Review: MOANA Cements a Redefinition of the Disney Princess Film

Walt Disney Animation Studios' Moana, directed by Ron Clements and John Musker (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Princess and the Frog), is pure magic. The film tells the story of born-way finder Moana Waialiki, daughter of Chieftain Tui (Temuera Morrison) and mother Sina (Nicole Scherzinger), who sets out on a mission to save the people of the island of Motonui, Moana's home. Moana, played by 15 year-old newcomer Auli'i Cravahlo, is simply one of the best heroines in Disney's canon. Her fierce tenacity and desire for adventure provide perfect motivation for her journey to save her people. Combining the best in Disney character establishment, storytelling, and world building, the Polynesian-set musical is yet another example of Disney Animation's reestablished reign over competitive sibling studio Pixar for the title of “King of Animation."

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