Disney's "Moana" is set for a Nov. 23 theater release in the United States and early reviews are already coming in. Critics can't help but compare the movie about a Polynesian princess to other well-loved Disney animations such as "Frozen" and "Little Mermaid." Fortunately for the people behind "Moana," the feedback so far has become favorable.
Variety cites that "Moana" matches the quality and appeal of "Little Mermaid," which was released in theaters in 1989. Incidentally, the latter movie was also directed by the same people behind "Moana" -- John Musker and Ron Clements.
Entertainment Weekly cites that "Moana" is a worthy successor to "Little Mermaid." The news outlet also gives the movie an A+, saying that the film's heroine is one who is smart and relatable to a diverse group of people.
New Zealand Herald cites that "Moana" might be better than "Frozen." On the other hand, Forbes notes how "Moana" effectively promotes female empowerment and could potentially follow the commercial success of Disney's last princess movie.
"Moana" takes place in an ancient time and place called Oceana. The lead character is a teenage girl whose family heads a tribe in the Pacific. Considered as ocean voyagers, Moana's (Auli'i Cravalho) journey involves finding her lost roots. She meets a demigod named Maui (Dwayne Johnson) along the way.
Here's your first listen of #YoureWelcome, the brand new song from #Moana performed by @TheRock and written by @Lin_Manuel! #MoanaMondays" pic.twitter.com/hNw4a290GA
— Moana (@DisneyMoana) October 24, 2016
"Moana's" mythology is an original material based on Polynesian culture. Musker and Clements specifically went to the South Pacific to experience Polynesian life for themselves and to get deep into their stories.
The directors learned that there were many myths among Polynesians about female empowerment and heroines. They came up with several story ideas, but decided that Moana's story jived with what they wanted to give the Disney audience. "There was just something about building this around a young girl that just felt right," said Musker to Entertainment Weekly.
"Moana" also features the voices of Nicole Sherzinger, Alan Tudyk, Jemaine Clement, Phillipa Soo, Rachel House and Temura Morrison. "Hamilton's" Lin-Manuel Miranda worked on the songs and music.
