More Than a Movie: An Evening with Moana

By: Nora Almazan

There are some movies you watch, and then there are movies you experience. Taking my foster children to see the new live-action Moana turned out to be much more than a trip to the theater. It became an evening of laughter, wonder, conversation, and memories that I know will stay with us for a long time.

From the opening scenes, I was impressed with how faithfully Disney recreated the beloved animated classic. Fans of the original will appreciate that the live-action version follows the story almost scene for scene while bringing it to life in breathtaking new ways. The islands are vibrant, the ocean is stunning, and every scene feels both realistic and magical.

The casting could not have been better. The young actress portraying Moana, Catherine Laga'aia, captures everything audiences loved about the animated heroine—her courage, kindness, determination, and heart. She is remarkably talented, and her singing voice is nothing short of beautiful. She doesn't simply play Moana; she becomes her. It feels genuine, making it easy to believe you are watching the beloved character step off the screen and into real life.

As wonderful as the music and scenery were, the part of the movie that touched me most wasn't the adventure at all. It was the relationship between Moana and her grandmother.

After the movie, our family had one of those conversations that reminds me why shared experiences matter so much. We talked about the spiritual world and the questions that have comforted people for generations. Where do people go when they die? Are the ones we've loved truly gone? Why do we still feel connected to them?

The movie doesn't try to answer every spiritual question, nor should it. Instead, it beautifully captures something nearly every heart understands—the deep love between a grandmother and her granddaughter, and the comforting hope that love does not simply disappear when someone dies.

Whether someone views those moments through the lens of faith, family memories, or simply the enduring power of love, the story resonates. It reflects the longing many of us have to believe that those who shaped our lives continue to inspire us, that the lessons they taught us still guide our steps, and that their influence lives on in who we become.

As a Christian, I appreciate opportunities to have conversations with children about heaven, eternity, and the hope we have beyond this life. The movie opened the door for us to talk about those things in an age-appropriate way. We discussed how deeply God loves us, the promise of eternal life for those who trust Him, and how precious our memories of those we've lost can be.

When the credits rolled, none of us were talking about special effects or action scenes. We were talking about family, courage, faith, and love.

That's the mark of a truly memorable movie.

The live-action Moana is visually spectacular, wonderfully cast, and beautifully performed. More importantly, it reminds us that the greatest adventures are often found in the people who believe in us, the families who shape us, and the hope that love leaves an imprint on our hearts that never fades.

For our family, it wasn't just a movie.

It was an evening that gave us something even more valuable—a conversation worth having.