Review - Moana (2016)

         Hey guys, Chuck here. Today, I'm taking a look at Disney's 2016 animated movie Moana, directed by the legendary duo of Ron Clements and John Musker, who of course directed such fantastic Disney animated films as The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Hercules, and Treasure Planet. The cast of Moana includes Auli'i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Jemaine Clement, and Alan Tudyk.

        So, the movie tells the story of Moana, who is the daughter of the village chief of the Polynesian island of Motunui. However, unlike the rest of her village, who are happy with life on the island, Moana's heart is drawn towards the sea. As a toddler, Moana finds a rare pounamu stone, which turns out to be the mythical Heart of Te Fiti, which was stolen thousands of years ago from the Polynesian goddess/mother island years before by Maui, a shapeshifting demigod of the wind and sea, who is both a master wayfinder and a trickster. Upon his escape attempt, a volcanic demon called Te Kā emerges and attacks, costing Maui both the Heart of Te Fiti and his magic fish hook. 

         Years later, as she grows, Moana is still drawn to the sea, as she feels the answers to multiple crises happening to her village, such as the rotting of coconuts, and all the fishing spots having no more fish, lies out beyond the reef that protects the island. In an effort to travel beyond the reef, Moana's canoe is destroyed, and she is washed back to shore. However, Moana's grandmother, who was always supportive of Moana's dreams, shows her a cave filled with massive boats and outriggers, where Moana learns the truth: her people once voyaged the sea from island to island. But one day, they just stopped. Now, this is actually true, as there was a point in Polynesian history where they did travel the sea, but stopped for a long time, only to resume their travels some time later. However, the movie's explanation having to do with Maui, the Heart of Te Fiti, and the volcanic demon Te Kā, was completely fictional. 

       Anyway, despite the objections of her father, Moana is encouraged by her grandmother to take one of the boats from the cave, find Maui, and force him to restore the Heart of Te Fiti and save the islands. Joining on her journey is a chicken called Heihei, and let's just say that Heihei is a source of comic relief because, well, he's stupid. Anyway, the journey is perilous, but Moana eventually reaches an island where Maui had been isolated for many years. While initially hesitant to listen to reason, Maui eventually relents and agrees to help Moana in restoring the Heart and saving the islands. 

       Moana and Maui's perilous journey has them run afoul of marauders called the Kakamora, and they enter the monstrous realm of Lalotai, where they confront a giant crab called Tamatoa, and they retrieve Maui's first hook. And, on the journey to Te Fiti, Maui teaches Moana the art of wayfinding, which she takes to pretty easily. However, it's with their first confrontation with Te Kā where things go wrong, as Maui's fish hook get broken, and can't take another hit. Unwilling to risk losing his fish hook, Maui takes off on his own. Disheartened, Moana considers abandoning the task of restoring the Heart and go back home. But, it's after some encouragement from the spirits of her grandmother and her ancestors that Moana's sense of spirit is renewed, and she goes to restore the Heart of Te Fiti. 

        Using her newfound sailing and wayfinding skills, Moana easily outmaneuvers the attacks of Te Kā. Maui returns to help distract the massive volcanic demon, and even the ocean, which chose Moana for the task, joins in. However, upon reaching The Fiti, Moana sees that she's missing. Looking out at the battle in the distance, Moana realizes the truth: Te Kā, it turns out, was an enraged Te Fiti. Without the Heart, Te Fiti lost all sense of herself and became the volcanic monstrosity. Moana holds out the heart, and the sea parts, allowing Te Fiti to meet with Moana, who restores the Heart, and Te Fiti is back to normal. Initially upset with Maui for stealing the Heart, Te Fiti accepts his apology and gives him a new fish hook, as well as a new boat for Moana. 

        Peace now restored to the sea, Moana returns to her home on Motunui, and she reunites with her village and her parents. Working together, Moana and the other villagers begin pulling the massive boats out of the cave, and they set off as a seafaring people once more. 

       Okay, so Moana is easily one of the most gorgeously animated films in the massive library of Disney animated films. Just the way the ocean looks, the way it flows, the way it shimmers in light, the way it has a personality of its own. Heck, one of my favorite shots of the movie is when Moana is looking into the ocean, which is parted and stands above her, and she sees the ocean life moving around in the water, including a massive sea turtle swimming around. It's easily one of the coolest things I've seen in animation. And, it just goes to show what computer animation it truly capable of in terms of design an look. 

       The character designs are also unique, especially with how Moana looks more athletic compared to most Disney heroines. Given that Moana is Polynesian, and does a lot of running, climbing, lifting, sailing, and such, it honestly makes sense to design her with a more athletic build by comparison to other Disney princesses like Rapunzel or Jasmine. And, I give a lot of props to Auli'i Cravalho for bringing the character to life with such a brilliant performance. 

      The other most notable character in the movie is, of course, Maui, voiced by Dwayne Johnson. And, it's pretty much what you might expect from a larger than life Disney animated character voiced by Dwayne Johnson. But, it works here, because Maui is a character with so much charisma and boastfulness that only a larger than life actor like Dwayne Johnson can pull it off. It's a lot like Robin Williams as the Genie in Aladdin. Some characters just work best with a specific actor in the role. 

      I also have to admit that I enjoyed the likes of Temuera Morrison as Moana's father, Jemaine Clement as Tamatoa, Nicole Scherzinger as Moana's mother, and Rachel House as Moana's grandmother. All of them were fantastic, and gave very memorable performances. Alan Tudyk as Heihei was pretty funny, even though it was mostly just the clucks of a chicken. 

        The action in this movie was excellent, but it's really the music that sells the movie for most. The score by Mark Mencia, with songs written by Opetaia Foa'i and Lin-Manuel Miranda, was absolutely fantastic. Songs like "How Far I'll Go" and "We Know the Way" are icon status, while others like "Shiny," "Where You Are," and "I Am Moana" are absolutely fantastic. But, it's Dwayne Johnson's singing of the song "You're Welcome" that stands out, right alongside the Academy Award winning song "How Far I'll Go," performed by Auli'i Cravalho. Seriously, Moana had probably one of the best soundtracks for a Disney movie since Frozen, and it's a soundtrack that had yet to be topped until the release of Encanto in 2021. 

         Honestly, I have nothing but good things to say about Moana. Having a Disney animated film focus on Polynesian culture, which is a truly intriguing culture to say the least, is genuinely special, and the fact that the legendary Ron Clements and John Musker directed it just made all the difference. I'm giving Moana a rating of 5/5. 

        Now, Disney does have more in the future for the character of Moana, as she's set to next appear in a sequel, Moana 2, due for release in November. Also, for some odd reason, Disney is also set to film a live-action remake of Moana, which will see Dwayne Johnson physically portray the character of Maui, as well as produce the movie. But, honestly, I'm more excited for the animated sequel coming this November, as both Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson are set to return, and it just looks like fun. 

       Anyway, guys, this is Chuck signing off, and I'll see you in the next review.