Moana – Budget of $150 million – 1 hour and 53 minutes

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Gramma Tala has been telling her granddaughter, Moana, tales of Te Fiti since she was a baby. Te Fiti created all life and became an island. But when Te Fiti’s heart (a small stone called pounama) was stolen by a demigod named Maui, all the islands Te Fiti created were cursed. Each island would rot away and die. The only way the islands can be saved is if Maui returns what he stole. The problem: Maui was attacked by a lava monster, Te Ka, and lost his magical fish hook, which gave him shape-shifting powers. Maui has never heard from, again. The ocean has called out to Moana but her father, Chief Tui Waialiki, tells her to never go beyond the reef. It is dangerous and everything she needs is on the island. As Moana grows up, she knows she belongs in the water and beyond the reef. This feeling is confirmed when their coconut trees become diseased and the fish are all gone. Moana is encouraged by her dying grandmother to find Maui and his fish hook, defeat Te Ka, and return the heart to Te Fiti. Only then will their island will be saved. If only she knew how to sail … a good thing the ocean is a friend of hers.

Be ready to have your breath taken away. Disney didn’t just tell a story, they honored a rich Polynesian Culture. The music, dancing, dress, tattoos, and food are on full display for your wonderment and knowledge. Moana is proving she can be a great chief to help her people by looking back at her ancestors. Maui is the best egotistical good guy you will ever see. And his tattoos have a life of their own, along with one really dumb and lucky chicken. See if you can spot the movie’s homage to Mad Max: Fury Road in one scene (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). The music will be stuck in your head for days … and that’s a great thing. Songs like “You’re Welcome” and “I am Moana” will be instant favorites. This has the beauty of The Princess and the Frog and the catchiness of Frozen (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). See it before someone ruins the ending. And stay past the end crawl for a special scene for the adults.

I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars

You are the future of our people, Moana – Chief Tui Waialiki

Whatever happened, blame it on the pig – Grandma Tala

We were voyagers – Moana

That was me. You’re welcome – Maui

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