Classic Disney at it's best!

Rating: 9/10 (20 December 2016)

CONTAINS MINOR SPOILER
Disney films have always been a childhood favourite for me, from Lion King to Lilo and Stitch to Tangled (Even the princess ones, even though I'm a guy :) So when I heard about Moana, I knew I had to see it.
Moana is an exciting, hilarious, emotional and imaginative film, that while continues a classical Disney formula, it is a great movie nonetheless. Here's why,
1st- Moana is an energetic, inquisitive protagonist brimming with life and vitality, who thanks to Auli'i Cravalho's voice acting adds to the colourfulness of the film. Her sidekick Maui, voiced by The Rock is hilarious and charming alongside Moana, there's great back to back chemistry with the characters even in the more quieter, heartfelt moments. There's an underlying vulnerability to Moana and Maui, that's beautiful to watch. Let's not forget about the dim witted chicken, that brings laughs a bundle to the film.There's character traits from previous Disney characters, Anna and Rapunzel in Moana, but Moana is very different.
2nd - the animation as with all Disney films as of late with Frozen, Tangled, is beautifully realized. But for Moana, it's a visually dazzling display, the vivid exotic colours and the richness of the Polynesian landscapes, the seas, the islands, the culture, monsters is a beauty to behold. It's full of extravagance and vitality.
3rd - the deep rooted use of Polynesian Culture, important to Moana's story is richly engaging and adds depth to the film. Her culture is what defines her, which is brilliant message for viewers (such as myself), for audiences yearning for more ethnically diverse Disney characters it is heartening to see a protagonist who's culture is deeply important to who they are. I know Disney have done cultural characters before, Princess and the Frog, Pocahontas, Mulan but here I genuinely feel there's respect and authenticity to the treatment of her culture, not tired and lazy stereotypes. Here's to more ethnically diverse characters in the future.
Lastly, there's tender heartfelt moments where Moana feels incapable and hopeless on her journey , which we all feel sometimes, but she refuses to give up and carries on, which is inspiring and made me tear up a little. As well as other themes of identity, knowing who you are and what you want to be, are all great morals too.
Moana's got heart, emotion, humour, character, story, beautiful visuals, morals. Moana is everything you want a Disney film to be and more! As Maui would say "Your Welcome!"