Moana

This is going to be a tight Animated Feature Oscar race. Zootopia and Kubo and the Two Strings are certified locks. Two spots will certainly go to films I'll never see before Oscar night. The fifth spot is reserved for Moana, Disney's epic new musical. 

Moana (Auli'i Cravalho) is the princess daughter of the chief of the Polynesian island of Motonui. Her father, Chief Tui, expects her to succeed him when the time comes. He also expects her to not sail past the reef. But that's before the fish become no-shows and vegetation turn rotten. The lava demon Te Ka's wrath threatens the world and only the lost heart of the creation Goddess Te Fiti can restore it. Fortunately, the ocean itself gives the heart to Moana. She sets sail to fulfill the epic quest alongside Heihei the stupid chicken.

They're joined by Maui (Dwayne Johnson), the demigod who stole Te Fiti's heart centuries ago. Moana thinks he needs to return it. But he needs his signature giant fishhook before they can face Te Ka. He wants to leave Moana but the Ocean won't let him. They join forces to save the world. The truth about Te Ka is complicated.

This is the CGI debut of directors Ron Clements and John Musker (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin), who share story credit with five others. Jared Bush is the lone writer with the "screenplay by" credit. It's a familiar Disney story except there's no Prince Charming or Charmless for Moana. Chief Tui is fine with about everything she does in their village except wayfinding. His reason for his restrictiveness is understandable. I'll admit a few plot points that would've been obvious were complete surprises.

The rousing music deserves a section. Mark Mancina composed the score and collaborated with Opetaia Foa'i and Hamilton creator and star Lin-Manuel Miranda on the songs. The songs are great to listen to and are spectacular when paired with the visuals. They get the emotions across perfectly. The best songs are the wayfinding anthem, We Know the Way, and Moana's "I Am" song, How Far I'll Go. Either of them would sound great at the next Oscars.

The animated cast is great. Moana is a proactive, likable heroine. Maui is good comic relief and we feel it when he gets serious. Everything Heihei does is a perfect punchline. Moana's Gramma Tala (Rachel House) is a warm, funny mentor who's there when she's needed. The Kakamoa, a tribe of miniature pirates, are fun antagonists; their scene is an action highlight. Tamatoa (Jemmaine Clement) the gigantic crab provides another action and musical highlight, Shiny. Let's not forget Te Ka and Te Fiti.

Moana's familiar story doesn't make it boring. Far from it. It's a nice introduction to the culture of Polynesia. It's a compelling story which makes you feel for 113 minutes. Either it, Zootopia or Kubo and the Two Strings would make worthy Oscar winners. I hope that I'll see the other two nominees, whoever they are.

The new short Inner Workings opens the film. It's the funny and emotional conflict between the brain and heart of a lowly office drone. It all leads to a nice ending. It's a great start to another great Disney film.