Nominated For: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song "How Far I'll Go" (written by Lin Manuel Miranda).
Moana observes the thrilling adventures undertaken by young Polynesian islander Moana alongside demigod Maui and dimwitted rooster Heihei to reconcile Maui's mistake and return island goddess Te Fiti's heart, effectively restoring balance to the island life.
Moana is the second release from Walt Disney Animation Studios this year, the first being Zootopia, and these two releases couldn't be any more distinct (I'm curious to see if both manage to garner appreciation from the Academy come January/February). Moana is co-directed by four of Disney's previous collaborators (both in directing & writing capacities) Ron Clements, Don Hall, John Musker, and Chris Williams. The quartet managed to ensure Moana isn't generic as it should have been by focusing on character growth and story progression, even though they sprinkle elements and references to their previous Disney work.
The concepts found in Moana sound tried and true, it's the basic archetypal heroine's journey we've grown to be familiar with and even saw earlier this year in Kubo and the Two Strings (Another fantastic animated offering from 2016). The heroine (hero) must set out on a quest to recover such and such items often requiring assistance from a supernatural being or a set of sidekicks. Moana also exploits the traditional Disney animated feature formula, but hey it works.
However despite everything going against it, Moana still manages to distinguish itself from Disney's ever-expanding animated catalogue. If there were any nitpicks I have about Moana's screenplay penned by Jared Bush, the story was imagined by the aforementioned quadrupled directing talent, Pamela Ribon, and Aaron & Jordan Kandell, it would be that there were a few too many plot conveniences. Bush does though flesh out the charismatic characters of this prolific world in a way unlike most animated fare.
The animation however was simply breathtaking, not a surprise considering Disney's track record but incredible to say the least. Disney animators craft rich character models suited for their surrounding exuberant environments and effectively blend a three-dimensional world with two-dimensional drawings in the case of Maui's tattoos and a few other choice moments.
Moana's other strength is its spectacular soundtrack including superb Polynesian-inspired original music from lyrical genius Lin Manuel Miranda, of Hamilton and Into The Heights fame, Opetaia Foa'i, and Mark Mancina. The terrificly talented trio include the empowering princess power ballad we've come to expect from just about every Disney princess release in "How Far I'll Go", a standout supporting character song with "You're Welcome", some memorable Polynesian-inspired tunes with "We Know The Way" and 'Logo Te Pate", and also know Mancina's score is delightful to listen to on it's own. The one song I'll admit not really caring for is "Shiny" but even I can't deny that it's catchy.
The vocal ensemble amassed for the project is yet another high-point of Moana as each cast member's respective portrayal hits the nail on the mark. Auli'i Cravalho makes a splashing debut channeling the simultaneous apprehensive and adventurous spirit of Moana and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson interjects charisma aplenty into the self-centered demigod Maui.
I was very impressed to hear both could not only carry a tune quite well but prove to have exceptional voices, and am also quite excited to see where Cravalho's career launches from here. Supporting cast members Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, Jermaine Clement, and Alan Tudyk voice the sagely Grandma Tala, stately father Chief Tui, a narcissistic crustacean Tamatoa, and the dense rooster Heihei who will make you laugh hysterically.
If none of that was enough to sell you on Moana, I honestly don't know what will. Do know that there's a cute short film beforehand that's basically Inside Out meets the nervous system and a humorous on-the-nose post credits scene so be sure to arrive early and leave late.
Moana's not Disney's best but it's a fun addition with all the great hallmarks of Disney's animated library; effective humor, endearing characters, exceptional music, gorgeous animation, invaluable messages and a riveting adventure.
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