MOANA

(2016) Ancient Polynesian mythology gets the Disney treatment when the daughter of a chieftain of a prosperous island, Moana (Auli'i Cravalho), learns of the story of the demigod Maui, who many years ago stole the heart of the goddess Te Whiti, she who created all the islands.  Most of the residents of Moana's island - including Moana's father - sees the myth as only a fable, but when the fishing dries up on the island and the curse seems to be coming true, Moana discovers her people used to be ancient navigators of the seas when the sea itself calls to her as The One - the person chosen to find Maui, restore Te Whiti's heart, and bring the islands back to life.  All the Disney signatures are here - beautiful animation, funny and touching moments, a story of faith (particularly in yourself) in the face of adversity, and even a funny animal sidekick (HeiHei - pronounced "Hay-Hay" - the funniest chicken EVER).  But along with the story, what sets Moana apart is the glorious lack of a love interest; Moana, though unsure of herself initially, is a Disney Princess for the 21st century as she learns to become as strong and independent as they come - a future queen perfectly content to rule in the future without the need of a king by her side.  The musical numbers/soundtrack (by the one and only Lin-Manuel Miranda), while to me not quite as strong as past Disney contenders (with one huge exception: Jemaine Clement singing "Shiny" is worth the price of admission alone), keeps things lively and fun - as does the relationship, when they finally do meet, between Moana and Maui (Dwayne Johnson), a major highlight of a film that - after one cool epic "final battle" - ends perfectly.  One of those films I liked when it started, but had fallen in love with by its end.  (rated PG) 9/10 stars