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5 Reasons Why Moana is Better than Turkey

We have a family tradition of going to the movies on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Looks like Black Friday is trying to infringe on my Thanksgiving time. No gracias, Black Friday. I’ve been wanting to take my girls to see Disney’s MOANA since I heard it announced. Then I thought, well, we’ll be on a Disney Cruise a few days after Thanksgiving, and they’ll be showing it on board. MOANA + At Sea = Perfection, right?

Moana Movie Poster

Well my daughters want to see it before we leave. Tradition, they say! I’m excited for it, too, so I snuck out for a little sneak peek to preview Moana before I take the family. Woah, so amazing! Now, I love my turkey dinner, but I’m going to give you 5 reasons MOANA is better than turkey.

THE PACIFIC ISLAND SETTING

Moana is the story of an adventurous girl who sets sail on a daring mission to save her people. Her adventures take place on the ocean and Pacific Islands. Now I know some parts of the country are warm, but where I live, winter has come. It’s freezing. This CGI-animated film made everything incredibly real. A lot of research went into the study of the islands, and I felt as if I was in paradise (minus a scene or two). Paradise is warm; I like warm. The animation truly was beautiful. It felt better than a piece of turkey getting colder while waiting for everyone to gather at the table.

Moana

MOANA – (Pictured) Moana. ©2016 Disney.

HEIHEI

Now that is one funny, crazy bird. Sure turkey may taste delicious, but that joy is temporary. Heihei, a stowaway rooster, will make you laugh out loud, and the memories last forever. The characters are great in Moana, and many offer hilarious moments. Laughter is good for the soul. Plus save a turkey, and watch Heihei on the big screen. Don’t forget to get your free coloring pages here which includes Heiei.

Heihei from Disney's Moana

ALAN TUDYK, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ lucky charm (“Zootopia,” “Wreck-It Ralph,” “Big Hero 6”), is behind the voice of HEIHEI, a dumb rooster who accidentally stows away on Moana’s canoe. ©2016 Disney.

GRAMMA TALA IS WISE

Gramma Tala, the mother of Chief Tui (Moana’s father) and Moana’s greatest confidante, is a wise woman. The kind of spunky, albeit a little eccentric, Gramma you wish you had, and if you already have that type, you cherish her. She’s the one who tells Moana, “You may hear a voice inside. And if that voice starts to whisper to follow the farthest star … that voice inside you, is who you are.” Moana is conflicted, because in order to save her people, she has to disobey her father. Gramma Tala and Moana have a special connection and are both free spirits. So you don’t want a lecture from family members who aren’t so wise at the Thanksgiving table? Go chill with Gramma Tala instead.

Gramma Tala and Moana

MOANA – (Pictured) Grandma Tala and Moana. ©2016 Disney.

THE MUSIC

Lin-Manuel Miranda was part of the team that wrote and composed songs for Moana. Enough said. That man’s a musical genius, but so are many Disney composers and writers. There are many Disney soundtracks that have helped me through different stages of life. Songs from The Little Mermaid, Tangled, Aladdin, Mary Poppins, and Beauty and the Beast have all influenced my life. Whether it be as a child, teenager, wife, or mother, each song and its lyrics have inspired me or helped me through a sad time. I have been encouraged, rejuvenated, consoled, and uplifted through music. The songs in this film will have that same impact on those who hear it. The cultural authenticity is great, too, as they included Opetaia Foa‘i, a leader in Pacific music, as part of the musical dream team. Turkeys are not going to create sweet music at the dinner table, but you humming the songs from Moana will impress the guests.

The music from Moana

ANAHEIM, CA – AUGUST 14: Singer/songwriter Opetaia Foa’i and music group Te Vaka of MOANA took part today in “Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films” presentation at Disney’s D23 EXPO 2015 in Anaheim, Calif. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)

ALL THE MOANA GIRL POWER

Forget politics this Thanksgiving and talk empowerment. Moana is a heroine. A girl who finds herself and her way in her journey. Was Princess Leia the first self-rescuing princess? I don’t know, but I’m liking this trend Disney is going with for strong, female leads. As the mother of 5 girls, it’s important to me that they are learning about different cultures and that they have good role models. Role models don’t have to be perfect. Moana makes mistakes, and this is one reason why I love her character so much. This is one princess you’ll want your daughters – and sons- to see.

MOANA is a Heroine

AULI‘I CRAVALHO lends her voice to the title character. ©2016 Disney.

So if you really must have that turkey this Thanksgiving, never fear, MOANA is in theaters now! Plenty of time to see it before or after you get your grub on. Just make sure you see it. You may find your way.

Check out some behind the scenes fun below!

 

Is Raya and the Last Dragon Kid Friendly? Parents Guide

Monday 1st of March 2021

[…] and the Last Dragon ranks up there with my favorite action-adventure princesses, Moana and Rapunzel, and I’ll hand over my $29.99 gladly to […]

Kristin

Sunday 27th of November 2016

My girls are so excited about this movie!!! We can't wait to go!

Brianne

Friday 25th of November 2016

I cannot wait to see this with the kiddies. We are heading to the movies tomorrow!

Mama to 6 blessings

Thursday 24th of November 2016

Another cite Disney movie. I cannot wait to take my kids to see it.

Vera Sweeney

Thursday 24th of November 2016

We are so excited to see this movie!!!! I love that they came out with another Disney princess!