A Classic, Without the Substance

Rating: 5/10 (14 January 2020)

Moana is exactly the type of film you get when you want a movie with an acceptable amount of entertainment for adults and children, a cookie-cutter plot that could be subbed in to any time period and culture, a minimum of challenge and character development, and catchy tunes that people will get stuck in their heads. It is the simulacrum of Disney's hundred year plan, to develop and distribute the easiest and shallowest media to the greatest masses of consumers. If you simply wanted a victory lap of the collected anthology of Disney princess odysseys, this is a perfect film. If you wanted anything new that you hadn't seen before, consider a different film.
I should start with the plot, or lack-thereof. This film has every hallmark of the young adult adventure down pat. A sense of disconnect between the hero and their community. A magical item. A cheesy sidekick who serves solely for comedic relief and adds nothing to the plot. The death of a loved one. Being "the chosen one". And finally, a journey into the unknown to save their community/country/the world. You will find all the classic tropes in Moana. It is the very face of predictability. In some ways, you really can't go wrong with a classic arc like that, but after seeing it so many times, you crave for more. You want something different that you didn't expect. Disney will throw in the occasional mild twist or turn, but nothing that's going to make you think for more than 5 seconds, and certainly nothing that's going to confuse or alienate any young, timid minds.
It felt like there were several missed opportunities here. We get the majority of the second act hyping up this idea of mythical creatures, monsters and super powers. Maui is a demigod with a magical hook and the power to give humans the very lifeblood of existence. I was dying to see what awaited in the realm of the monsters. And then as soon as it began, it was over. We got all of ten minutes and one song in the underworld before it was over. I was craving for more. The most intriguing point of the whole movie and they glossed over it in an instant. We got to see, in total, three monsters, including a throw in of the "there's always a bigger fish" trope. The other missed opportunity was the adorable (so I thought) sidekick of Moana, Pua the Pig. The cute little white pig got only a few minutes of screen time before being shunned by Moana as she set off on her adventure. I was waiting for him to pop out of the underside of her boat, but alas, we didn't see him until the closing moments of the movie. So much for being a loyal supporter. You get left behind, and Hei-hei the idiot chicken gets the come instead. That being said, Hei-hei did give me the biggest laughs of the film.
Despite all the criticism, there are some important parts that make the film enjoyable and at least worth one watch. Disney once again knocks it out of the park with their music. What can really be said that hasn't already about Disney musicals? They are the gold standard. They manage to tell a story while at the same time being catchy and fun. There is always at least one song in every Disney movie that you have to download and listen to on repeat for a week after you hear it. It has a set up piece, although perhaps a bit blunt and obvious, with Where You Are. A comedic song with You're Welcome, that will leave you saying "I didn't know The Rock could sing..." And of course, the heavy hitter, How Far I'll Go, that I can safely admit was stuck in my head for a long time.
The attention to detail is also something rarely missed among these classic animated features. The richness in the presentation of Polynesian culture is certainly something to be admired, and it is always nice to see a film that explores a seldom seen corner of the world. The animation is always beautiful and well done. The colors throughout the film are warm and subtle when they need to be, aquatic and fresh without being over the top or overpowering. The little easter eggs and subtle graphical details are always a special charm when watching a Disney film.
Moana is exactly what it needs to be. Not something that is going to challenge or polarize anyone, but a fun, light-hearted adventure that will keep everyone, young and old, engaged for 100 minutes. And certainly, it can be said that not every film needs to be evocative in order to be good. Where Moana lacks is in character development and a compelling plot. You never grip the arm of your chair and wonder if they will really make it in time. The climax and resolution are known from the moment you see the characters formulating the plot in the 10 minute mark. Everything will be fine. Truly, it is fine. Just relax and take in the summer breeze and the light spray of misty salt water as the waves roll by.