Review of Moana (2016) by Eilidh2 — 23 Nov 2016
I don't know what film the critics saw given the superlative reviews on here, but Moana was the most disappointing Disney film in a long time. The story was, frankly boring, and still managed to be difficult to follow for kids and the parents who, when asked, 'why did she do that?' had to say 'no idea'. Why did she keep falling in the water? Who knows? Was it supposed to be funny? Who knows?
Moana's a pretty generic Disney princess heroine (despite the fact she is, to differentiate her from every other Disney princess heroine, only the daughter of a chief), full of moxie (as per usual Disney princess heroine) who must do something to save her island.. or learn something about herself.. or.. I'm not sure!
The Rock is marginally amusing as the comic relief. He isn't helped by the dumb jokes he's given. The young actress voicing Moana does her best but isn't noteworthy (I think she was a non-professional and it shows.. or is heard).
Lin-Manuel Miranda, who has done such a majestic job with Hamilton, hasn't done himself proud here. The songs just drag on. One song is the chirpy 'You're Welcome' sung by the Rock. It's catchy if nothing else.
Frozen's a hard act for a Disney musical to follow, but Moana doesn't even try.
This review of Moana (2016) was written by Eilidh2 on 23 Nov 2016.
Moana has generally received very positive reviews.
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