In Theaters: **** Moana (2026)

 Of all the disnay remakes, this movie most closely reflects the original animated version.  The story is pretty much exact but we now have live characters with the obvious exceptions.  Moana (Catherine Laga'aia) is chosen by the ocean to restore the heart of Te Fiti.  Many years ago Maui (Dwayne Johnson) stole the heart to give to people so they would have the power of creation.  However instead of being a good thing, with out her heart Te Fiti is unable to bless the people and everything is starting to rot, which spreads further and further each year.  Moana lives on an island, and is expected to stay there and serve the people.  Her father, Chief Tui (John Tui) and his wife Sina (Frankie Adams).  Even though she is told to stay, Moana always feels pulled by the ocean.  Her grandmother Tala (Rena Owen) encourages her in this.  When things get worse on the island, she finally gets the courage to go on her journey, to seek out Maui and restore the heart.  I really enjoyed this show, as did all those who went with us.  Where it was the same story as the animated feature, Tony stayed home.

Animated Disney Movie Review: ****^Moana 2 (2024)

 I took the boys to Moana 2 when I was in Indiana.  I enjoyed it; and the boys even more so.  It had a fresh tale, as Moana is trying to find distant cousins who she feels may also be on the waters someplace.  She is having the greatest difficulty.  This movie comes with new songs: "Beyond," "We're Back," "Chee Ho" and "Song of the Ancestors: Mana Vavau Song."

Auli'i Cravalho as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui again voice the leads on this adventure.  Very fun and highly recommended.

Movie Review: ****^Moana

Here is a Disney movie without a romantic relationship, yet it is beautiful and I was thoroughly entertained.  Moana (Auli'i Carvalho) is given a mission by the ocean, of finding the demigod, Maui (Dwayne Johnson) and carrying the heart of Te Fiti (a goddess of life) which he stole 1000 years before.  This has caused a curse which is slowly spreading to all the islands, and reaches the island of Moana.  Moana is the chief's daughter, and destined to become chief.  Her father (Temeura Morrison) does not like anyone to go beyond the safety of the reef.  However the ocean is calling Moana, and her grandmother (Rachel House) knows of the need for a quest, and that Moana has been chosen.  There is plenty of action, a battle against coconut pirates, and a visit to the monsters below, all to fulfill the quest.  There are even a couple twists at the end, one when they give up, and when when they have to return the heart.  Great fun!  Plenty of Polynesian dance and culture, and the music is also right on.