Don’t be surprised if you start hearing it on Radio Disney. “How Far I’ll Go,” a song that was recently released by Alessia Cara, is delivered in the film by a crisp and lovely toned Cravalho. All of the catchy music is appropriate for the island setting, due in large part to the contributions of Opetaia Foa’i, a Samoan musician and composer known for a style called South Pacific fusion. That self-aggrandizing song features a catchy rap verse, courtesy of lyricist (and “Hamilton” creator) Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also sings lead on another soundtrack tune. “So what can I say except you’re welcome,” he sings, “for the islands I pulled from the sea?” Maui - who has been stuck on an island for hundreds of years, and who is still arrogant despite having lost some of his powers - is one such obstacle. (Walt Disney Animation Studios)ĭespite a slightly complicated setup, most of the film, which concerns Moana overcoming obstacles, is fairly predictable. Grandma Tala (voice of Rachel House), left, and Moana. (A prologue explains that this mystical object, known as the Heart of Te Fiti, was stolen centuries ago by Maui, a demigod of the wind and sea.) Encouraged by her grandmother (Rachel House), and accompanied by a dumb-as-rocks rooster named Hei Hei (Alan Tudyk), Moana sets out to track down the demigod (Dwayne Johnson) and restore the Heart of Te Fiti to its rightful place. When an environmental calamity threatens her island home, Moana, a born navigator, sets sail to save the people she will one day lead, embarking on a sea journey to retrieve an ancient artifact that has the power to create new islands and oceans. The story follows the title character (voice of Auli’i Cravalho), the 16-year-old daughter of a Polynesian chief who has always been drawn to the sea. In other words, she’s less a Sleeping Beauty than a South Pacific Mulan. Moana has the appeal of a princess and the heart of a warrior. “Moana” may not be “The Little Mermaid” or “Aladdin,” but the film, set among the islands of Polynesia, boasts not only cultural authenticity but also a young heroine who is steadfast and proud, even as she struggles to find her way.

The studio’s latest animated feature checks all those boxes, while still managing to enthrall. Teenage princess Moana (voice of Auli’i Cravalho) searches for a savior - demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) - for her island in “Moana.” (Walt Disney Animation Studios)ĭisney films tend to follow a recipe that includes a hero’s journey (either figurative or literal), a sidekick, catchy songs, a villain and a lesson.

Moana full movie 2016