Review of Moana (2016) by Justinkcarter — 15 Dec 2016

~ Disney Crafts a Cinematic Gem ~.

To transverse the world in which Moana takes place is undoubtedly an experience of blissful joy. The film’s directors (John Musker, Ron Clements) and its animators have constructed the South Pacific in a rather elegant manner — oceans appear almost life-like in color / clarity and the islands themselves are a hypnotic lush green. The byproduct of this polished look is an Island that enthralls the viewer; you feel compelled to plunge amidst this gorgeous world and experience first-hand its bright palette. This in of itself is the magic behind Disney: a superimposed prettiness paralleled with a charming narrative.

Seasoned Disney directors John Musker and Ron Clements (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Hercules) adhere to an already established blueprint: we have a three-dimensional protagonist (Moana) whose overt wanderlust impels her to adventure beyond her Polynesian village in spite of her fathers overprotective nature. Interesting plot developments are made as we see the relationship between Moana and the pretentious demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) evolve. The narrative advances like the typical hero’s journey — unique in that we have a teen heroine sans a love interest. Moana consistently hits the mark in that its story is entirely revolved around its heroine — a headstrong Polynesian girl who is unapologetically herself. With Moana, Disney finds itself once again a juggernaut in the world of film.