MOANA

Disney’s latest animated feature, “Moana,” features a feisty young Polynesian character who seeks to secure the safety of her family’s island paradise from a spreading darkness that has begun destroying the island’s livability.

Moana (voiced spiritedly by newcomer Auli'i Cravalho), the heir to the island of Motunui’s leadership, constantly feels the call of the massive ocean.  Unfortunately, Moana’s constant wanderlust is much to the dismay of her father (and island chief), who wants all Montunui people to stay safe and not venture beyond the reef. 

When unfortunate circumstances threaten the island’s natural resources, Moana follows her heart to sail beyond the reef (with only the accidental accompaniment by her loopy rooster Heihei) and put things right for her people.  Following her people’s legend, Moana seeks, against all odds, to find demigod Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson) and have him replace a jewel he once stole from the goddess Te Fiti, which may have caused the darkness to originally spread across the islands.

“Moana” is a different Disney film, as there is no prince anywhere in sight, Moana eschews being called a princess, and Moana’s body type is far from the off-the-rack standard princess shape so often depicted.  Moana, even under her fantastical voyage, is also relatable.  She is the hero of the film, and her unflagging spirit of youth inspires the heart of young adventurers to try to do and be more than the limits that are imposed upon them.  Further, Lin-Manuel Miranda (of “Hamilton” fame) contributes to a catchy soundtrack that somehow combines the majesty of the Polynesian culture with stick-in-your head lyrics and melodies.  The score is auditorily mesmerizing.

The gorgeousness of the animated ocean, the steadfastness of Moana’s quest, and the fantastic film score come together to make Moana a must-watch family film this holiday season.