Moana (spoilers)

[calisota]

I saw Moana the other day and was a little underwhelmed.

Maybe I went into it with greater expectations than I had with Frozen and Zootopia but it just didn't grab me in the same way. It should have, I even have Maui's fishhook on a string around my neck (good luck on voyages over water, among other things). 

It looked amazing but I didn't feel any real sense of drama in the story so it didn't draw me in the way it should have. I liked the characters and the interplay they had and wonder if they could have done without one of the villains (the crab probably) so that there was a greater opportunity to show her learning to sail and preparing for the final battle.

Even the songs I didn't find memorable. Both Zootopia and frozen had music that stuck with me for days afterwards but Moana was forgotten by the time I walked out of the theatre.

It was good, I'd see it again just for the visuals, but the story was a bit flat.


Greg

[DisneyKaren]

I saw this just over a week ago and really enjoyed it.  I agree that cutting the crab and putting more into the adventure may have added to it.  I did love the song which kept coming up through the movie however I can't remember it - proving your point I suppose that the music doesn't stick the same way.  Overall I did enjoy it as did my sister and niece who came along.

[mushu mama]

Well... I finally went to see Moana a couple of days ago and I LOVED it.... like capital L.... loved it. 

I loved the visuals and the music ( am going to buy the soundtrack) and just everything about it transported me back to Tahiti, from the first hollow drum beat to the tapa cloth ( although not strictly Tahitian, but certainly Polynesian - I actually have a large one framed on my wall), which featured both Wreck it Ralph and Marshmallow ( probably more but thats all I noticed on first watch).  

I do however agree about the crab - both Millie and I mentioned that as we left the cinema, and we thought apart from the differing lyrics it was so much like scenes out of El Dorado that it was a bit off putting.  I think because in their local stories, that multiple baddies ( not unlike Greek Mythology) at one time is a 'thing' in their cultural history would perhaps have been why they went there with that.  But it was probably unnecessary.  
I wonder also, if she'd have done more 'prep for the voyage' and such that it would have been a little too like Mulan?  just my thought.  

Can't wait to get the DVD which I think is out pretty soon... as in like days.... so I can watch it all over again. 

[Mel]

I think I'm the last person on earth to see this movie!  Well, okay, maybe a slight exaggeration, but I feel like I'm so late on this!

We all LOVED it.  Josh and I were the biggest fans and I've been singing the I Am Moana song constantly (I may sometimes even substitute 'Melinda' instead of 'Moana' on some versions :oops: ).  We also like the Maui song "You're welcome".  None of us liked the crab.  I really felt like I think some people did with the Trolls in Frozen.  It kinda stopped the flow of the movie and seemed a bit silly.  Craig didn't dislike it as much as I did, but he did say that it was like a poor imitation of the Oogie song from NBC.  

I laughed, I cried, I loved the little homages to other Disney movies.  Josh was covering his eyes saying "I don't want to watch anymore!" in places, but then literally jumping out of his seat and clapping in others.  He gets very emotionally involved in movies and is rather hilarious to watch.  At the end he gave his official rating of "Very awesome" which of course is a higher rating than awesome.  The other boys rated it above Frozen (mostly on principle as they're determined not to admit liking such a girly movie) but below Incredibles and Wreck it Ralph.  I think I like it about as much as Frozen and more than Zootopia   I am looking forward to watching it again on DVD

[KeithS]

Don't worry Mel - I still haven't seen it, so you weren't the last!
It is out on DVD at the end of March - I'll see it then

[Mel]

I have been singing the songs non stop since the weekend.  I just love the music from this one.

[calisota]

Wow, beginning to think I'm in the minority here.


Greg

[Rebecca]

We all love the music too! Our daughter (3) knows a lot of the words to You're Welcome and How Far I'll Go. The music clips on YouTube are on repeat in our house lol. I like that there's no love story in this movie. It's a nice change. Really loved this flick

[DisneyKaren]

I actually bought the music at Aulani (it seemed the right place), however my sister borrowed it to copy so I'll get it back later today.  Haven't heard the music since I saw the movie over 5 weeks ago so will listen to the CD in the car when I get to bring it back.

Mel - love your kids responses and that they do try to be tough boys while quietly loving it.

[mushu mama]

What a fabulous review Mel    

[Mel]

I got the bluray yesterday and Craig, Josh and I watched it.  I loved it as much, if not more than the first time around   I also loved the extras, especially the making of the music.  I'm still walking around singing the songs - they really got me this time

[heihei]

Finally I watched it )) I think heihei is the best character and songs are just coool
[youtube]cPAbx5kgCJo[/youtube]

[calisota]

And he was voiced by one of my favourite actors, from one of my favourite TV series. Any guesses on actor and show? 


Greg 

[KeithS]

Were you a Firefly fan Greg?

He is a great actor - has done a lot of voice acting for Disney over the years.

[calisota]

Were you a Firefly fan Greg?

He is a great actor - has done a lot of voice acting for Disney over the years.

Yep, big Firefly fan.

Apparently he's turning into something of a good luck piece for Disney animation and even managed to pop up in the Star Wars universe.


Greg