Movie Review: Moana

Around the Christmas break, I went to see the movie, Moana on the big screen and it is in a word… AMAZING!

image courtesy of amazon.comA tribute to the Polynesian culture and mythology, and full of heroic exploits of the heroes and heroines that Kiwis will be familiar with, namely Maui, the demigod. The plot follows the adventure and journey of Moana , a spirited teenager, who like most Disney princesses has a lot on her plate. This involves sailing out on a daring mission to save her island, restore the heart of Te Fiti – the island goddess, fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest and save the world. During her journey, Moana meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui, and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous fiery creatures against impossible odds. Once again, Disney has put together a movie of epic proportions filled with quirky and memorable characters, as well as an amazing cast, including Kiwi actors, Temuera Morrison, Jemaine Clement and Oscar Kightley. Kids, if those names don’t ring a bell, ask your parents and a Disney Princess in the form of Moana who embodies the qualities of an adventurous, headstrong, practically fearless, and physically capable heroine. An 8/10 all the way!

Also check out these youtube clips from the movie soundtrack: “How far I’ll go” and “You’re Welcome!”

Enjoy!

Magical New Fiction

Love adventure, magic and romance? Fall in love with Amy Alward‘s new book ‘The Potion Diaries’!

“A tiny bead of blood bloomed where the knife point pressed against the tip of her finger”

Oh no! The princess of Nova is accidentally poisoned by her own love potion. It’s the chance of a lifetime for Sam’s alchemist family, who have been mixing magic potions for generations …but can Sam find the cure and save their crumbling reputation?

With the nation’s media watching her every move, Sam overcomes incredible dangers and impossible dilemmas in order to hunt down the ingredients: a mermaid’s pearl, pink jasmine, Eluvian ivy, hair from an abominable and a unicorn’s tail.

Can Sam save the now dangerously powerful princess by winning the contest? And just how close are she and her handsome enemy Zain willing to get in the meantime?

Grab this new book from your local library today or head on over to the catalogue to reserve a copy!

(Note: this book is ideal for older children and young teens)