Moana Movie Review + Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pork Tacos

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Walt Disney. I received information to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation

When I was provided the opportunity to see a screening of Moana (In 3D!), I jumped all over it.  I have been wanting to see it since the first time I see the previews.  With that came- a recipe for Teriyaki Pork Tacos.  

About Moana: 

Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one knows why.

From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) meets the once-mighty demigod Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity.  

All images of Moana are courtesy of Disney and used with permission

Our thoughts:

It was absolutely amazing.  

The movie was absolutely breathtaking from a visual standpoint.   Watching it in 3D was not overwhelming as some 3D movies are but it really made the beauty of the movie standout even more.  I seriously wanted to jump in the beautiful ocean.   

Of course, Moana is the star and she's amazing.  As the Chieftain's daughter, she is conflicted but Moana has her own voice and strength when it comes to saving her people.  She is the heroine and another STRONG Disney Princess.   Maui, the demi-god, of course is hilarious (The Rock is a funny guy!) and he is a fantastic companion with Moana.  They take some time to build up their friendship and eventually it builds into a great partnership. 

Add in an eccentric grandma, a wonky chicken and a father who doesn't want his daughter to leave the island- the story is complete.  

Moana isn't a romantic tale.  It's a heroine's tale.   

Moana is a GREAT Disney princess and a great, positive role model to behold.   There is action, laughter and tears.   It also opens up eyes to another culture- the Polynesian cultures.  I won't pretend to know anything about the cultures or history of the islands (Hawaii, American Samoa, Saipan, Fiji, etc.) but Moana gives a taste to them and makes me want to learn even more. 

Most importantly- my daughter loved it and wants to see Moana again! 

Oh and the music.  Oh my goodness- the music is EVERYTHING.  You think Frozen was singable? Now add the music of Moana to the music collection.  




How about some TACOS?!!!

It's Taco Tuesday!

These Teriyaki Pork Tacos are super easy and delicious.  Oh and the pork? It's made in the slow cooker! 

Recipe:

2 lbs pork loin
Teriyaki Sauce (you can use bottled - I personally like the Soy Vay Teriyaki sauce or you can make your own- here's my recipe)

Toppings:

Cilantro, chopped
Red onion, chopped
Jalapeno, sliced
Pineapple, chopped
Taco shells (I make my own with corn tortillas and fry them)
Teriyaki Sauce


1.  Place pork loin in slow cooker and add teriyaki sauce (enough to cover pork loin- you can cube up the loin if you wish).

2.  Cook on low for 6 hours. 

3.  Shred pork and place into taco shells.  Drizzle a little more teriyaki sauce, top with cilantro, jalapenos, red onions and pineapple and enjoy!

Are you going to see Moana when it opens in theatres November 23rd?