3. Moana

Fingers crossed the last 2016 film of 2017! As part 2 of my day off cinema adventure, I went to see Moana. It's no secret that I love an animated film; Zootropolis was one of the two films that was dished out a 10/10 on my much adored spreadsheet last year.

Moana is different from the traditional female lead animation. During the film, our lead, played by Auli'i Cravalho, states that she is 'not a princess', and I think this is a really important step forward for a Disney film. Although Moana is a chief's daughter, and therefore someone living with privilege, we're slowly moving away from the traditional lead, living her life to marry a prince, and so on. I also thought it was important that Moana isn't white, or impossibly skinny, and again, I really do think Disney are taking a step in the right direction. 

As with most Disney films, there were laughs for children and adults, and some real belters in song form; perhaps not Frozen's 'Let It Go', but some would argue we don't need anymore of that! Some of the songs were a little iffy, I took particular distaste to a jazzy number sang by a bedazzled crab, but then and again, over the top musical theatre doesn't really do it for me. Whatever floats your boat and all that. 

I found the plot interesting, with Moana setting sail, to get a (tattoo-ed, nipple-less) Demigod on her side, and to restore a heart to save her people. On the way there are various monsters, and with the help of her shapeshifting Demigod friend, she must defeat them. I feel like I didn't really understand what restoring the heart would actually do, and I feel this was only explained briefly, however I could have been mid-nacho during this crucial part of the film, or suffering from brain freeze from my tango ice blast. That aside, the plot was fun and easy to follow, but I can imagine that some parts could be a little frightening for little ones. 

I really enjoyed the morals behind the film, I do love it when justice gets served, and when kids can learn something from the story. As I mentioned in my previous post about Sully, this film also looked at heroism. I think it was really important that the film showed that it's not wanting and trying to be a hero that makes you a hero, it's courage and bravery and loyalty, all great traits to aspire to.

I had a lovely afternoon watching this film, and I did find some parts of it really refreshing to watch, and I really liked the way that cartoons nowadays are really trying to teach lessons and no longer focussed on a princess finding a prince, but more about women being badasses and fighting evil! When I finished watching Zootropolis, I honestly could have gone straight back in and watched it again, as I found it so engaging, funny, and forward thinking. Moana didn't quite hit this mark for me, but for all it's good points, and the fact Jermaine from Flight of the Conchords lends his voice to one of our enemies, I think it deserves a solid 7.5/10.