The Mystic Moana

Disney now has another frontrunner called Moana, a joyous tale of a Polynesian teenager’s quest to save her homeland, which boasts eye-watering visuals, catchy songs and heart-swelling messages about respect for the past and hopes for the future. As demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) jokes: “If you wear a dress and have an animal sidekick, you’re a princess.” Yet 16-year-old Moana (voiced by Hawaiian teenager Auli’i Cravalho) is something else: an explorer with a fire in her soul, passed down through generations. This engaging adventure triumphs because of its empowering storyline, which pays tribute to Polynesian culture, and because of its feel-good music, courtesy of Lin-Manuel Miranda. The main characters Moana and Maui share a refreshingly student-and-mentor-like relationship. Unlike any other “Disney princess” movie, Moana is completely romance free, never once bringing it up. Moana’s status as the island’s next chief is unquestioned, and she’s so busy trying to solve her people’s problems that the lack of a love interest is appropriate and welcome.

No other actor could have been a better for Maui than Johnson, himself of Polynesian heritage. He’s as charming in animated form as he is in live-action. Maui starts off as a self-absorbed demigod; he sings one of the catchiest songs in the movie, “You’re Welcome,” about all of the ways humankind should thank him. As he gets to know Moana and teaches her how to navigate the ocean, his truer, kinder self emerges. The original music, which is a collaboration between Miranda, Disney composing alum Mark Mancina, and Samoan musician Opetaia Foa’i, is catchy and appropriately inspired by Oceanic music. Besides “You’re Welcome,” the funniest song is “Shiny,” sung by Jemaine Clement, who plays a killer crab with an insatiable appetite for treasure. With its inspiring messages, charming characters, and memorable music, Moana is an excellent choice for moviegoers of all ages.