Moana uses impressive visuals and a dynamic heroine to build a delightful new addition to the Disney Animation cannon.
Everything old is new again in the Wonderful World of Disney. With Disneyโs efforts to revive and recreate itโs beloved animated cannon, including Jon Favreauโs The Jungle Book, to Peteโs Dragon, and next yearโs eagerly awaited Beauty and the Beast, the House of Mouse has found recent success playing to their strengths. Similarly, the latest contribution from their animation studios, Moana in many ways seems a clearer descendent of the Disneyโs traditional animated formula than recent releases Zootopia or Big Hero 6. But while it may not boast the narrative boldness of those films, in its title character and stunning visuals, Moana brings about an exciting evolution for the studio while honoring the storied Disney legacy.
The film focuses on Moana (Auliโi Cravalho), the daughter of a Hawaiian chief who sets out beyond the watchful eye of her father to end the โdarknessโ that threatens her village. In doing so, she finds herself paired with the showboating demi-god Maui (Dwayne Johnson) as she tries to return a magical gem that he stole long ago. Together they navigate the wild seas, facing off with a dazzling assortment of monsters after the gem as Moana tries to save her loved ones.
As mentioned earlier, the filmโs structure largely plays within traditional Disney territory (at one point in the film Maui even addresses Moanaโs identity as a โprincessโ because sheโs in a dress and has animal sidekick). However, the film gives her much richer shading than past heroines, jettisoning love interests and focusing on the pull between her love for her tribe and the pull of the sea. The newcomer Cravalhoโs vocal performance ably captures both the characterโs boldness and youthful uncertainty. The film also distinguishes itself through truly breathtaking visual work under the direction of Disney stalwarts John Musker and Ron Clements. From the representation of the Pacific Ocean (often anthropomorphized to assist Moana), to several sequences utilizing traditional Polynesian art, the film paints a sumptuous portrait of the region without somehow making it feel false. The filmโs action sequences are also largely original and exciting, including a memorable face off with a greedy crab-monster voiced by Jemaine Clement.
Even the filmโs more traditional elements work well including Johnsonโs work as Maui, whose irreverent supporting turn calls to mind Robin Williamโs legendary work in Aladdin (also directed by Musker and Clements). The frequent action star also holds his own vocally in his solo number, โYouโre Welcomeโ, the filmโs answer to past Disney showstoppers โBe Our Guestโ and โFriend Like Meโ. The other contributions from composers Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaโi, and Mark Mancina are all universally strong with the sweeping โWe Know the Wayโ and the Cravalho showcasing โHow Far Iโll Goโ sure to end up being played on repeat in family minivans soon. Ultimately while the film may not revolutionize the traditional โDisney heroโs journeyโ structure, it has given us a worthy, confident new vessel to inspire the next generation while also managing to astound them visually.
The film hits theaters on November 23.
-Nathan Braun
