I recently went to go see the Disney movie Moana. The movie is about a spirited teenager who sails out on a mission to prove herself to her ancestors, and to save her island from a curse. During her journey, Moana meets the demi-god Maui, and together they sail the ocean to save everyone.  Moana is the first Disney Polynesian princess. The voice actress that plays her is Auli’i Cravalho. Dwayne The Rock Johnson plays the mighty demi-god Maui.

This movie hit theaters on November 23,2016. It was directed by John Clements and John Musker. The movie was produced by Osnat Surer. It was distributed by Walt Disney Studios. The film received critical acclaim with praised directed to its animation, music, and voice cast. Animator,Eric Goldberg, also received praise from critics and audience for his hand drawn animation of Maui’s tattoos. They were said to have “stole the show.” As of December 9,2016, the film has grossed $130.3 million in the U.S. and over $190 million worldwide. The producers and directors tried to keep the movie as historically correct as possible.

I myself loved the movie completely. I loved the storyline and everything. I also enjoyed seeing what the Polynesian culture really does and looks like. In the beginning, I like how the little Moana was close to the ocean. The ocean picked her at such a young age. The chief didn’t want anyone to go near the water to get hurt. At first, I didn’t understand why, but by the end I of the story I understood why he was so cautious about that.

I loved Moana’s gramma Tala. She was very funny but wise at the same time. She knew ever since Moana was young, that her destiny was to return the heart of Tafiti. She believed in her the whole time. Even though Tala died before Moana got to set on her journey, she still was with her the whole way as she reincarnated into a sting ray. As Moana, set sail, I started to think that it wasn’t a good idea. She often struggled and failed at simple tasks. However, that all changed when she found Maui, the demi-god.

Maui also was a very funny character. He was very cocky, but he kind of had the right to be. Thousands of years back, many of Moana’s ancestors looked up to him because he was very helpful.

Also, the music selection throughout the movie were very enjoyable and catchy. My favorite song was “We Know the Way” by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Opetaia Foa’i.

Overall, I really liked this movie a lot. Moana is now my 2^nd favorite Disney princess movie. Before her, I rank The Princess and the Frog at #1.

When this movie comes out on DVD, I will be sure to get it!