6 Reasons to See Disney’s Moana

HOLLYWOOD, CA – NOVEMBER 14: (L-R) Songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda, actors Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson attend The World Premiere of Disney’s ‘MOANA’ at the El Capitan Theatre on Monday, November 14, 2016 in Hollywood, CA. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)

Introducing Auli’i Cravalho

The film’s biggest surprise is sixteen-year-old newcomer Auli’i Cravalho who voices our title character. Prior to nabbing the role Cravalho was an average high-schooler living in Hawaii. Disney underwent a massive casting call, looking for young ladies of Polynesian descent to voice the character, even accepting submissions via YouTube. Cravalho was hesitant to audition at first, fearful that she’d have little to offer. Thankfully she did and Disney quickly discerned her talent. Based on her voice work alone, it’s impossible not to take notice of how different she sounds. Maybe it’s the fact she is an unpolished ingenue, but there’s a definite uniqueness to it.

Cravalho improvises and her inflections have a genuine quality to them. Listen to her deliver the line, “Fish pee in you! All the time!” during a fight with the ocean (just roll with it!). It’s funny because Cravalho captures the petulance of being a teenage girl…because she is one! There’s also a lithe musicality to her songs. “I Am Moana (Song of the Ancestors)” is twinkly, but never delicate in her hands. Cravalho captures the uncertainty, fear, and hesitation, but also the tenacity of being a teenager. Disney princesses have all been helmed by women in the past, but having a young lady adds an additional layer of authenticity that’s needed!

Next: Moana’s Mane