Get ready to set sail on an epic adventure with Disney's Moana. This Disney heroine is unlike the others and I'm sharing a full review of the movie and why you need to take your kids to see it.
As I think about my favorite Disney princesses, Rapunzel from Tangled and Anna from Frozen definitely stand out from crowd. They're more "contemporary" than princesses like Cinderalla, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty, since they're clever, funny and strong willed. I think that's why Moana also struck a chord with me. She is not your typical Princess with an animal sidekick that needs to be saved or falls in love with a handsome prince - and I LOVE it.
Moana Review
To give you a little background of the story, three thousand years ago, the greatest navigators or wayfinders in the world voyaged across the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. Then, for a thousand years, their voyages just stopped and no one really knows why. They eventually picked back up and the islands of Tahiti, Hawaii and New Zealand were discovered. That 1,000 year gap in time sparked the imaginations of filmmakers and they created the story of Moana, who is at the center of the rebirth of wayfinding.
Moana (voice of Auli’i Cravalho) is a bold and adventurous teenager who sets out on a journey to save her island. Unlike other princess protagonists of the past, there is no love interest for Moana. Her love is for her home and her people, and she'll do anything to save them. Sure, she's pretty and charming, but there is so much more to this young lady. I'm talking about major girl power here. She's highly capable. She's learns serious sailing and navigation skills and she's not afraid to use them. This becomes apparent during her action-packed journey alongside demigod Maui (voiced of Dwayne Johnson).
Moana, and the others on the island, had always stayed within the safe confines of the reef, even though she always her felt called to explore the ocean. Despite being only 16 years old and against her father's wishes, she sets out on the open ocean to save her island and finds out a lot about herself on the way. The story is inspiring and uplifting and I think it's important for young girls (and boys) to see a strong female lead character that isn't focused on finding true love.
The other big star in the film is Maui, a demigod that's half god, half mortal. Wielding a magical fishhook, he shape-shifts into all sorts of creatures and can do seemingly impossible things like pull up islands from the sea. Dwayne Johnson seemed like a natural fit for the part due to his charismatic persona and island heritage and he was everything I hoped he would be. He even sings and raps the song "Thank You," which I think you'll agree is insanely catchy and fun.
Directors Ron Clements and John Musker (“The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “The Princess & the Frog”) do not disappoint with the storyline or the animation in Moana. When I saw Disney's Zootopia earlier this year, I was blown away by the animation. The effects in Moana, like the way her hair blows in the ocean breeze or the way fire and smoke dances, are unbelievable. In fact, more than 6 months was spent developing a system that artists could use the create Moana's authentic looking hair.
Another fantastic part of Moana is the soundtrack. The music is just incredible. It feels authentic and I think the melodies created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina, and Samoan songwriter Opetaia Foa'i are going to rival the popularity of Frozen.
One thing I do want to mention, in case you're taking your younger children or toddlers to see Moana, is that there is a "lava monster" that I think might be a little scary for certain ages. I'm planning on taking my 4.5 year old on opening weekend and I plan on showing him the clip below ahead of time (which features the lava monster at the 24 second mark) to gauge his reaction.
REMEMBER WHEN? -- Inspired by the transparent human anatomy pages in his childhood encyclopedia set, Leo Matsuda, director of Walt Disney Animation Studios' new short "Inner Workings," showcases the internal struggle between one's pragmatic, logical self and the free-spirited, adventurous self. Created in a unique, fast-paced style that blends CG and traditional hand-drawn animation.
I think Inner Working might be one of my favorite Disney shorts ever. I don't know how they manage to capture so many heartfelt emotions in such a short period of time, but they do and it's fascinating. We had the opportunity to listen to Leo Matsuda discuss his inspiration for Inner Workings and it all started with the encyclopedias that many of us children of the 80's knew and loved. That theme of learning about how our organs works is incorporated throughout the short and it's just so clever. He then went on to tell us that since he's an Asian Brazilian he feels that like story really showcases his personality; merging his Type A qualities and his freedom seeking side. I think you'll really fall in love with this story. I know I did.
Do yourself (and your kids) a favor and
run to see Moana on November 23rd!
Check out the Moana trailer here:
Moana Official Website / Facebook / Twitter
Moana arrives in theaters everywhere on November 23rd.
Disclosure: Affiliate links included. Special thanks to Disney for inviting me to the press junk and world premiere of Moana so I could complete this review. All opinions are my own.
Karissa Oien says
Thank you for the review! My daughter (3) is already obsessed with Moana, so we are going to take her to see it for her first movie going experience! I appreciate the heads up on the Lava Monster as she does get a bit scared of the "monsters"!
Amber Ludwig says
I am so excited to see a strong female lead not focused on love!! It only took how long for that to happen?!!? Lol!! Yay!! My son and I are so looking forward to seeing this!! Can't wait!!
Erin says
Great storyline, great music... can't wait to see it!
Mikaela Richter says
I am more excited to see this movie than my 5 year old is! I cant wait!
Victoria D. says
Great read! Looking forward to seeing it with my 4 year old!
Kristy Hurt says
Looks cute
Angela Landskron says
This sounds like a great movie for the whole family, but especially for young girls. Thank you for your review!
Kristin says
We are looking forward to it. It sounds great, and as crazy as it is I hadn't read up on it much. Thanks for the review.
Christina V says
I was also excited about this film until I heard it spoke a lot about different Gods- volcano gods, etc.
