willdidonna Usual Disney princess movie formula describes this movie: Step 1. Chose a theme and setting, Step 2. Start movie with Disney castle, netx add some conflict backstory, then go to characters child where they find something relating to the conflict, skip to the current age character with musical town intro, kill family member(s), character starts adventure with singing and leaves home. Step 3. Make middle part with more singing and adding characters (good and bad) (also esablish main threat) while main character goes to some places. Step 4. Add a sad or losing part for the main character. Step 5. Final sequence or fight where main character discovers something and then wins, then make final scenes where everything is better again, cut to credits.If you think you have seven this formula before in Disney movies you will know what to expect for this one. The theme is Pacific Islander this time. That is all that is different in this movie. Overall average

Torrin-McFinn77 As much as I enjoy Disney movies and having watched a lot of those princess films in my younger years, this is the latest of those princess ones (in which I have somewhat lost interest). It's decent for me but anyone who likes Pacific Island motifs would find it fun. Dwayne Johnson was the best part as the demigod. A lot of my friends can't stand him because he's a former wrestler but that seems like such an unfair judgment and an utterly ridiculous reason to dislike a celebrity. He's made some decent movies, so what's not to like? I enjoyed him in the Scorpion King. Anyway, back to Moana. I enjoyed the themes that went into the movie, especially the Pacific Island motifs, Moana's mission, and the clash between spirits, humans, and demigods. It's almost like Avatar: The Last Airbender that way. Oh, but to put it honestly, it's not my absolute favorite Disney film, but the visuals were stunning. If you wanted a different kind of Disney princess who isn't your average damsel in distress, look here!

Neil Welch The sea has called to Moana since she was small but Chief Tui, her father, has banned the tribe from venturing beyond the reef. When the coconuts rot and the fish disappear, Moana follows her destiny by going to sea in search of trickster demi-god Maui. She seeks to make him rectify a misguided act many years ago, which led to the current problems.This film dazzled me from start to finish, starting with Moana. Enchanting as a child, and engaging as a curious, wilful, and downright feisty teen, the character features great visual design and wonderful voice work from Hawai'ian teen Auli'i Cravalho. Demi-god Maui is also a visual treat, especially the tattoos which offer their own commentary on his actions. And it is a delight to hear Dwayne Johnson taking such pleasure in voicing a character which pays homage to his own Polynesian heritage.The story, while not holding any great surprises, has an unusual setting and is a satisfying tale - the set-up in Act 1 is interesting, the action in Act 2 works well, and the pay-off in Act 3 is both gripping and emotional.The overall design and animation are simply breathtaking. The land locations are vibrant and detailed, the oceanic locations are epic, and the animation, particularly of hair, water and lava, had me open-mouthed with wonder at how beautiful the film is (the 3D has some great moments but shouldn't be considered essential). And there are a handful of points in the movie when story, emotion, and visual delivery come together and grip your throat and bring tears to your eyes.It's not perfect. The comedy pig thankfully doesn't go on the voyage with Moana but, regrettably, the comedy rooster does. Neither is essential, and the film would have been better without them. But it's Disney so, hey, comedy animals.And the songs are not necessary either. They are pretty enough, but the melodies are a little shapeless so there is no immediate show-stopper. But they are well staged and I suspect they will grow on me with repeat viewings. And there will be many of those, because I loved this film!

jhenriod-73197 Being a 25 year old man you wouldnt expect me to enjoy such a thing as moana, but, having kids who watch it every day changed that i love this movie its the beat disney movie in a decade at least they nailed it