Moana - movie review
Moana
Plot: In Ancient Polynesia, when a terrible curse incurred by Maui reaches an impetuous Chieftain's daughter's island, she answers the Ocean's call to seek out the demigod to set things right.
Cast: Auli'i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachel House
Directors: Ron Clements and John Musker
Rating: PG (mild threat)
Runtime: 1hr 43 mins
Release Date: Friday 2nd December 2016
DWAYNE JOHNSON CAN SING! Sorry to blurt it out all of sudden but it just needs to be said. Moana is the newest incarnation of the supreme overlord that is Disney. Since Wreck-It Ralph, Disney have been on a winning streak. Frozen was a global phenomenon to say the least, Big Hero 6 was an amazing superhero movie and Zootopia placed animals in a Lethal Weapon homage. However, with Moana, Disney have reverted back to their classical ways by telling a story about destiny, adventure and containing all the whimsy that we've come to expect and adore.
IS THERE NOTHING THIS MAN CANNOT DO? ACT! WRESTLE! USE MORE BABY OIL THAN AN ACTUAL BABY. AND NOW HE CAN SING!!! I swear to God, if Johnson can tap dance, he wins everything in life. After fulfilling almost every genre, Dwayne Johnson now turns his hand to voice acting as Maui, a demigod. After some research (clicking on Buzzfeed articles entitled '20 Amazing Facts About Moana') it turns out Johnson took an active part in wanting to perfect his performance as Maui. A common problem when famous stars attempt animation is that all we hear is that celebrity. Some exceptions like Tom Hanks as Woody and James Earl Jones as Mufasa aren't a problem. So to combat this, Dwayne decided to keep asking if he's actually making Maui a character rather than a voice that makes all the audience go 'Wait, is that The Rock?' Thankfully, Maui is Maui, not The Rock. Johnson does a tremendous job as the voice of this cocky demigod and in some ways, is as endearing, captivating and all around awesome as Robin Williams's Genie. He's having a blast in this world and Maui is destined to become a Disney classic that kids (and adults) will queue to see at Disney World. Did I mention he can sing?
Of course, this film isn't called Maui. It's Moana so a strong female character capable of outsmarting The Rock is needed. The temptation of hiring a well known actress was considerably high for Disney here but instead, they took the riskier option of casting a complete unknown in Auli'i Cravalho. She isn't an 'unknown' like Daisy Ridley was per say. Ridley had a few TV shows under her belt but Cravalho literally has never been in anything. Moana is the first role of her life so no pressure. But once again, trust in Disney because Cravalho's voice as Moana is perfect. She's sweet, instantly lovable and equals the charisma of Maui. Whereas as Elsa (from Frozen) was a bit cold (pun intended), Moana lacks any flaws. That could have made for an entirely unrelatable character but because of Cravalho's welcoming personality emanating through her voice, Moana transcends the flawless Disney princess stereotype. It's also wonderful to see a female lead in what is basically, an animated action film. From memory, Mulan was the last hardcore Disney princess we got. Another plus to Cravalho is that she's got a set of lungs on her. Some of the songs she gets, Cravalho blows the roof off the cinema with songs that are destined to be loved by all. In short, you're going to be hearing the name Auli'i Cravalho for a long time to come. Some other voices that make smaller appearances are Jemaine Clement as a giant gold hoarding crab whose fleeting emergence is quite a hoot. Nicole Scherzinger plays Moana's mother with care and grace and her father is voiced by Jango Fett himself, Temuera Morrison giving a commanding and respectful depiction of a Polynesian chief. The final voice is provided by Rachel House who plays Moana's grandmother. She helps expand Moana's connection with the water and there are some scenes between the two of them reminiscing that are utterly beautiful and can send the most joyous of goosebumps across your arm.
FACT: Lin-Manuel Miranda was signed on to write the music for Moana before the Broadway stage musical Hamilton became a worldwide phenomenal hit.
If there was anything to dampen the mood about Moana, it would be that the actual story isn't as fresh or inventive as we've seen from previous Disney flicks. The father-daughter relationship that gets tested after the daughter wants to explore is a theme that has beat for beat been shown in The Little Mermaid (also directed by Clements and Musker). The idea of our protagonist going on an adventure, with a comical animal sidekick and finding a larger than life presence, to help save their land and people is a tried and tested formula. So, unfortunately, as far as surprises and actual plot structure is concerned, Moana isn't breaking new ground. However, just because it isn't inventive, doesn't mean Moana isn't executed well. With no real villain (a few antagonists that Moana and Maui meet on their journey), Moana matches the saying 'more about the journey rather than the destination'. What Moana technically is, is a road trip movie just situated on the ocean. The bond that forms between Maui and Moana is fantastic and we buy these two as good friends but please, I ask Tumblr and all crazy fans out there, DO NOT SHIP THESE TWO. I don't want to be hearing any crazy fan fictions or creepy drawings. Don't wreck what is already good. The humour also diverts away from the unoriginal plot. Moana is hysterically funny. Much more humourous than recent Disney films. Hei Hei, a clumsy chicken, will have everyone of all ages howling in their seats. But what makes Moana that extra bit special in comparison to the most recent Disney ventures is the presentation of Polynesian culture, their people and their mythology. Lilo and Stitch briefly touched on it all but Moana prides itself on the presentation of Polynesia. It's wonderful to see this area of the world get the representation they deserve with their beautiful islands and fascinating traditions that are all depicted in the most awe-inspiring of ways.
Right, I've gone a whole paragraph without mentioning it so...DWAYNE JOHNSON CAN REALLY SING! Yes, if you hadn't guessed by now, Moana is a classic Disney musical. With the mind behind Hamilton writing the songs, Lin Manuel Miranda has successfully crafted songs that will get stuck in your head faster than any of the songs from Frozen. And the best part, they're all incredible. With most Disney soundtracks, there are usually a few songs that are immediately disregarded but Moana is unique as all of the songs are catchy and fantastic. Parents who have small children, consider this a warning. Let It Go from Frozen was just the beginning. The Moanapocalypse is coming. Your kids will learn every song here and repeat it for years to come. As of now, it'll be fine. I love the songs too. But the inevitable will happen. Enjoy it while it lasts. That being said, two songs really stand out as some of Disney's finest work. Firstly, the big song from Moana herself is How Far I'll Go and it's a belter. But the song that easily steals the show, and a song that I'm not ashamed to know the words to already, is Dwayne Johnson's 'You're Welcome'. OH. MY. GOD. Words cannot even begin to describe how much I've fallen for this song. With brilliant songs checked off the list, Disney's other noteworthy staple is their ability to make insanely beautiful films and Moana is no exception. In fact, removing Pixar out of the equation, Moana might be the most stunning picture Disney have created. The way the sunlight glints off of the ocean is magnificent, the Polynesian islands look phenomenal and the characters themselves are the most photorealistic they've ever been.
The Disney magic is firing on all cylinders with gorgeous visuals, charismatic characters and fantastic songs. Moana and Maui are certain to be loved by everyone and their respective songs will become an impossible struggle to remove from your head. Its story, although nothing new, is completed with the utmost finesse all culminating in a Disney film bound to become a classic. If you're after a film that will put an enormous grin on your face for the entirety of the runtime, Moana is the answer no matter your age. Also, DWAYNE JOHNSON CAN SING!
My Verdict: 9.5/10
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