Rated PG for peril, some scary images and brief thematic elements.
Starring the voices of Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Alan Tudyk and Jemaine Clement
Directed by Ron Clements, John Musker, (Aladdin and The Little Mermaid), Don Hall and Chris Williams (Big Hero 6)
Another Disney princess movie that will be an instant classic.
Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one knows why. An adventurous teenager sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli’i Cravalho) meets the once-mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity.
For those of you who do not know, I have a four-year-old daughter, which means I’ve see Frozen more time than I care to think about and still can’t let it go. So, when Moana was released, we made our way to the theater, bought the tickets and some popcorn and made it a family date.
An hour and half later my daughter had a new favorite princess and my wife and I were humming the tune to a new song. Moana is such a fun movie with a great cast and some very catchy new songs.
The story is about a young girl against impossible odds. It’s all about her adventure and the demigod she meets along the way. If I had anything negative to say it would be the “believing in yourself” and “the truth lies inside you” message.
The cast includes Auli’i Cravalho, Alan Tudyk, Jemaine Clement and former Pittsburgh Steeler Troy Polamalu – I’m also a HUGE Steelers fan! They all do a great job but Dwayne Johnson is just incredible. He’s funny, strong and he can sing!
The animation is beautiful as we are taken to the islands this time. Everything visually in the film is stunning and flawless.
I’m not surprised my 4-year old daughter loved it, but I am surprised how much my wife and I enjoyed it. It’s “Worth Buying.”
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Yes, this one is fun for everyone.
CONVERSATION STARTER:
- What do Moana and her father argue about?
- Why does he not want her to leave?
- What are some things you and your parents argue about?
- How do you handle those arguments?
- How can you honor your parents?
Read Ephesians 6: 1-3
Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”
Jonathan McKee
Jonathan McKee is the author of over twenty books including the brand new The Guy's Guide to FOUR BATTLES Every Young Man Must Face; The Teen’s Guide to Social Media & Mobile Devices; If I Had a Parenting Do Over; and the Amazon Best Seller - The Guy's Guide to God, Girls and the Phone in Your Pocket. He speaks to parents and leaders worldwide, all while providing free resources for youth workers on TheSource4YM.com. Jonathan, his wife Lori, and their three kids live in California.