"Moana" Review - She Knows The Way

There has not been a Disney animated film this moving since Princess and the Frog.

There has not been a Disney animated film so cultural since Lilo and Stitch.

There has not been a Disney animated film this good since The Lion King.

This is one of the best not just Disney, but one of the best animated movies I’ve seen in years. What is there to talk about? Alright, let’s take it one at a time. This is a little longer review than usual, but bear with me. I have to talk about this glorious piece of art.

First, the animation. This animation is easily the most beautiful and life like in a pretty long time. From the blue waters to the human faces, to the out of this world 2D animation on Maui’s scenes, animation gets A+

Second, the humor. Like Tangled, this film has both witty and fourth wall breaking humor, which defiantly helps give the adults a bit of a laugh. The voice cast is absolutely spectacular both in terms of how they act overall and how they use their voices to be even more funny (mad props to Dwayne Johnson on that thought)

Third, the music. Of course Lin Manuel Miranda is a genius sent from the heavens above that made every single song so memorable and catchy. But also I have to give a hand to Mark Mancina for the score. He arranged music for the Broadway version of Lion King, and boy could you feel his magical presence in every single note of the music. Yes, give a hand for Lin, but also to Mark!

Finally, the overall story. Clements and Musker have created something truly beautiful, and that's why I consider them the best of the Disney directors. This film has no love interests or straight on villains, and it makes it only the 3rd Disney animated film I know of (with Dumbo and Lilo and Stitch) to belong in that category. But this writing has heart and soul from start to finish. You cheer on the seas, you cry on the islands, you dance with the David Bowie like crab, and much more. There is a handful of fresh and untouched material in this film that it easily propels itself past any Disney predecessor, even Zootopia! Adding Moana’s love, adventure, humor, and originality, this makes itself a masterpiece, and it’ll easily be remembered by so many people for years to come.

Frozen can honestly suck it. If this is the animated craft people talk and sing about for the next 5 years, I will gladly be okay with that.

Two Nebs Up!