Next week is a big week. We have Thanksgiving, my wonderful husband turns 40 years old and Moana officially hits theaters (11/23). I guess that means its going to be a busy week because my family and I will definitely be celebrating all 3. Having watched the movie two times already, I am actually looking forward to watching Moana for a third time because that’s how good it is.

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There is so much that I love abut the film:

1. The Characters

    • Moana, the heroine of this story who follows her heart, sets out to find out who she is and does what she has to do for the greater good.

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    • Maui, voiced Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, is funny demi-god who sets out on this journey with Moana.

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    • Hei Hei is a lovable rooster whose lack of intelligence provides a ton of comedy.

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    • Pua, a little piggy that is so cute.

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2. The Story

I was going to say that it isn’t a love story because it isn’t about Moana falling in love but it is a love story.  She learns to love herself and who she really is and it is because of her love for her family and her people that she sets out on her voyage. You’ll laugh, learn about a beautiful culture and maybe even moved to the point where you shed a tear or two.

3. The Message

There is so much you can take away from the movie, one of the main things being that you should listen to your inner voice and follow your heart. As a parent, you are reminded that at some point we need to let go so that our children can find out who they are (which I will be happy to do when they are 50 years old).

4. The Music

I love the music and can not wait to get the soundtrack. It inspires the audience and adds a depth to the scene that moves you.

5. It’s great for everyone

EVERYONE (of all ages) will enjoy this film. There are no bad words or inappropriate enuendos and although there is a “bad guy” in the film (which may be a little creepy for some kids) he isn’t that bad. *If you think your child may be scared, I suggest watching the trailer below and showing them what to expect in the film.

6. The animated short before Moana

Inner Workings just may be one of my favorite animated shorts. It tells the story of the internal struggle between following your heart and your mind in such a cute (and funny) way. *It is directed by Leo Matsuda and produced by Sean Lurie.

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Moana sails into theaters November 23rd!

Moana Poster

Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one knows exactly why. From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) meets the mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity.

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*I was invited by Disney to attend a press junket covering Moana. All opinions are my own.