I need to love Moana so badly, and through the years I’ve tried to as a result of I like the titular character. Nonetheless, after Moana 2 was launched on the 2024 film schedule, and I noticed it in theaters, I lastly accepted my opinion: Moana is certainly one of my all-time favourite Disney characters, nevertheless, I actually don’t like the flicks.
Now, I do know what you may be pondering: “Riley, how will you like a personality however not the film named after her?” Properly, that reply is advanced, and to clarify my reasoning behind this admittedly complicated take, I’ve to inform this story chronologically.
So, with out additional ado, right here’s the historical past and reasoning behind my extraordinarily sophisticated relationship with Moana and her motion pictures.
I Was Launched To Moana Via The Music First
When Moana got here out in 2016, I used to be a senior in highschool and deeply obsessive about the musical Hamilton. So, my pals and I have been intrigued by this Disney film largely as a result of we liked the truth that Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote the music for it.
Again then, I didn’t have fast entry to a movie show, and I solely went a number of instances a 12 months. So, I didn’t catch Moana in theaters. Nonetheless, I did have entry to the soundtrack, and I fell head over heels in love with songs like “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome.”
They turned regulars on my playlist, and I particularly adored the lyrics of “How Far I’ll Go.” As somebody who was about to go away their hometown for school, the phrases about going past and discovering one thing new actually hit dwelling. To this present day, I nonetheless assume it’s the most effective Disney princess songs ever.
Plus, anytime “You are Welcome” comes on, the amount goes up and I am singing alongside loudly — particularly the rap.
So, earlier than even seeing the film, I felt a deep connection to Moana and her motivations, due to the movie’s music.
Moana Was Approach Too Overhyped, And I Noticed It Approach Too Late
Lastly, after months and months of listening to the music from Moana, I noticed the film.
It’s necessary to notice that I distinctly recall so many round me pondering it was not solely one of many greatest Disney motion pictures of its decade however one of many greatest Disney movies ever. And I had months to dwell with that frequent opinion.
So, I set my bar very excessive. I knew I cherished the movie’s music, and I used to be thrilled about how excited folks have been in regards to the film. Then I noticed it…
And I used to be – it pains me to say this – underwhelmed. In hindsight, my expertise watching Moana was a crash course in what occurs when one thing is overhyped and I am going right into a film with expectations which can be far too excessive. So, in some methods, this isn’t the film’s difficulty, it is on me too.
Due to this fact, I can see why people treasure Moana. Nonetheless, whenever you go into a movie pondering it is going to be the most effective factor ever, and it seems to be simply wonderful, it makes it actually exhausting to like.
I’ve Come To The Conclusion That The Story Is Too Clunky
Each time I’ve watched Moana (which is a grand whole of thrice, I believe), my largest grievance surrounds how segmented the story is. It seems like a bunch of mini-quests squished collectively into one huge mission, and I by no means felt like I had time to sit down with and get to know the characters or their circumstances.
Should you have a look at critiques for Moana 2, this was a standard opinion, as a result of the movie was alleged to be a TV present first. Nonetheless, I all the time felt this fashion in regards to the first film too.
Between attending to know Moana’s dwelling, the introduction of Maui and the quests that embrace the coconut guys preventing them and that abysmal shiny crab, I believe there was simply an excessive amount of occurring. Clearly, it didn’t make the story complicated, I received the purpose simply wonderful. Nonetheless, I merely discovered that I used to be method too overwhelmed by all the things they stuffed into the movie, and the identical goes for its sequel.
I Additionally Solely Care About Moana, I Wasn’t Actually Right here For Maui And The Different Characters
The above level is emphasised by the truth that the one character I’m drawn to, particularly within the first film, is Moana.
Truthfully, I am not a fan of Maui. I believe he’s humorous at instances, however general, his cocky demi-god schtick received previous quick. Additionally, it’s probably not one thing he developed out of both, as you’ll be able to see within the second movie. Whereas he’s a bit extra cognizant of these round him, general, he nonetheless thinks he’s the person and that act shouldn’t be one thing I’m significantly entertained by.
Plus, whereas Moana’s household may be very candy, we don’t get to know them that nicely. And regardless that I really like Pua and Hei Hei, they’re peripheral characters used largely for jokes.
So, exterior of our main woman, I’ve a really exhausting time connecting with anybody else.
Nonetheless, Regardless of My Dislike Of The Motion pictures, I See Their Worth And Adore The Character Moana
Now, regardless that I’ve my qualms with the Moana motion pictures, I nonetheless completely adore the character Moana. I believe Auliʻi Cravalho’s vocal efficiency is excellent, her songs are great, and general, she’s some of the empowering Disney characters on the market.
Her fearless pursuit of her dream is awe-inspiring (and one thing I’ve tried to do in my very own life). Her willingness to study and fail is admirable. Her love and appreciation for her household, pals and tradition can be extremely shifting. Plus, I really like her sense of journey and her humorousness, and when these two issues combine, it is magical.
All this collectively makes her a well-rounded and great girl. And general, she’s the most effective position mannequin, and I want I had her to look as much as after I was a child. Clearly, she’s made an affect on me as a youngster and grownup. Nonetheless, I can’t even start to fathom how obsessed and impressed my youthful self can be by her.
Understanding little youngsters have Moana to look as much as makes me immensely pleased, and regardless of my points along with her motion pictures, I’m thrilled they exist. I understand how beloved they’re, and I actually want I appreciated them extra. Nonetheless, if I’ve discovered something from this, it’s you can love a personality and never their film, and that’s completely OK.
Now, in case you are seeking to go and draw your personal conclusions about these movies, you’ll be able to steam Moana with a Disney+ subscription and catch Moana 2 in theaters.