Title: Moana
MPAA Rating: PG
Director: Ron Clements, Don Hall
Starring: Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachel House
Runtime: 1 hr 47 mins

What It Is: Moana (Cravalho) lives on an island that has mysterious run short on its resources. Legend had it that returning an ancient artifact to its rightful place will quell this issue. What is needed for that is the demigod Maui (Johnson) and his magical fish hook. If they can get those things and return the artifact to its rightful place then perhaps Moana can restore the resources of her home island and perhaps learn a thing or two about herself.

What We Think: What a fabulous film! It certainly pushes Kubo and the Two Strings for the best-animated film of 2016. Solid vocal performances all around but Auli’i Cravalho is a standout. This young lady really added a lot to the titular character. Dwayne Johnson was stellar. The two really had a great connection. I enjoyed the songs in the movie and that is a credit to Tony winner Lin-Manuel Miranda who crafts some wonderful songs including the Oscar-nominated “How Far I’ll Go”. Lush colors work well for the island setting. From a story perspective, it’s beats aren’t nearly as emotionally potent as that of Kubo. This I think stems from a shorter buildup and a focus on the primary story with a secondary tale abandoned a little too much.

Our Grade: A-, A great film and one that every family should definitely check out. It is cute and adorable and it features just enough Disney magic. I think the best son in the movie isn’t even sung by a primary character. Instead, I thought that the song performed by Jemaine Clements character was awesome. See the film it is really good, but certainly not the best animated film of 2016.