Moana – A Good Slice of Disney Cheese

Rating: 7/10 (1 September 2017)

2016 was a busy year for animated films hitting the box office and big screens, with hit movies such as 'Zootopia' and 'Kubo & The Two Strings' being ever prevalent as some of the most popular films to debut that year - It's no surprise to me that 'Moana' followed the same musical legacy that Walt Disney studios like to traditionally strive for.
Disney's 'Moana' follows the events after demigod Maui (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) steals the heart of the goddess Te Fiti, plunging the island into a watery abyss. As Muai escapes the sinking island, he is soon confronted by the Lava Monster (Te Kā), a heartless and destructive creature with a fiery disposition. Maui is defeated in battle and sinks further into the depths, becoming but a memory to the humans or a children's bedtime story. With the threat of growing darkness making its way over the Polynesian coast; Moana, a young girl caught in personal conflict between her love of her village she is destined to lead and dreams of sailing the waters beyond the reef, must find the courage to find the lost demigod and restore order to the land.
While the film itself lacks the many intricate details that movies such as 'Zootopia' included, Moana is the traditional bit of cheese that gives Walt Disney it's popular family image, with a wide range of musical numbers that provide enjoyment like their previous counterparts. In no way was it shocking that I found myself humming out the tune of "You're Welcome" performed by Dwayne Johnson as Lin- Manuel Miranda manages to bring a vibrant culture into a soundtrack that's accessible for all ages. They're easy to listen to, an absolute pleasure to play on repeat and manage to remain relevant to their purpose. The animation is on point throughout the movie, equalling the same amount of intricate programming as the two previous films mentioned – all the while keeping the same, alluring charm that Disney continues to nail.
One thing that Disney manages to do without fail is their choice in voice actors: Dwayne Johnson seems to completely blend in with Maui's egotistical and fun-loving image, yet still remain comfortable enough with his voice to sing a musical number. Auli'i Carvalho definitely manages to hold her own sense of individuality against the star, giving a strong voice to a very modern and highly driven female character. Moana proves that you are always capable of creating a female character that doesn't depend on the validation of a male counterpart or even a shoehorned romantic sub-plot. It was a highly refreshing character to see after 'Frozen' pushed Disney back to the same outdated representation of naive girls risking everything for love.
Overall, Moana did not fail to disappoint me. It's above the expectations of 'Frozen' and more on the level of enjoyment that 'Tangled' provided young girls when it first debuted. For families, it is an adventure of self-discovery and confidence that will definitely bring a smile to your face.
Great music, an okay-ish story and an idiotic chicken. Need I say more?