The quality of the animation helps too: it's clear they have reached the pinnacle of blending realistic textures with stylised designs, creating an aesthetic beauty that few other companies can match – Disney have mastered water to the point it looks better animated than in real life! Even the music has been perfected here, the annoying catchiness of Frozen's tunes replaced by memorable but effective songs that fit the culture and setting of our adventure. For once, the clichés make the film more enjoyable. Perhaps this is due to the Polynesian setting or the morally ambiguous Maui, played perfectly by Dwayne Johnson, but most likely it is it the simple magic of Disney – the wonder for both children and adults has reached its peak with the perfection of the classic formula.

We know this story so well yet Moana seems fresh and thrilling as if the plot was innovative.

Following from the success of Zootropolis, Moana follows a more traditional narrative we know and love the princess who wishes for something more and is whisked on a supernatural adventure. However, the pure beauty and skill of the production rises the old story into new heights. Moana is a return to the classic Disney formula, the clichés and characters ripped from a number of other animated films.

Moana full movie 2016