Moana vs. The Rookie

Attribute	Moana	The Rookie
Genre	Animated musical adventure	Drama, crime, procedural
Release Year	2016	2018
Main Character	Moana	John Nolan
Setting	Polynesian islands	Los Angeles
Directors	Ron Clements, John Musker	Alexi Hawley

Plot

Moana is a Disney animated film that follows the journey of a young Polynesian girl named Moana as she sets sail on a daring mission to save her people. Along the way, she teams up with the demigod Maui and faces various challenges, including battling monsters and overcoming her own self-doubt. The Rookie, on the other hand, is a sports drama based on the true story of Jim Morris, a high school science teacher and baseball coach who makes a bet with his team that he will try out for a major league baseball team if they win the championship. After his team's unexpected victory, Morris follows through on his promise and ends up making it to the big leagues at the age of 35.

Main Characters

In Moana, the titular character is a strong-willed and adventurous young woman who is determined to prove herself as a capable leader and wayfinder. She is brave, resourceful, and compassionate, with a deep connection to the ocean and her people's traditions. Maui, the demigod who accompanies Moana on her journey, is initially arrogant and self-centered but learns to be more humble and selfless as he helps Moana on her quest. In The Rookie, Jim Morris is a dedicated teacher and coach who is initially skeptical of his own abilities as a baseball player. However, as he pursues his dream of playing in the major leagues, he rediscovers his passion for the game and inspires others with his perseverance and determination.

Themes

Both Moana and The Rookie explore themes of self-discovery, perseverance, and the importance of following one's dreams. Moana learns to trust in herself and her abilities as she navigates the challenges of her journey, ultimately realizing her true potential as a leader. Similarly, Jim Morris overcomes his doubts and fears to pursue his lifelong dream of playing professional baseball, proving that it's never too late to chase after what you truly desire. Both stories emphasize the importance of believing in oneself and staying true to one's values, even in the face of adversity.

Setting

Moana is set in the lush and vibrant world of ancient Polynesia, with stunning visuals that bring the ocean and island landscapes to life. The film's setting plays a central role in the story, as Moana's connection to the sea and her people's seafaring traditions are integral to the plot. In contrast, The Rookie takes place in small-town Texas, where baseball is a beloved pastime and the community rallies around Jim Morris as he pursues his dream. The setting of the film reflects the values of hard work, perseverance, and community support that are central to the story.

Music

One of the standout features of Moana is its memorable soundtrack, which features songs written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and performed by the talented cast. The music in the film captures the spirit of Polynesian culture and adds depth to the characters and story. In contrast, The Rookie does not have a musical component, but the film's score by composer Carter Burwell helps to enhance the emotional moments and build tension during key scenes. While Moana's music is a central part of the film's identity, The Rookie relies more on its storytelling and character development to engage the audience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Moana and The Rookie are two very different films that share common themes of self-discovery, perseverance, and the importance of following one's dreams. While Moana is a colorful and adventurous animated film that appeals to audiences of all ages, The Rookie is a heartfelt sports drama that resonates with viewers who appreciate stories of triumph over adversity. Both films feature strong lead characters who overcome obstacles and find their true calling, inspiring audiences to believe in themselves and pursue their passions. Whether you're in the mood for a musical adventure or a heartwarming sports story, both Moana and The Rookie offer something special for audiences to enjoy.