robertryszewski

While very short, if not taken seriously this is a great, enjoyable, hilarious film.

The first time I watched this episode, working my way through the entire TNG series, it left an impact on me and stood out as one of the best episodes of the show.

Inspired by that memory, I've now re-watched it and have come to realize that part of its impact is dependent on having the context and investment of having seen the rest of the series.

Without knowing Picard and the other characters inside out, having them be so familiar, or even the common plot format of a TNG episode, it's harder to appreciate or even be aware of what makes this episode stellars.

I wouldn't recommend to someone who hasn't seen any of TNG before, but I would highly, highly recommend for anyone who has.

Disney's done a phenomenal job in the creation of Moana. The graphics and scenery are up to par as you would expect. The music is surprisingly well done and didn't feel shoehorned or forced into the scenes at all. At times, the characters even poked fun at the use of tropes (sudden breaking into song, motivational speeches, the like) the audience would expect, just as the film would subvert those expectations.

The film's message was especially empowering. Moana, as a teenager coming of age, has to struggle with trying to figure out her place in the world and her community, on top of all the otherwordly, supernatural elements the story throws her into. There are moments where she understandably faces doubt and uncertainty (as a 16 year old, alone, in the middle of the ocean, with no sailing experience and the weight of the world on her shoulders). When at times she implores other characters for help, the audience might expect the trope of a "hero character" to swoop in and help her. Part of the beauty of this film is how organic and believable Moana's character development flows, and how she ultimately finds herself fully capable of accomplishing the things she needs to do.