Disney’s long awaited “Moana” recently came out in theaters a couple days before Thanksgiving, and has received many amazing reviews. “Moana” is already number one in the nation and it has only been out for a week. Lately, Disney has been coming out with many princesses that are from different backgrounds so that young kids can relate to them all. Moana is the chief’s daughter, and it is her destiny to return the Heart of Tahiti to save her island. The Heart was taken away from a demigod whose name is Maui, and in order for Moana to return the Heart, she needs Maui’s help. No one on the island ever goes past the reef, but Moana makes the brave decision to set sail on her own to find Maui, restore his lost Maui’s hook, and take Maui to restore the Heart since he stole it. Overall, the movie is absolutely incredible. The animation is probably the best Disney has ever come out with. The storyline is something that teaches not only kids, but also adults that you should never give up on your dreams. “Moana from Motunui” was destined to return the Heart to save her people, and using her stubbornness and pride, she did it.

Moana was such a good movie, I watched it in both 3D, as well as the regular. Usually watching in 3D is something that many look forward to, but honestly, paying $15 for the 3D isn’t worth it. As much as I enjoyed the movie, I would rather watch the regular version, which costs $9.  There weren’t that many moments that you could notice the difference that you were watching it in 3D, it seemed regular the entire time. There were a couple of moments when they would fight with others and they would throw around darts which in 3D, it seemed like the darts were going to hit you in the face.

The characters as well as the music were phenomenal. Every character that was in the movie had significant value, no matter how big or small. The music was composed by the creator of “Hamilton,” Lin-Manuel Miranda, and he did an remarkable job of creating songs that were not only relevant to the story, but also very catchy and upbeat. As soon as I came out of the theater, I had the chorus from the song “I am Moana” stuck in my head. What was also unique about this movie was that they had real Polynesian people sing in the movie which made it more authentic.

Moana is definitely a movie everyone should check out. Her confidence is so radiant that it leaves you with a feeling of empowerment. Moana repeatedly exclaims,  “I am NOT a princess, I am the chief’s daughter.”

I definitely give this movie a 10/10!

Disney had released a new movie following a female heroine who will inspire people to explore and to find themselves: “Moana.” The movie is absolutely touching and extraordinary. It had many humorous scenes that made it hard not to giggle.

Moana plays an independent Disney princess who fits realistic standards for viewers. Although she doesn’t assume the title of a princess in the movie, she motivates viewers as though she were a Disney princess. She is very confident and proactive and hopeful. She can achieve the impossible and encourages the audience to do the same.

American singer and actress Auli’i Cravalho plays the Polynesian and adventurous Moana. The film starts off with Moana’s grandmother, Gramma Tala (Rachel House) telling the story of the demigod, Maui (Dwayne Johnson) to a baby Moana. Maui had taken the Heart (represented as a green glowing stone) of the island goddess, Te Fiti, which evidently leads to conflict and darkness amongst the other islands including Moana’s. The curious and growing Moana becomes attached to the ocean, however, must fulfill her duty as the future chief of her tribe. As a curse emerges upon the island, Gramma Tala encourages Moana to go out into the ocean to save it. With her passion and motivation, Moana then sails off on a dangerous, almost impossible voyage to meet a cocky, once-mighty Maui, encounter challenges with Te Fiti, and discover her own identity.

The film is filled with a lot of engaging adventure and musical numbers. The soundtrack and empowering story brings people into the movie and is incredibly fantastic. Additionally, the movie has its heartfelt scenes in which I, myself, teared up as well as funny moments including an idiotic chicken named Heihei (Alan Tudyk).

Disney had put in a lot of effort into this film and the cast did a great job portraying their characters. Auli’i Cravalho, being born in Hawaii, and Dwayne Johnson, who attended a year of high school in Hawaii, both had truly captured their Polynesian roles.

All in all, “Moana” will definitely become a fan-favorite with the catchy songs, hilarious script and inspiring storyline. Being a Disney fan, I fell in love with the movie and its message. “Moana” is a can’t-miss and uniquely entertaining film. The movie made $81 million on its Thanksgiving weekend opening (Nov. 23 to Nov. 28). It is absolutely worth an hour and 53 minutes of your time.

My Rating: 9/10