Disney does it again! Moana and its feel-good animation dominates the reviews because of its catchy songs and empowering cultural ties. Disney uses main character, Moana Waialiki, to contrast common ‘princess’ stereotypes. Demigod Maui, teases Moana,“If you wear a dress and have an animal sidekick, you’re a princess.” However, Moana proves to be very different. Her spirited, determined, adventurous personality sets her apart from the other Disney princesses.

Moana is voiced by Auli’i Cravalho, a sixteen-year-old from Kohala, Hawaii. She was one of the last audition submissions and only submitted a video because a talent agent from Oahu encouraged her to. Maui was voiced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who is also known as the Tooth Fairy (2010), Fast and Furious (2013), Furious 7 (2015), San Andreas (2015), and Central Intelligence (2016). Other than acting, Johnson also sings and is a professional wrestler.

In the beginning of the movie, Moana struggles with some internal issues. She feels drawn to the ocean but her father, the island chief, has forbidden anyone from leaving the reefs. Her parents teach her how to lead the island because she will one day become the chief.

Moana’s Grandma, Tala, uses her last words to send Moana on a mission to save the island. Moana and her pet chicken, Hei Hei, disobey her parents and travel to find the Demi-god, Maui, to return the heart to Te Fiti. Maui had originally stolen the heart as a gift for humankind but lost it in the sea when he was attacked by lava monster, Te Ka. They go through many struggles, including fighting Tamatoa, a giant, vane crab in the Realm of Monsters and protecting the heart from sentient coconut pirates called Kakamora.

Moana has a great moral. The movie is centered around finding who you are and believing in yourself even when it seems you’ve failed. Along with a little help from family and friends, anyone can save the day. Moana teaches its viewers that having patience and faith in yourself is all it takes to be a hero.

Moana comes to DVD in early March 2017.