Moana is the name of a teenager who lives on her South Pacific island with her family. When the ocean calls to her, she sets out for an adventure where she teams up with a plucky demi-god (voiced by Dwayne Johnson). The story is pretty standard: full of positive empowerment for girls and culturally-appropriate references, but the beautiful animation and wondrous character design boost it’s visual appeal. The inevitable sidekicks (a chicken and some tattoos) don’t fall for the typical tropes and add another layer of delight. Toss in some catchy songs with typically-clever lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda (writer of “Hamilton”) and the experience is even more enjoyable. The lively pace and spunky attitude combine with beautiful animation to make this movie fresh and fun. NOTE: Stay thru the credits for one final amusement.
(4 / 5)