For a decade, Disney has been returning to some of their beloved animated classics, but this time, for Moana, its circumstances are different. The original animated adventure is still fresh in the minds of audiences, while films that returned after generations have passed have faded from memory.
It was released in 2016 and is one of Disney’s most-watched modern animated films, so it’s hard to make the decision to make a remake it in less than ten years. That hurdle looms over most of the scenes of this live-action adaptation.
Moana, directed by Thomas Kail, follows the story that viewers are already familiar with. The adventurous daughter of Motunui’s chief, Moana, embarks on a voyage beyond the reef to seek out and bring back the heart of Te Fiti, and save her people, with the help of Maui, a demigod larger than life.
The most important thing to ask about the film is whether this new version can hold up to the original, as it doesn’t change much. The answer is not clear during a large part of its duration.
- Read More: Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour Reunite for New Netflix Spy Series
- Read More: Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Streaming Release Date May Have Been Leaked
- Read More: Can’t Get Over Obsession? These 10 Movies Capture the Same Dark Magic
Catherine Laga’aia Gives the Film Its Strongest Moments
Only one performance gets consistent praise, and that is the performance of Catherine Laga’aia.
Taking over the role originally played by Auliʻi Cravalho, Laga’aia brings her own screen presence to Moana, while capturing her determination, curiosity, and compassion. She has also done a good job in the songs that are used in the film musicals.
Some people who were disappointed with the remake at large even said that Laga’aia is one of the things that makes the best out of the film, as she has a lot of emotional touch throughout the film.
When all the production is not as polished, it’s her performance that brings the story to life.
Dwayne Johnson Returns as Maui
Dwayne Johnson is returning as Maui, lending his voice to the animated Maui. His return proved to be one of the biggest selling points to the remake, though they’ve been mixed.
While “You’re Welcome” remains one of the film’s standout musical moments, some reviewers felt Johnson’s performance lacked the same energy and charisma that helped define the animated version.
Others observed how Johnson and Laga’aia’s chemistry contributes to some of the lighter moments in the film, although it doesn’t always replicate the original’s spark.
A Familiar Story With Few New Ideas
In fact, one of the most frequent complaints about Moana is that it is such a close remake of its animated predecessor.
The remake doesn’t re-imagine the story or develop the world but is more often than not a recreation of scenes A to Z. If you enjoyed the 2016 film, this familiarity might be comforting, but it raises the question of why this version exists.
There are very few major changes to the film, and the majority of the scenes are very much as they have been remembered. That faithfulness is the main downfall of the remake for some critics.
Spectacle Without the Same Sense of Wonder
The film’s visual approach is to make a visual journey between Motunui and the Pacific Ocean, using extensive use of visual effects.
A few moments convey the grandeur of the animated adventure well, while others have been criticized for being overly digital.
Some reviewers also commented on the diminished vibrancy and color palette of the cinematography, especially the night scenes, which seemed too dark for the original animation.
The music scenes – competently staged – don’t match in emotional impact to those of their animated counterparts.
Living in the Shadow of the Original
The main challenge for Moana may well be the continued success of the original. While a lot of Disney remakes come out decades after the originals, it is easy to compare the two versions by simply streaming the animated version.
This live-action version could have been regarded as an adorable fantasy journey if the original didn’t exist, several critics said. Rather, it takes much of its run time reminding the audience how faithful it is to the film that many view as a modern Disney classic.
Final Verdict
The live-action Moana is unlikely to take the place of the animated original, but they do not have all the weaknesses.
There is a lot of talent here that holds the promise of great things for Catherine Laga’aia, who is confident and engaging, and several familiar songs and emotional moments still reverberate.
But the movie doesn’t often go beyond what the original does. It’s a very faithful adaptation of the 2016 movie, rarely offering any surprises for those who already know the plot, and finding it hard to find its own footing.
If you’ve never seen the film, you might be able to enjoy it, and if you’ve seen the original and are looking for a new take on one of Disney’s most popular modern adventures, you might wish the remake would have taken more of a chance.
Rating: 2.5/5
