12/7/2016 - Moana (2016) - 6-/10

I resisted this hard, and though it has many of the trappings of Disney-kids films, it ended up being endearing, cute, and somewhat satisfying. Sure it is overwrought with generalities and punch up nonsense, but it did have a glowing heart at its center and a panache that allowed it to shine smoothly and not like a glitter ball rubbed with ham.

It can’t really escape the limited cinematic pin it was born into, but the over emphasis on cultural diversity in cast & concept paired with a couple catchy songs made it palatable. The voice acting and overall animation was strong, and though the story was slender, at least it avoided some typical Disney/Princess/kids film conventions.

Maybe this whole thing feels like a low-bar argument, but despite my early rebuffs, it grew on me and I enjoyed it. It is a solid Disney kids film.