A treat for the whole family.

Rating: 8/10 (6 December 2016)

Infused with Hawaiian mythology, the latest animated flick from the Mouse House feels different despite being centred on the same girl-fulfils-heroic-destiny formula it has rolled out time and time again. Following the restless daughter of an island-bound Chieftain, this seafaring adventure is packed to the brim with goofy animal sidekicks, toe-tapping song and dance numbers, and the usual Disney charm. The whole movie is anchored by an endearing protagonist who earns a spot amongst Disney's more famous female characters thanks to her pluck and tomboyishness; there are no love interests or royal weddings for this independent woman. Moana (Auli'i Cravalho) doesn't do all the heavy lifting though, spending a large portion of the runtime with Maui (Dwayne Johnson – charismatic as ever), a hilariously egotistical demi-god who can shape shift and hurl insults. The chemistry between Moana and Maui is fantastic, their witty banter and odd couple clashing plays both for big laughs—a sailing lesson with a paralysed Maui is downright hilarious—and for touching moments. Not everything lands perfectly though, with Jemaine Clement's nefarious crab Tamatoa not quite landing, the sneering and sarcastic crustacean a little too reminiscent of Clement's diabolical cockatoo Nigel in the Rio series. The climactic showdown against a gigantic lava-throwing demon boasts some impressive visuals, however it also feels inessential coming off the back of what was otherwise a subtler affair. But the film works up so much goodwill elsewhere a few missteps can be easily forgiven. Disney delivers yet another family treat that can be enjoyed by those of all ages.