While it (mercifully) lacks the same persistent earworm qualities of the ubiquitous “Let It Go” from “ Frozen,” its message of female assertiveness makes it infinitely more worthwhile.
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“Hamilton” mastermind Lin-Manuel Miranda co-wrote several of the songs that help propel the action, including Moana’s girl-power anthem, “How Far I’ll Go,” and Maui’s bouncy introductory tune, “You’re Welcome.” The former speaks to her yearning to break free and explore beyond the island’s reef, something her father ( Temuera Morrison) and mother ( Nicole Scherzinger) have urged her not to do for fear of the dangers that may await. (If you’re thinking about bringing very young children, a giant lava monster might seem frightening to them, but everything else is pretty darn delightful-including a pirate armada of evil coconuts who attack in a hilarious and thrilling sequence that’s straight out of “ Mad Max: Fury Road.”) The two enjoy plenty of highs and lows as they set out on the open ocean, learning to work together to navigate various obstacles and outsmart their foes. (A running bit in which Maui’s mass of tattoos comes to life to comment on the action-and mock him-provides a consistently funny Greek chorus.) But Johnson doesn’t get enough credit for his ability to connect with more intimate, dramatic moments, and “Moana” allows him to show off that side of his talent, too. Being one of the most charismatic people on the planet, Johnson charms with all the swagger you’d expect, and he’s also capable of toying with his tough-guy image as we’ve seen over the years. None is larger than Dwayne Johnson as the muscled demigod Maui, with whom Moana must team up to return a magical stone to its resting place and right an ancient wrong that’s steadily plagued the Pacific islands ever since-including, most pressingly, her home. And the film from the veteran directing team of Ron Clements and John Musker (“ The Little Mermaid,” “ Aladdin”) and a small army of writers gives her plenty of opportunity to shine both individually and as part of a large, colorful cast of characters. In lending her voice to the title character, Cravalho radiates grace, great timing and an infectious energy. And it features an astonishingly assured, auspicious debut from Auli’I Cravalho, a Hawaiian teenager showing chops and instincts well beyond her experience and years.
It’s a must-see for girls and boys alike, though. But for some of us older folks in the crowd, it’s hard to shake the feeling of wistful possibility in seeing a woman assume the leadership position for which she was destined. It’s all there, and-except for a few scary moments-it’ll delight viewers of all ages. Sure, you could go see “Moana” for its dazzling visuals, catchy tunes, enjoyable performances, clever running gags and overall sense of fun.
Moana is on the verge of becoming the first female chief in the proud history of her Polynesian tribe, shattering the glass ceiling under spectacular blue skies.