This post is sponsored by Dolby Cinema. The opinions are 100% my own (and a few of my mother’s).
I had the chance this morning to head to AMC Hampton Towne Centre 24 which has Dolby Cinema theater in it to see Disney’s newest animated film “Moana.” Since I took my prompt mother we got there early so for the first time I REALLY took a look around the lobby and other areas.
It is Black Friday week- no judging the pony tail and lack of make up.
For the first time I went over to the concession stand and saw things I have never seen in a movie theater. Frozen yogurt. Cappuccino (and at a normal Starbucks price). Caramel corn. Hot tea. Apple and orange juice. Stuff I would actually consider consuming. It was very surprising.
Also mom went to the bathroom and came back describing it as a lounge. I didn’t ask her to take pictures so we will just have to take her word for it.
Mom with her legs all propped up in the super comfy seats waiting for the movie to start.
I was REALLY excited about seeing the movie with my mom because she has never been in the Dolby Cinemas and they are REALLY impressive. They have a short video they do before the previews where they basically show off the crispness of the screen and the brightness of the colors. At the end they have this big roll of drums where the sounds moves from the front to the back of the house and you can feel it move through your seat. I heard her kind of laugh and she shifted her weight.
Then she leaned over and said “okay that’s pretty cool.”
We watched a few trailers and then the familiar music came on I have been hearing since I was young- “Beauty and the Beast.” My sister and I saw that cartoon in the theater five times and it had NOTHING to do with us. My mom loves it. So I was thrilled she got to see the trailer with such amazing sound on such a large screen. Click here to find the Dolby Cinema theater closest to you!
But after the previews were over we finally got to what I wanted.
What’s It About?
I have been excited about seeing the new Disney film Moana for probably about a year now. But most people when I mentioned it said “who?” Somehow even with the posters, tv commercials and super funny trailers the word just hasn’t gotten out the way a normal Disney animated feature film does. I am choosing to blame this on the monstrosity that is STILL Frozen. (Please let it go people.) Moana is an INCREDIBLE addition to the strong leading ladies we love from Disney.
And she is quick to point out in the film several times that she is NOT a princess. Really. She actually says it like three times. Oh and she isn’t an orphan.
And guess what. NO BOY. No love interest. NOPE. It’s all about the main character being inspired by her family, culture and what’s inside her to fulfill her destiny (that sound you hear is a glass ceiling shattering).
Moana is a teenager next in line to become the head of her small tribe on a beautiful island. As a young child an act of mercy shows the ocean her character and it chooses her for a great destiny. She spends her entire life trying to get back out to the ocean (she has no idea why because she was so young she has no memory of her previous act) but her father forbids her to even be on the beach. Her grandmother, however, has filled her life with stories of the island’s origin and encourages her to explore everything she wishes.
Through a series of events she ends up meeting the disgraced demi-god Maui who guides her on her quest to be a master way-finder and help save her island. They set out on a journey- this is a straight up adventure movie with dangers, the ocean’s beauty and a quest with a prize at the end. Think Indiana Jones with a teenage girl.
What I Loved
Moana’s Relationship with her Grandmother: Disney often tends to make grandmothers crazy people (think Mulan). Don’t get me wrong- they are hilarious for a film but as someone whose mom is really involved with her grand kids it’s an amazing relationship. My grandparents weren’t able to be involved in my life for a variety of reasons and sometimes when I look at my mom holding my nephew it almost makes me tear up. Moana and her grandmother are kindred spirits and that is highlighted through the film. The wisdom of those who have come before shines.
The Music: I actually downloaded the soundtrack before I saw the film. I am madly in love with one of the composers so I wanted to hear his stuff. I am completely biased when I tell you it’s amazing. BUT I also loved how the movie isn’t overrun with musical numbers. It feels like just the right amount- no unnecessary songs are included. Maui’s first song is performed perfectly by Dwayne Johnson- his vocals are perfect for it. And the music playing inside a Dolby Cinema- even better.
It’s Funny: I laughed. Out loud. Often. And be sure to stay through the credits.
The Dancing: I know, right? Who cares about dancing in a Disney film? After watching the extensive names in the credits who helped make the movie more authentic I went online and did some looking. Disney spent some serious time making sure that they captured the beauty of the movement- and they really did. It’s just lovely to watch- you forget it’s animated.
Maui’s Tattoo: Trust me. You will love it.
What I Didn’t Love
Pua the Pig: Dude, the pig was in the movie for 10 minutes. He needs a spin off. He’s adorable.
Moana’s Mom: I spent 15 minutes figuring out if her mom was her mom or her sister. Either Moana’s people don’t age or dad got a new wife. I thought it was only me but my mom mentioned it on the way home. Always comforting when it’s not just you.
Why Is There a Trippy Part In The Middle of the Movie?: I don’t want to get into too much detail but Moana ends up helping Maui with a task that takes them to a world under the ocean. And it gets weird. And then it goes basically into black light. Think “I Am The Walrus.” Just odd. The kids won’t think a thing about it but I kept wondering WHY.
Who Should See It?
My niece and nephew are 4 and 6 and I would have no hang ups about taking them to see it. My mom agreed. There is plenty of action but the villains are small battles along the way so there is no scary big bad to really die. It has a beautiful ending. And did I mention no one’s parent dies five minutes into the movie?
A Discussion For My Christian Readers (A Few Spoilers)
I have absolutely no wish to offend anyone in this writing but I know for some of my readers and friends this is something that is important to them. So feel free to just close this out and head over to your local movie theater website to find a time to see the movie and enjoy it!
I wanted to take some time to write this because of a conversation I had with a friend yesterday and with my mom today. When the movie ended she said “well it was fantastic but it’s not very Christian.” And it’s not- it has some great moral lessons and some not great lessons (do Disney characters EVER come out okay listening to what their parents tell them to do?). But if your kid is old enough to not just look at it as a story and wants a discussion I think there are several openings.
Maui is a demi-god who has been banished to an island for stealing a pounamu stone. When he first meets Moana he sings a fantastic song called “You’re Welcome.” Here are a few of the lyrics:
So what can I say except “You’re welcome”
For the tide, the sun, the sky
Hey, it’s okay, it’s okay, you’re welcome
I’m just an ordinary demi-guy
Honestly, I can go on and on
I could explain every natural phenomenon
The tide, the grass, the ground
Oh, that was me I was messing around
He seems all powerful and confident. But he’s also manipulative and insecure. And we discover partly through the movie the item he stole was actually because the people he loved wanted it. It was something they didn’t need, something they couldn’t use properly but he needed them to adore him. He was dependent on them for his self-worth. And when they didn’t get what they wanted people turned their backs on him and went off in search of someone else who would fulfill their desires.
While I was watching the film I couldn’t help but think of Job 38. Here is just a small portion for those who aren’t familiar:
“Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge?
Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.
Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.
Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it?
On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone— while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?” (Job 38: 2-7)
The God of the Bible is not insecure. He’s powerful and strong. He made everything and doesn’t feel the least bit insecure about how it turned out. And while He loves humans he’s not dependent on their love. Maui was only loved by humans when he gave them what they wanted. The God of the Bible is loved for who He is- regardless of blessings. If you have THAT kid in your family I can easily picture this conversation happening in the car on the way home.
It’s also a fascinating look at the belief systems of some of the people the apostle Paul met on his journeys. The idea of a culture being poly-theistic can be tricky for some kids to understand. This is an excellent way to see how some cultures believed. So don’t be worried that the movie could start a conversation!
Linda Oliver says
Great review and right on!