MOANA (American Film Institute Release Los Angeles California USA 2016)

Ben Meyers’ rating—4.3|5.0 Starsìììì

Moana—superb animation serves the eye in every frame—backs itself with a terrific storyline, great choice of vocal talent, and music. It’s a re-watch for both the child and adult due to rich metaphors sprinkled liberally throughout the script. Nothing lacking in special effects, it’s a definite pick for the home library.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline

The demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) steals a stone called Heart of Te Fiti in an effort to give it to humans, but soon loses the stone in a fight with the god of fire and earth. A thousand years later, a small group of people inhabit an Island that supplies their needs of food, clothing, and shelter. There comes a time when the island no longer provides the regular sufficiency of coconuts and fish. The people need to venture beyond the reef but their belief system keeps them from seeking what they need. Moana (voice of Auli’l Cravalho), the chief’s daughter, despite severe discouragement from her family and core beliefs with which she has been raised, has the courage to leave the island in search of new lands for her people. She meets Maui and carves a new, abundant future for the villagers.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Ron Clements and John Musker for their directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer John Lasseter for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Moana (voice of Auli’I Cravalho), Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), Gramma Tala (voice of Rachel House), Chief Tui (voice of Temuera Morrison), Tamatoa (voice of Jemaine Clement), Sina (voice of Nicole Scherzinger), Heihei/Villager #3 (voice ofAlan Tudyk), Fisherman (voice of Oscar Kightley), and Villager #1 (voice of Troy Polamalu).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. No time or money lost when choosing this entertainment pic.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers