★★★★ out of 5
rated PG
released 11-23-2016, 103 minutes, Walt Disney Studios
directed: ron clements, john muster
written: jared bush
starring: auli'i cravalho, dwayne johnson, rachel houe, alan tudyk
Ever since disney bought out pixar, and the pixar folks ascended to leadership roles in the company, disney animation has been on a roll. The studio is run once again by people passionate about making animated films and each movie is created with care and skill. Moana, the latest offering is no different. The movie is visually stunning and the music and songs are well crafted and enjoyable. That said, the movie left me a little flat. There was no memorable songs that I left the theatre humming, and while some have knocked the story for being formulaic, I felt that is worked well, but only on one level. The best animated movies hit points with young kids, teens and adults, and this film really just skipped over that latter. And, while there is nothing wrong with targeting kids, and making a sweet movie for them, the parents who have to sit through the film might find their minds wandering a bit in this film. Don't get me wrong, this is a well crafted film, in the way that some cars are well built, but not for you. For example, I can appreciate a well make mini van, but being an empty nester, I know it is not for me. Overall, I'd give Moana 4 out of 5 stars and offer the caveat, that this film is for younger audiences.