Cliche But Still Fun

Rating: 7/10 (25 December 2019)

If you're a fan of Frozen or other Disney classics of the past you should enjoy yourself. Just do not expect anything new story wise or tropes wise. The film doesn't have any deep societal messages like Zootopia either. However, just because something is formulaic does not automatically make it bad. It's all in the execution and if it's able to bring something fresh and unique to the table to make-up for it. Disney, Pixar, and Marvel have been able to this and Moana is no exception.
The story and characters are basic and nothing you haven't seen in other Disney films, or just other adventure films. You have the title character Moana that lives with her family and tribe on this remote island. She dreams of going out there and exploring beyond the island but everyone, including her family, tells her not to. But eventually an evil threatens their home and one of her family members dies. Now she has to venture out and face this threat along with her comic relief animal sidekick (who surprisingly does not speak in this) and trusted partner Maui (Dwayne Johnson). At first the two of them do not get along but eventually grow to respect one another. It hit virtually every Disney trope.
However, the film manages to make-up for this in other areas. The visuals, music (some of it), and culture the films portrays is actually something new for Disney. The lore the movie presents is also quite different and interesting. Most of all, the film has heart, which is something Disney almost always has in its films.
The acting is on-point from everyone in the cast. The visuals are stunning and the score perfectly complements them. The songs are great too. They're not as memorable as Frozen or other Disney classics, but they're above average. There is one song that, in my opinion, is on that level though.
Overall, Moana is definitely a Disney film, in a good way. Again, if you like Frozen, Big Hero Six, or other Disney films like them you'll enjoy this. Children will definitely love it.