Characters are shown in a scene from the animated movie "Moana." The Catholic News Service classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. (CNS/Disney)

By Catholic News Service

The eponymous heroine of Disney’s 56th animated film is a spunky Polynesian princess (voice of Auli’i Cravalho) who seeks not a boyfriend but a grand adventure on the high seas. Racing against time, she must join forces with a demigod (voice of Dwayne Johnson) to vanquish evil and restore the natural order.

As directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, the film is an entertaining romp, gloriously rendered in 3-D, with a delightful array of characters and toe-tapping songs co-written by Lin-Manuel Miranda of “Hamilton” fame. There are also good lessons about family, friendship and the need to be responsible.

But Christian parents may be concerned upon finding the story line steeped in indigenous mythology, and presenting a view of creation at odds with the biblical account. While well-catechized teens will likely slough these elements off as mere fantasy, their impressionable juniors could be confused.

Nonscriptural religious ideas, mildly scary action sequences, occasional bathroom humor. The Catholic News Service classification is A-II– adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

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