The movie Moana is about a chief’s daughter whose tribe is located on a group of islands/reefs.  She is told her entire life that she needs to lead the tribe and not wander farther than their reef, as wandering  promises great danger. Other than the presence of danger, living on the reef is going just fine for everyone who lives on the island. As a portion of the island starts to succumb to “disease” because of the cursing that has been implemented due to the demigod Maui stealing a goddess’s heart, Moana feels the need to explore beyond the reef despite her father’s wants.

Moana conveys a very positive vibe relative to Disney movies as a whole. In addition to having a great storyline and sense of humor throughout the movie–which contributed to the audience’s overall feel– the movie also preaches acceptance of those of Native Islander descent. Many Disney movies in the previous years have had princesses of various ethnicities, but they’ve never had one of an islander descent. And even though Moana isn’t a princess movie, it does help those who are of this descent feel like they are not excluded/forgotten about.

Despite its good aspects, there are a few things that stand out negatively in the film. Not only are there many unexpected twists that don’t contribute to the movie positively, but the ending itself is too abrupt and confusing. Throughout the movie, Moana has her pet pig by her side throughout the story, but this “sidekick” completely changes at the film’s end. This unexpected twist is frustrating; as the relationship between Moana and her pet pig was well developed early on. The ending of Moana is one major unappealing part to the movie. It falls from being at peak of the conflict, and, all-of-a-sudden, the conflict is resolved and the movie’s over. A majority of the audience didn’t even know how the conflict was resolved due to the fact that it ended so quickly.

Overall, Moana is a very pleasant experience. The overall environment of the movie is something that everyone of all ages can enjoy, and it is something that you can watch with either your friends or your family. Other than the minor negative aspects of the movie, Moana is definitely a movie everyone should go and see. It touches one’s heart and tickles one’s sense of humor.