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🎵What can I say except it’s a fun one🎵
Not to brag but I have a pretty good memory and yet, for the life of me, I can not recall the first time I watched Moana. I just can’t remember BUT that is not to say I don’t highly enjoy it.
First off the setting, it’s like a vacation. It has pretty colors and just feel warm and pleasant. The characters are all great with enough personality and nuance that makes them compelling. Moana is a literal chosen one but she still develops a skill throughout the course of the movie and she displays enough moments of vulnerability that makes her related Maui might just be the Rock but his pathos gives him emotional depth. Also I love the “You’re Welcome” pay-off at the end.
What does makes me appreciate this movie is the ending with Moana restoring the heart. It gives the movie overtones of healing and how it the impact one’s self concept and one’s community which are all interconnected.
Moana does feel a bit more episodic and there is no fun dastardly villain BUT the buddy comedy travel journey is enjoyable.
Moana might be a simple hero’s journey narrative but the details that populate the movie makes it one of my favs.
Also Hei Hei is my spirit animal
