If you’re looking to indulge in a new movie for the holidays, then I suggest you check out Disney’s new movie, Moana.

This movie tells the story of Moana (Auli’i Carvalho) as she sails across the ocean to save the her island of Motunui. She sets after Maui (Dwayne Johnson) who eventually works alongside her and her sidekick chicken, HeiHei, to take on challenges throughout their adventure. They encounter obstacles along the way, including Moana’s own conflicts with Maui, as they share a sibling like relationship.

Moana presents the role of a girl who works hard to earn her abilities. Coming from someone who didn’t know much to knowing and perfecting a talent, she is the prime example of a strong woman who can grow to what she wants to be. This movie showcases the importance of hard work and following your dreams. She is also the only Disney princess who doesn’t have a love interest, and doesn’t need one in order to get where she needs to be. This is a new plot line that Disney has taken, and I believe that this is a great lesson to teach an audience that they don’t need anyone in order to achieve their dreams. While Maui played presents a role of someone who took things for granted and is now working to restore trust in himself and people around him.

This movie presents music produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of Hamilton, and it provides accurate representation of what Polynesian music is in their culture, as well as a small twist of modern sound. The songs in the movie remind me of parts of songs from Hamilton; so if you’re a fan of the broadway musical, like me, then I suggest you go check out the movie or download the movie’s official soundtrack.

If I had to recommend any movie to go watch in theaters, it would be this one. I sat in the theater crying, laughing, and awing at every scene in the movie. Not only did this movie make me have a bright smile as I walked out of the theater, it made me realize that I can accomplish anything if I set my mind to it.