Jennifer babich says
Jutsbin time for the holidays! I like how you described this main character- bold and adventurous teenager
Janet W. says
This looks like such a cute and adventurous movie! The characters are adorable. I can't wait to see this!
wendy browne says
I like that there isn't a love interest and that Moana is realistically proportioned. I raised two daughters to adulthood and they were never interested in Disney princess stuff and that was fine with me.
Ange U says
Im excited about a woman role and love NOT being the main story line. She's strong and independent which is what i'd like to teach my girls to be
mami2jcn says
My daughter has expressed an interest in seeing Moana. She loves all things Hawaiian so the island theme interests her.
Brianna Edwards says
I love how Moana shows that you can be a princess and still be tough and stand up for yourself.
Dana Rodriguez says
This looks like a really cute movie. I have seen the ads on tv about it the last couple of weeks.
Darcy Koch says
I never heard my grandsons speak about this movie but I have seen a commercial or two. I didn't realize the storyline behind it until I read this. I agree with the writer/author. This is not only a movie for entertainment but also teaches our young ones that looks and beauty are not everything.
Amanda Wilson says
I have not seen it yet but would love to watch it with my boys great review
Linda Manns Linneman says
This sounds like a wonderful movie. I can't wait to see this great story about Moanna. My grandchildren will love it. I love all the vivid colors in this movie
kayla sheehan says
i cant wait to see this! seems like a really great movie
Kimberley Pettyjohn says
Wonderful idea! To teach your kids that there are differences between people but that everyone needs love & is the same!
Heidi Salisbury says
I'm looking forward to seeing this movie.
Sherry Fram says
Thanks for the review! My three grandkids are wanting to see this movie and I can't wait to take them as I want to see it too! I like the idea that there is no love interest as well and that Moana goes on her journey even though she has no idea what is in store. Children today need wholesome heroes and I think this fits the bill.
Geri Sandoval says
Great review...this is a great movie for the family or just because you Love Disney movies. I grown up with the fairytale princess, I'm happy to see that Disney has changed that and made Moana bold and adventurous, out to save her island.
Michelle Elizondo says
I love all things disney
sherry blamer says
this movie sounds amazing. I cat wait to see this movie.
Paige Hullaby says
I love the diversity Moana gives,it shows princesses don't just wear crowns and fall in love. I can't wait to take my 3 yr old to see it.
Sarh S says
I want to see this movie so badly! It looks so cute and comical.
Jill roth says
Love
Sarita m says
I cannot wait to take my kids to see this! I love what Disney has been doing with some of their movies recently, Brave is another one of my favorites!
Jennifer Bellotti says
Looks like a cute movie can't wait to see it.
Courtney W says
So excited to see this with my daughter- love that the princess doesn't have a love interest!
Elizabeth N. says
Not sure our kids are old enough for this yet but I plan on letting them watch it eventually. We might be leaving Hawaii soon and it will be fun to see some of the culture we will be homesick for in this movie.
Jennifer Lincoln says
Thank you for the review. Can wait to take my 3 year old granddaughter to see it. I think she will love it.
Deana Mooney says
Adorable! I love the music...everything.
Heather Eavers says
I can't wait to see this movie!
Dandi D says
This looks like a really fun movie and I would love to see it with my daughter!
Claiborne Snyder says
My daughter is so excited about this. I am glad this one doesn't center around a "love interest" for once!
Christina McKee says
My husband and I took our 4 girls to see this movie on black Friday. We wanted to do a family outing and it was a great choice, family time and a great movie for girls to watch. Moana is a princess but she is one who works hard and goes after what she needed. Fear didn't stand in her way and her bravery was an excellent example to follow for young girls.
Sherry says
Cannot wait to see this with my granddaughter this weekend ?
Amanda A says
Can't wait to take m girls to see this!!
Robin Wright says
Love your review! It's nice to see the modern evolution of female characters. Disney has done a great job with this one.
Gloria Walshver says
this is the first time I heard about Moana great for kids to see.
Hira Tabassum says
Can't wait to watch this movie
Stephanie F says
My dauther keeps asking us to take her to go watch.. sounds like a great movie!
Ashley Chassereau Parks says
This looks so cute! I think my girls would love it!! The love interest thing isn't a make it or break it thing for me. I want my girls to see strong, confident female figures, but I also hope they will see that there is nothing wrong with wanting to get married one day to a kind, handsome guy. 😉 Right now, their favorite guy is daddy....here's hoping it stays that way a while. lol!!
Trisha pool says
It's an inspiring story. Young girls will see this and realize they can do anything they want to in life.
Ashley Smith says
I can't wait to watch this with my daughter. I love that it strays from your typical Disney princesses and shows the strong, independent side of a girl and that her capabilities are not limited!
DENISE LOW says
My granddaughters are wanting to go see this movie. It looks like a cute move.
Deborah D says
I think that it is a wonderful spin not having a so called prince charming save the day. I can't wait to watch this movie!
Carrie W. says
I think there will so many things in this movie to bring up in discussion with my little girls after watching it.
Nicole Heppner says
My daughter is so excited to see this movie!
Megan Hall says
This movie looks super cute! My stepmom took my daughter to see it (almost 3) and she said that she really enjoyed the movie. There were some parts that were scary, but she still didn't leave. I would love to see it as well!!! Thank you for the review on the movie!
Sue E says
Great review!! I'm sorry that I missed it while it was in the theaters!! I missed the short film and it won't be on the DVD!
Your descriptions of the animation is priceless! Like her hair blowing in the ocean's breeze!
Moana is a brace role model for our children!
This would be a great Stocking Stuffer!