Written by Logan J. Fowler and Justin Matchick
Release Date: November 23rd, 2016
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Auli’i Cravalho, Nicole Scherzinger, Alan Tudyk, Jermaine Clement
Director(s): Ron Clements and John Musker (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Hercules)
Pre-Trailer Thoughts: Disney Animation Studios has been kicking serious booty ever since Tangled. The string of releases put out by the company rivals the early 90s run, and I say that without hesitation. Zootopia is going to be extremely difficult to live up to, but if any animated film can do it, it’s Moana. -LJF
Pre-Trailer Thoughts: Disney is on one of the hottest hot streaks in recent memory, pumping out major critical and commercial hits every few months. Even discounting their recent success in the live-action department, Disney Animation Studios has been in the midst of a newfound renaissance and follow up the box office smash that was Zootopia with the Polynesian themed Moana. Polynesian and Hawaiian culture is a particular interest of mine, so I’ve been anticipating this ever since it was first announced. – JTM
Rate the Trailer: 5 out 5. The music, animation, and brief doses of humor are all a part of this trailer. It doesn’t tell you much, but it doesn’t need to. Moana looks like a captivating adventure, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson looks like he is throwing all of his cinematic charm into animated character, Maui. This should be a great time. -LJF
Rate the Trailer: 5 out of 5. Gorgeous Disney animation? Check. Songs by Hamilton‘s own Lin-Manuel Miranda? Check. An exploration of the culture of the South Pacific? Check. Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson playing the living embodiment of the God Maui? Check. Disney is firing on all cylinders right now and Moana has all the pieces in place to be a bonafide classic. This looks like it’s going to be an excellent addition to the Disney canon and will keep Disney’s streak of hits alive. – JTM
Theater, Rent, No Thanks, Undecided? Theater. As someone who has seen all the recent arsenal of Disney Animation Studios movies on opening day or opening weekend, so there’s no way I’m missing this on the big screen. -LJF
Theater, Rent, No Thanks, Undecided? Theater. New songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda are worth the price of admission alone in my eyes. Add in The Rock, Disney animation, and Polynesian heritage and you’ve got something truly special brewing. – JTM
Moana sets sail on November 23rd, 2016
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