

So much of Moana feels like a rehash of other Disney films, and whereas some may dislike that laziness, others will find joy in it doing what works well (if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, sort of thing).

Moana’s grandmother appears like the willow from Pocahontas, or Tanana from Brother Bear, and imparts that all-important wisdom, and the parents are the cautious, but eventually encouraging duo like so many parental figures in the oeuvre.
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They are used for exposition (as is the case for many Disney films), but rarely impart much else. Issues only lie in Moana’s very tightly structured narrative, where side-characters are really not seen as vital.

Going through them as systematically as the writers must have (not to point it out in a negative manner, but it has thousands of the same tropes), the story is brilliantly captivating, the music contains some new classics, and the main three characters become fresh icons. Of course, visuals aren’t all you can ask for in a Disney film, and there must be enjoyment to be had with the story, characters and musical numbers. It is the paramount element to praise about Moana for fans of animation, and kids who adore that bright colour, the film’s look is simply stunning. Still, it is gorgeous – awash with stunning colours and textures – and proves how even with Pixar, Disney can make majestic-looking films with apparent ease. It now seems like a long while since Disney used their animators’ gifts for drawing, and had that hand-drawn style, and Moana would have been a beautiful film with pen and ink. It isn’t attempting anything different, and for that it isn’t exemplary, but it is so very, very charming. It brings together all the right ingredients to maintain that winning formula. As a group of creative minds, Moana was due to be a shining example of what Disney can do, and it most certainly is. And for the last few years, co-directors Don Hall and Chris Williams (Oscar-winners for Big Hero 6) have helped keep Disney on top of their game. Having directed The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Hercules, they are integral to the modern Disney catalogue. Ron Clements and John Musker largely define the millennials’ idea of Disney. Joining her on the adventure is her hero, the legendary demi-god Maui. Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker.įeaturing the voice talents of Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Jemaine Clement, Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, Alan Tudyk and Nicole Scherzinger.Ī young woman uses her navigational talents to set sail for a fabled island.
