Disney’s “Moana” is visually spectacular and fun. The blue oceans, the lush tropical islands, and beautiful Polynesian people are vibrantly created in state of the art animation. The songs co-written by Lin- Manuel Miranda of Broadway “Hamilton” fame have a Hawaiian flavor and engaging lyrics. Dwayne Johnson voices Demigod Maui with the gusto of The Rock from his WWE days. He almost steals “Moana” with his comical zeal and authentic introspection. Newcomer Auli’i Cravalho is enchanting as Moana. She is a young star with a fabulous voice.
I grew up in Hawaii and was familiar with some of the Hawaiian mythology. Demigod Maui was the way finder who pulled up the Hawaiian Islands from the ocean with his great fishing hook. “Moana” is enjoyable and superbly entertaining. Ironically, while the brave way finders discovered the vast unknown, “Moana” ventures into familiar seas.
Jared Bush wrote the screenplay for “Moana” from the story by Ron Clements, John Musker, Chris Williams, Don Hall and 3 others. Perhaps too many writers. They wrote this kluged narrative and predictable story. This is unfortunate on several levels. “Moana” is an homage to Polynesian culture which is rarely depicted in even live-action movies. This is an empowerment tale about the rites of passage of the young girl Moana (Cravalho), heir apparent Chieftain. “Moana” echoes the sacred bond of man and the earth. The story albeit inspiring has been done before. Maui (Johnson) says “High five,” and “Got your back!” The colloquialisms seem out of place for an ancient tale that is a couple thousand years old. Directors Ron Clements and John Musker smooth out the journey joyously with visuals and song.
In the story, Chief Tui (proud and strong Temuera Morrison)—Moana’s father, forbid anyone to sail beyond the Island’s reef. To save the Island and her people, Moana sails beyond the reef into the great ocean to find Maui. Metaphorically, “Moana” might have done the same as its hero, throwing caution to the wind and risking the great unknown.
“Moana” opens as Gramma Tala (strong and gentle Rachel House) tells the story to children of how Maui stole the heart of Te Fiti (Island Goddess). The heart is a green stone that possesses the life force. Upon escaping Maui battles the lava monster Te Ka, and he along with his fishing hook and the heart of Te Fiti are vanquished into to the depths of the sea. In a recurrent Disney signature the story scares the children; all except little Moana. Then the ocean poetically anoints Moana as the chosen one for the heart of Te Fiti.
Years pass and Moana’s island is dying—the fishing and crops depleted. Gramma Tala reveals to Moana (Cravalho) she is the one who must return the heart of Te Fiti, and find Maui. To complete the quest she breaks her Father’s law to sail beyond the reef. Wise Tala enlightens Moana that she will find what she is meant to be.
Johnson and Cravalho charm as the unlikely partners—the woman chieftain and the demigod in redemption. Cravalho voices Moana’s strength amidst her self-doubt. She is an awesome singer. The song “How Far I’ll Go” is moving. Johnson also can carry a tune as Maui. He brings a playful pompousness to the hulking kind of squishy tattooed Maui—so unlike his real chiseled persona. He also displays a compassionate vulnerability, especially when he tells how he became the demigod. He and Cravalho have wonderful chemistry, and give “Moana” its big heart. We pull for Maui and Moana on their treacherous journey. They are finding who they are meant to be. That really matters for us. Although familiar, “Moana” has brilliant song, amazing sights, and true soul. Enjoy.
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