Solid

Rating: 9/10 (16 May 2018)

The sea has called to Moana since she was small but Chief Tui, her father, has banned the tribe from venturing beyond the reef. When the coconuts rot and the fish disappear, Moana follows her destiny by going to sea in search of trickster demi-god Maui. She seeks to make him rectify a misguided act many years ago, which led to the current problems.
This film dazzled me from start to finish, starting with Moana. Enchanting as a child, and engaging as a curious, wilful, and downright feisty teen, the character features great visual design and wonderful voice work from Hawai'ian teen Auli'i Cravalho. Demi-god Maui is also a visual treat, especially the tattoos which offer their own commentary on his actions. And it is a delight to hear Dwayne Johnson taking such pleasure in voicing a character which pays homage to his own Polynesian heritage.
The story, while not holding any great surprises, has an unusual setting and is a satisfying tale - the set-up in Act 1 is interesting, the action in Act 2 works well, and the pay-off in Act 3 is both gripping and emotional.
The overall design and animation are simply breathtaking. The land locations are vibrant and detailed, the oceanic locations are epic, and the animation, particularly of hair, water and lava, had me open-mouthed with wonder at how beautiful the film is (the 3D has some great moments but shouldn't be considered essential). And there are a handful of points in the movie when story, emotion, and visual delivery come together and grip your throat and bring tears to your eyes.
It's not perfect. The comedy pig thankfully doesn't go on the voyage with Moana but, regrettably, the comedy rooster does. Neither is essential, and the film would have been better without them. But it's Disney so, hey, comedy animals.
And the songs are not necessary either. They are pretty enough, but the melodies are a little shapeless so there is no immediate show-stopper. But they are well staged and I suspect they will grow on me with repeat viewings.
And there will be many of those, because I loved this film!