"Moana," Walt Disney's latest animated release, is an absolute delight. As the story opens, the chieftain's daughter Moana (Cravahlo) is perpetually vexed that her father (Temuera Morrison) will not allow her to venture beyond the reef encircling their island home. But the island and the ocean around it are slowly dying because long ago, a capricious demigod named Maui (Dwayne Johnson) stole - and subsequently lost - the precious stone 'heart' of the fertile goddess Te Fiti. When the sea itself entrusts that heart to young Moana, she knows that she must set sail beyond the reef, find Maui and, with his help, restore Te Fiti's heart. Obstacles along the way include a horde of pirates, a treasure-loving monster crab (Jemaine Clement) and the lava monster Te Ka, who also wants the Heart of Te Fiti. But the principle obstacle for Moana to overcome is her demigod partner, Maui, who is vain, selfish and utterly uninterested in her mission.
Directors John Musker and Ron Clements stick to a bankable formula with just enough innovation to feel current (be sure to check out the chicken sidekick). And the musical numbers by Opetaia Foa'i, Mark Mancina and Lin-Manuel Miranda are memorable, with the ensemble introduction 'Where You Are,' Clement's hilarious 'Shiny' and the show-stopping 'How Far I'll Go' (sure to garner an Oscar nomination). Dynamic CGI, lush greens, sunlit golds and deep blue sea, enhance the experience. "Moana" tells the story of a modern heroine, a smart, resourceful leader and it's a movie that's sure to garner kudos from everyone.
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