Out go princess’s on this Disney voyage. In comes seafaring and world-saving in a visually daz

Welcome geeks to another hot, sunny day in New Zealand. We are reviewing Disney’s first Polynesian princess today. And she is a feisty chieftain’s daughter, determined to save her dying island by finding exiled trickster demigod Maui and forcing him to replace the heart-jewel he stole long ago from the island goddess Te Fiti (are you with us, guys!).

Cheekily self-aware and culturally sensitive, the movie insists she’s not royalty but the ocean’s Chosen One, its Pacific waters parting Moses-style around her to create a shimmering aquarium.

A great line by Dwayne Johnson’s Maui as he observes, “If you wear a dress and have an animal sidekick – you’re a princess.”

Using South Sea myths to craft a strong but simple story, the film initially resembles a pretty patchwork of past Disney hits.

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PHOTO’S FROM HOUSE OF MOUSE: DISNEY

Not surprising as the two directors Ron Clements and John Musker are veterans of the ’90s Disney Renaissance (they crafted Aladdin – we love Aladdin, and cannot wait for the live adaptation of the great classic, Hercules and The Little Mermaid – under the sea). But that era’s girl-power animation also feels nimbly rebooted here, via Moana’s Pocahontas-style leadership and Mulan plucky courage (yip, and she has plenty of courage!).

The energy soars, when Johnson’s selfish, boastful but amiable Maui shows up to give her the run-around, hell-bent on regaining his lost powers without her pesky quest. But the story is no love story that we have come to expect from Disney, but infact an odd-couple adventure, more True Grit than true romance.

Spoofing his he-man persona, Johnson’s Maui sparks great buddy chemistry with newcomer Auli’i Carvalho’s engagingly stubborn Moana. As they power their raft across the salty, blue, blue and even more blue-ish ocean (really, how blue can one ocean be?) into exhilarating action sequences, taking on marauding coconut-clad mini-pirates or battling a sky-filling lava monster, the adrenalin levels surge way past fairytale norms.

But, while it’s a more than a worthy successor, Moana substitutes adventure and empowerment for Disney’s crown jewel – Frozen’s emotional heft.

With an eco-conscious story favouring redemption over outright villainy, there’s just a bit less tugging on your heartstrings. As Disney baddies go, New Zealand’s very own  Jermaine Clement’s giant treasure-crazed crab Tamatoa is a ball of fun. But he’s no Ursula the Sea Witch.

Still, the tunes in this animated film are tip-top, partly crafted by Hamilton creator Lin Manuel Miranda. Coupled with the extraordinary visuals and camerawork – moulding the ocean’s many moods (blue and blue) and textures till it’s practically a character – Moana essays a rich, vivid feel. It might not be a whole new world, but it’s a fantastic voyage.

So did this treat answer the Ocean’s call to seek out the demigod to set things right. For a family friendly, eco film, it’s a real delight to watch as the film unfolds. The colour and the visuals, the characters and interaction speaks for itself. Go with the family or by yourself, and you will love the feel good feeling. A solid 8/10.

Go house of Mouse, we can’t wait for your next hit movie. Feel free to express your thoughts and feelings on the film, share and tweet as well.

From Culturedemandsgeeks we hope you have enjoyed our review.