I saw Moana twice in theaters. As a broke college student, this means I was willing to spend my little money on an evening showing of the newest Disney princess movie because it was just that good. However, if my word isn't enough to convince you to watch what is arguably the best princess movie to date, here are a few more objective reasons:
1. Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock sings.
His song is honestly the catchiest of the Moana tunes. In addition to the fact that The Rock voices a character in a Disney princess movie, you can add singing a song in a Disney princess movie to something we never thought we'd have the pleasure of witnessing. I wish he was going on tour with just this song.
2. They cast POC voice actors representative of the cultures in the movie.
They casted culturally diverse voice actors in Moana for a majority of the main characters. Even the voice actress for Moana herself, Auli'i Cravalho, is of Pacific Island descent.
3. Lin Manuel Miranda and Mark Mancina created the best soundtrack ever.
Miranda is the composer of the infamous musical Hamilton, and Mancina arranged the songs for the Lion King. With their shown talent and passion for music, the two were able to create a soundtrack of amazing songs. Not only are they representative of the cultural influences of Moana and her people, but they are catchy to boot. You'll be singing the songs for the rest of the month guaranteed.
4. No love interest makes female empowerment the focus.
Moana passes the Bechdel test time and time again. With no love interest, the movie was able to focus on the strength of the female lead. Without the distraction of a prince charming, we were able to see the qualities that made Moana the amazing new princess that she is.
5. It incorporates some of the best qualities of previous princesses.
With Moana, we have the courage of Rapunzel, the grandmother figure and determination of Mulan, the independence of Merida, the selflessness of Cinderella, the hard-working nature of Tiana, and the list goes on and on.
6. She's not a princess...or so she says.
Moana's outlook on the title of princess offers a humbleness not usually seen in Disney "royalty." She is looking out for the future of her people and her island and doesn't allow herself to be involved with the stigmas of titles.
7. Moana is honestly a great role model.
She is intelligent and bold. Moana is the embodiment of women leadership. She never backs down from her dreams and keeps the interest of her people in her mind at all times. Her consideration, kindness, and witty nature makes Moana a flawless role model for both new and old Disney lovers.
8. The Disney short before the movie was adorable.
The short entitled Inner Workings shows an illustrated conflict between the mind and the heart that is relatable to everyone. It is both hilarious and heart-warming at the same time.
9. I cried.
This is a movie quality in which I hold very highly. Movies that make me cry are top notch, and this theory has been put to the test over many, many years of movie watching. Even if it doesn't make you cry, Moana is sure to pull at your heartstrings.
10. You'll want to scream "I AM MOANA" from the rooftops afterwards.
It is just that iconic.
