Disney Studios latest and highly anticipated animated Moana sails into theaters November 23. I first learned about Moana at 2015 D23 Expo when Dwayne Johnson (aka the Rock) came on stage when they announced he would be voicing one of the lead characters Maui. Admittedly, my excitement and anticipation for this movie grew after interviewing Moana’s young star, Auli’I Cravalho.
About Moana
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 exactly why. From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) meets the 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.
4 Reasons Why You Will Love Moana
1. Moana
You will love her spunk and fire. Her fierce independence sets her off on journey that will change her life forever. I think that we all no matter our age will identify with this young heroine who needs to figure her place in life and in her community. Voicing the young Moana is the first time actress, Hawaiian Auli‘i Cravalho. Filmmakers auditioned hundreds of talented young women throughout the Pacific Islands before finding the gifted Auli‘i Cravalho who does an outstanding job voicing Moana.
2. The Music of Moana
The original song “We Know the Way” is written and performed by Opetaia Foa‘i and Lin-Manuel Miranda, “We Know the Way” showcases the rich and vibrant voyaging life of Moana’s ancestors. The songs will make you stand tall and is sure to be popular with your kids.
Moana is the must see movie of the Thanksgiving Break. I highly recommend seeing Moana. You will be delighted by Moana, the music and the story. And how can you miss a movie where one of the lead characters is People’s Sexiest Man Alive.
“Moana” sails into U.S. theaters today Nov. 23, 2016
Disclosure: NYC Single Mom attended a screening to facilitate this post.