Boxing Day is traditionally the biggest day at cinemas across New Zealand, and going head to head are Sing and Moana.
Moana is from the directors behind timeless classics The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, who this time set their new Disney fairy tale right in our 'hood.
First things first - there is no way I can review this story of Moana as anything but a New Zealander, a grateful and connected resident of Aotearoa and its extended Pacific Island whanau.
And what Disney has gifted us, in particular, is a story that will resonate with us even more than it will anywhere else in the world.
Our story begins on the small idyllic island of Motunui, nestled somewhere in the South Pacific about 2000 years ago.
For reasons unknown to her, Moana's father is convinced his people will stay safe and thrive by staying exactly where they are.
But there is darkness spreading. Demi-god Maui has been a bad, bad boy, and his recklessness soon washes up on Motunui's pristine shores and Moana knows she must risk everything to save her village.
Of course this isn't just a Disney movie; it's a Disney musical, and it does not disappoint on that front either - a collective chorus who hit exactly the right note, bringing the intrinsic flavour of the Pacific to the masses in an incredibly catchy and memorable way. I dare you not to be singing 'You're Welcome' for days after.
The thing I loved the most about our feisty little South Pacific adventurer - at no point do the filmmakers see the need for her to "fall in love" - the perennially clichéd happy fairytale ending. How fabulously refreshing!
But fear not all you festive romantics, if falling in love really is your thing, you'll soon find yourself falling head over heels for Moana. I know I certainly did.
Five stars.
Moana
:: Director: Ron Clements, John Musker
:: Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Auli'i Cravalho, Alan Tudyk, Nicole Scherzinger, Jemaine Clement, Temuera Morrison, Rachel House
:: Running Time: 107 minutes
:: Rating: PG - some scenes may scare very young children
:: Release Date: December 26, 2016
Newshub.
