Moana

THE GIST: Moana is the daughter of the tribe's Chief. When the fishermen can't catch any more fish and the crops fail, everyone blames the ancient demigod Maui, who once stole the heart of the goddess Te Fiti, who protected the island and its resources. Moana takes off on a quest to find Maui and convince him to return the heart of Te Fiti, but the voyage won't be without challenges.

I think Moana was an effort on the part of Disney to produce a movie with a female lead and also something with a more exotic, ethnic background. The result is laudable but hardly memorable.

Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson star as Moana's and Maui's voices and both do a good job. Johnson especially seems to have a great time.

THE BOTTOM LINE: This isn't a bad movie and it will certainly entertain the little ones, but it has a rehash feel to it and I don't think it will leave a particular mark.

Grade: 6.5