Moana (2016)

'Moana' is the 53rd animated feature film from Walt Disney Pictures and stars Dwayne Johnson as the demi-god Maui who is forced into helping a young woman named Moana restore peace and prosperity to her island and the world. At first reluctant and selfish, Maui learns about himself while Moana learns who she is meant to be in the world. I'm going to say it now, 'Moana' is easily one of the best films this year and I really didn't think Disney could outdo themselves in the same year (Zootopia being another excellent piece) but they do continue to prove me wrong.

This film is much stronger in its themes and in its message than some recent Disney fare. The film tackles the subjects of family, inner strength, and the usual positives, while also dealing with the issues of loss, abandonment, and one's own self worth and value to others. It's some heavy stuff that the average young one may not catch, but for us adults and parents its some heavy emotional stuff that I miss seeing in films today. This film also breaks tradition with having non-stereotypical characteristics to Moana and her people. You see that despite her position as a 'princess' in their society, she is shown attempting to help and inspire her people and make heavy decisions. These things you just don't see in Disney films and they're better for it.

She also didn't need to fall in love with Maui or have a love interest whatsoever, which is another plus for Disney and films in general. The young Auli'i Cravalho in her first major role as the titular character is very well cast. She personifies the character perfectly and could be her digital twin. I hope to see her in more to come. Dwayne Johnson provides the humor here and each new role he's in he continues to grow on me more and more. One of the biggest strengths of the film has to be the beautiful soundtrack and new songs from Mark Mancina, Te Vaka, and Lin-Manuel of 'Hamilton' fame. These are some of the catchiest and best songs that Disney has had and won't be ruined by your children constantly running them (ahem..'Frozen'...).

'Moana' is an amazing effort in the animation genre, on par with 'Renaissance-era' Disney films of the 90's. It's well worth your time, effort, and the screaming children in the theater with you. Check it out whenever you can, then check it out again.