermaid, but Aladdin, The Princess and the Frog and more - expertly propel the story forward backed by some incredible visuals.
#Movie reviews for kids moana movie
A very funny, meta moment in the movie involves the question of whether calling Moana - who is next in line to be Chief after her father - a “princess” is appropriate. It’s also refreshing to realize that there’s a fun bit of a roll reversal here as far as making the plucky teen character the driving force and Maui, who is, essentially, a superhero, the sidekick. Her perseverance and courage are wonderfully conveyed and I imagine many kids will come out of this movie with a new character to look up to – and well they should. Cravalho meanwhile helps make Moana lovable from the start and imbues her with the proper spirit and determination, as she sets out on her journey - oh, and she has a hell of a singing voice too!Īppropriately, for a film about a young woman on a hero’s journey, Moana is quite the hero. Johnson and newcomer Cravalho are wonderful together, with Johnson once more proving what expert comic timing he has as the incredibly narcissistic, goofy Maui. The film’s requisite Disney heroine track about wanting more from life (See “Part of Your World,” “Belle,” etc.) is “How Far I’ll Go,” which I felt was a bit pedestrian at first – but then grew on me via some well-done reprises. There’s the high-tempo and very funny “You’re Welcome” (which would arguably be an instant classic simply by virtue of giving us The Rock singing a song in a Disney animated movie) and the wonderfully bizarre “Shiny,” sung by Flight of the Conchords’ Jemaine Clement – an awesome, Bowie-inspired track. Appropriately, the main influence here is the music of the Pacific Islands, where Moana takes place, on display in numbers like the rousing “We Know the Way,” but the songs also venture into other terrain as well. Whatever alchemy is at work these days continues to thrive with Moana, which feels effortlessly funny and engaging, powered by very likable characters and great music.Ĭoming off the uber-success of Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda, working alongside Opetaia Foa'I and Mark Mancina, has delivered a wonderful array of songs. Despite Winnie the Pooh being a rare box office bust (though reviews were strong), this is an incredibly impressive run of films, with all ranging from very good to excellent. Walt Disney Animation Studios has been on quite a roll this decade, releasing Tangled, Winnie the Pooh, Wreck-it Ralph, Frozen, Big Hero 6, and Zootopia since 2010. Plus, Moana’s mission has high enough stakes that her wish to see more than she ever has, while important for her, isn’t the only thing on her mind by a long shot. It helps that Chief Tui Waialiki’s decree isn’t just for Moana, but for all of his people (so he’s overprotective about everybody!). However, once Moana’s journey begins, those similarities aren’t overwhelming. Indeed, Moana directors Ron Clements and John Musker famously told a story with a similar set-up with the classic The Little Mermaid nearly three decades ago. A teenage girl who longs to see and do more than her daily life allows – possibly with a loving but stern/overly-protective father as an obstacle – is obviously not a new concept. Moana quickly establishes itself as an entertaining, gorgeously animated film, but the opening scenes also feel a bit overly familiar when it comes to Disney animation storylines. Moana must enlist Maui’s assistance in returning the “heart” of Te Kā to its rightful place – but that is, of course, easier said than done. Now, Te Kā’s vengeance is causing the plight facing Moana’s people. 1000 years before, Maui - whose massive, magical fishhook gives him the ability to shapeshift into any animal - stole a powerful object from the lava monster Te Kā. That quest includes finding the demigod, Maui (Dwayne Johnson), who is inadvertently responsible for what is happening to Motunui.
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