(Source-Imdb.com)
Trailer- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKFuXETZUsI
Rating- PG
Genre- Fantasy/Action
Warnings- None
However, was Moana's story one that really captured the hearts of many or was it just a dull film with it's only purpose being to show off another princess?
The story involves a chief's daughter named Moana (Auli'i Cravalho) who always loved the idea of exploring beyond the island reef and when the ocean's chooses her to help her family from peril, Moana sails the seas to restore order to the land.
What I will talk about first is something that captured my eyes right away: The animation.
I was pleased to notice how consistent the animators were with the design of the movie, going from the texture of Moana's hair to the color of the ocean. Everything felt very real but also had beautiful landscapes and made you appreciate the beauty of nature that the world can give.
The story was a little hard to follow only because I kept confusing the intentions of demigod Maui (Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson) and whether or not he was originally a good or bad guy. Otherwise, everything was easy to follow and a fantastic adventure from start to finish.
The main character Moana is a great addition to the Disney franchise. Not only was her appearance lovely and distinct, but her personality also has a range of character. She has an understanding of other people's perspectives and attempts to abide by them, but she still has the longing to do what she wants and explore the world. Though wanting to see more of the world can be considered a cliche, it's a feeling a lot of us can relate to and can be interpreted many ways without getting annoying.
I will say though that once demigod Maui enters the story, it slowly feels like the plot is revolved more around him than Moana. Maui is a funny character and Johnson does a nice job of using his voice as a means to give the character life, but for a movie titled Moana, I ended up wanting to know more about Maui and wondering what happens to Maui in the end.
The villains of the movie felt more cartoony than they should be for a story such as this. I expected something way more intimidating and fierce, something that could actually send a few shivers down my spine since the story does involve a girl at sea and a demigod. Although, there is only one villain who had a really cool look but was only seen near the end of the movie and subdued quite quickly. I also would've appreciated seeing some of the villains again after the events of the movie came to a close so I can see how they ended up. Their cameos simply aren't enough.
I will also talk about the side characters, which I didn't have much problems with. I was pleased to see Moana's parents both shown in a Disney film and not having one of them already dead before the events take place, though the father does follow the typical fatherly traits in a movie involving a head strong daughter. Moana's grandmother felt like a comic relief but also a mentor, which felt nice. But it felt like the movie just wanted to have somebody close to Moana get hurt to provide her motivation, but without that Moana would still have enough motivation to pursue her dreams.
The animal sidekicks like the pig and the chicken felt unnecessary and used to provide comic relief or general cuteness. The pig is barely in the movie, unlike how it seems in multiple trailers I've watched. I thought the pig would follow Moana on her adventures, but instead he is not shown very much at all. So for all of you pig lovers, I'm sorry.
The soundtrack was decent, but I was disappointed that a few of the songs felt out of place and took away from the island and tribal vibe the movie was going for. It was like we went from sweet, inspirational music to broadway show tunes. I left the theater several hours ago when I wrote this and the only songs I could remember well enough was "How Far I'll Go" which was amazing.
In the end, "Moana" may have a few complications but I don't think it's enough to really hinder the movie. It was still visually stunning, funny, creative and a fun adventure for all ages. I give "Moana" a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
P.S There is a short film called "Inner Workings" which delves into the components that make up a human body and how one man's inner parts help him truly enjoy life to the fullest. The animation was more cartoony than "Moana" but really punched in their moral so much that I gasped once I realized their message, growing emotional over how true it was.
It's a message that can be for all people, though it might get children to think that they should do whatever they want if it makes them happy. So parents and guardians: Be cautious. Otherwise, this short film is funny as well as moving.
SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
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The only baby not scared and looking happy about the scary story is clearly the main character
I know nobody goes beyond the reef and all, but I still don't think it's right to let your infant walk off for that long
The song "Where you are" that Moana's family sings her about needing to be the chief for the people is nice and all, but was it only me that thought that the song ended abruptly? It didn't drag on the music, it just stopped?
It must be terrible for other chickens who eventually get eaten to know that one of their own (Hei Hei) gets to live just because he's special to Moana, even though he often got Moana in trouble down the line.
Stereotypical "I want to see more of the world" and "Rebellious daughter" and "Troubled father-daughter relationship" all wrapped into one scene.
The song "How Far I'll Go" seems to start out of nowhere. The moment was perfect for that, but I would have liked Moana to speak more to the audience about her feelings or maybe start the song off after admiring the ocean once more.
Moana, you are sailing during your song. Don't you think you're dad will catch you?
Why is the grandma dying all of a sudden? Did I miss something, because there was no implication that she would be dying. What is she sick from? Is she sick because the island is not flourishing? Will Moana make her better by returning the stone back?
Moana gets her hair wet a lot.
Stereotypical "Mythical legend thinks he's a hot shot" cliche. I saw it in "The Angry Birds Movie" I don't need to see it again here.
So Maui was leaving Moana to die. How charming!
Stereotypical "I'm not going to team up with some (insert insulting nickname here)" cliche
Spotted an error! Moana gets her hair wet (again) but in the next scene after Maui instructs her on where they will sail, it's dry again.
Is the chicken going to be the only sidekick on this voyage? Because I thought the pig from earlier would be with Moana.
Can we get some backstory on the super advanced coconut race that attacked Moana and Maui?
Is Maui the friend of Moana's father? That'd be kind of cool, to see how he became a demigod if he wasn't born one.
This movie is starting to center more on Maui. Why is Moana here again? To find herself, right.
(My face when that crab was singing the "Shiny" song)
Moana's hair gets wet a lot. I know their on sea but...I'm just so nit picky, aren't I?
Stereotypical "Partners split up in ugly fashion over conflict" cliche
So the grandmother did die? Why? It doesn't affect me at all because I don't know how she died, when she was showing any sort of illness or pain and she was a comic relief for her running time. Well, Moana's parents don't die so somebody from her family has to, huh?
So Maui just wanted to come back? I wasn't convinced that his reappearance wasn't due to just continuing the story, if you know what I mean.
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