Moana Review: A Journey Worth Sailing

The plot is deceptively simple: Moana, the headstrong daughter of a Polynesian chief, watches her island slowly die as crops wilt and fish vanish. Turns out, the demigod Maui-voiced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson-stole the heart of the goddess Te Fiti, unleashing a darkness that’s now creeping over the ocean. Moana must convince the egotistical Maui to return the heart, sailing into dangerous waters with a brainless rooster named Heihei as her only company.

It’s a hero’s journey wrapped in ocean spray. No romance, no prince. Just a girl, a demigod, and a crab that sings David Bowie.

Let’s start with the obvious: the animation is a masterpiece. Even ten years later, the water in Moana looks more real than actual water. I’m not exaggerating-there are shots where waves curl with such weight and texture you’ll check your socks for dampness. The ocean isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character with personality, humor, and a serious soft spot for Moana.

But the real magic? Auliʻi Cravalho. She was 14 when she voiced Moana, and her performance is raw, powerful, and achingly believable. You feel her fear when she faces the monstrous coconut-pirate Kakamora. You cheer when she shouts, “I am Moana!” at the lava demon Te Kā. And you’ll absolutely cry during her duet with Maui on “Know Who You Are.” Yes, you will. Don’t fight it.

The music, by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi, and Mark Mancina, is the kind that plants itself in your brain and pays rent forever. “How Far I’ll Go” is a perfect anthem for anyone who’s ever felt stuck. “You’re Welcome” is a banger that Dwayne Johnson delivers with so much swagger you’ll forgive Maui his many, many flaws. And “Shiny”? Jemaine Clement’s Tamatoa is a glitter-obsessed giant crab who steals the movie for five glorious minutes. Bowie would be proud.

The humor lands for both kids and adults. Heihei the rooster is comedy gold (Alan Tudyk deserves an Oscar for playing a completely empty-headed chicken), and Maui’s ego-driven banter is genuinely funny without ever feeling mean. The film respects its audience-no lazy jokes, no pandering.

If I have quibbles, they’re minor. The middle act drags slightly during Maui’s backstory, and some younger viewers might find the fiery Te Kā a bit intense. Also, the songs are so good that the non-musical scenes feel slightly less electric by comparison. But these are nitpicks. Moana is a near-perfect balance of heart, humor, and spectacle.

Pros

• Auliʻi Cravalho’s career-defining voice performance
• Jaw-dropping animation that rivals anything Disney has done since
• Music that’s catchy, emotional, and endlessly rewatchable
• Moana herself-a genuinely inspiring, flawed, and determined heroine
• No romance plot. Refreshingly, she just wants to save her people.
• Heihei. Yes, the chicken. He’s hilarious.

Cons

• Maui’s song “You’re Welcome” is amazing, but his character arc feels slightly rushed
• The Kakamora pirates are fun but a little underutilized
• Some younger kids might find Te Kā scary (but hey, that’s what skip buttons are for)

Moana isn’t just a great kids’ movie. It’s a great movie, full stop. It teaches courage without being preachy, explores identity without being heavy-handed, and gives us a heroine who isn’t waiting for a prince-she’s waiting for the ocean to show her the way. In 2026, when we’re drowning in sequels and reboots, that kind of originality feels even more precious.

So whether you’re introducing it to a new generation or revisiting an old friend, do yourself a favor: set sail again. The ocean’s waiting. And I promise-you’ll sing along.