Moana (2016)

User Review

• 

  stickaroundblog

  7 / 10

  With Moana, Disney have turned the known formula for the Disney princess on its head. Set before the colonisation in the Pacific isles, Moana is a tale of discovery, friendship and courage that will resonate with audiences young and old. Although being drastically different, Disney's everlasting messages of family, friendship, support and love are always present.
  
  One thing that immediately strikes you about Moana is that the animation is superb. Water is notoriously difficult to pull off but the motion in the waves and detailing in the water animation is incredible. It does knock you back a little and soon you find yourself immersed in the scenes and can almost believe in the vast oceanic views are real. I really have to give credit to the animators for not only the excellent job in visuals but in creating character as well.
  
  Moana is a refreshing change to the conventional Disney Princess ideology. Brave, independent, smart and determined. Although she is slightly reckless she only has good intentions at heart. A wonderfully deep character that doesn't wait for her rescue or her prince. A true heroine with a conscientiously realistic body shape. This seems to be the current trend Disney is following, firstly with Brave and then Frozen showcasing a strong female lead character. Dwayne Johnson lends his voice to Maui, an arrogant Demi-God who bequeathed humans with gifts from the gods. Maui as a character direction was probably a little shortsighted by the producers, this has caused some controversy among the Maui people. I feel it should have been handled with a little more delicacy and at the same time giving him more dimension and wisdom, instead of a reluctant sidekick. Arguably this gives the film its humour (as well as a super idiotic chicken named Hei Hei) and the play off between the determined Moana and reluctant Maui give the film its conflict. This also makes Moana the hero, which works well and what Disney were going for.
  
  Having a Polynesian background makes the film completely innovative and nothing like we've seen before from Disney. A new culture that is brought to the big screen deserves applause. The soundtrack is memorable with 'How Far I'll Go' 'We Know the Way' and 'You're Welcome'. There are a few missteps; after a strong start the trials they faced seem a little ill considered and brushed over, with only the conclusion being noteworthy and with the second act being a little lost at sea.
  
  Ultimately Moana is unique and enjoyable to watch, worthy of your time, it'll have you laughing, smiling and will hit you emotionally. Essentially a road trip of self-discovery the only element that disenchants is the plot. The slow middle and lack of action is its downfall making its re-watch-ability not as high as it could be which unfortunately doesn't make it a 'Disney Classic'.

  Like?

  0 member like this review.