The reviewer expressed skepticism towards many of Disney's recent live-action remakes, often finding them unnecessary cash grabs. While acknowledging exceptions like 'Cinderella' and 'Cruella,' the initial feeling walking into 'Moana' was one of curiosity mixed with deep doubt, especially given the original's continued popularity on streaming services and theme parks, and the recent release of 'Moana 2' in late 2024.
Instead of a bold remix or a deepening of the mythology, the film offers a predictable and occasionally boring experience, despite its often spectacular visuals. Director Thomas Kail, making his narrative feature debut after success with 'Hamilton,' brings rhythm to the island life and musical sequences. However, the film’s tight adherence to the structure, tone, and individual shots of the 2016 animated movie results in a meticulously staged greatest-hits concert rather than the reimagining hoped for.
Story and Faithful Recreation
The narrative closely mirrors the original journey. Moana of Motunui is chosen by the Ocean to defy her father, Chief Tui, and sail beyond the reef to restore the heart of Te Fiti with the help of Maui. The film faithfully recreates key beats, from Moana's childhood call to the sea and her encounter with the living Ocean, to her partnership with Maui, the Kakamora attack, Tamatoa's lair (with Jemaine Clement returning as the voice of the glitzy crab), and the climactic revelation of Te Kā's identity. Some sequences are so faithfully recreated that they evoke the original storyboards.
Visuals and Production
The visual wonder of the film is undeniable, particularly in its depiction of water. The live-action 'Moana' is a sprawling multi-studio effort supervised by Bill Westenhofer, involving Industrial Light & Magic, Wētā FX, Digital Domain, and Framestore. The living Ocean is presented with a tangible presence, feeling more grounded yet remaining playful. Filmed in Hawaii and Atlanta, the production leverages real lagoons and storm-tossed waters to create awe-inspiring scenes. Costume and tattoo work draws heavily from Polynesian and Samoan design, reflecting Disney's ongoing efforts to center Pacific Islander cultures with care through casting and craft.
What Worked and What Didn't
What worked, when it did was the immersive feeling of stepping into Moana's world. The live-action adaptation transforms familiar animated compositions into grounded images, adding emotional weight to moments like villagers hauling nets, Moana's small canoe dwarfed by waves, or Maui strutting on the prow. Kail's direction effectively uses wider shots and longer takes, allowing the environment to breathe. Some quieter scenes between Moana and Gramma Tala are imbued with an intimacy distinct from the original animation.
Despite these strengths, the reviewer never shook the feeling that the movie played it too safe, adhering rigidly to the source material without adding significant new depth or interpretation.
Featured names
- Movie Review
- Catherine Laga
- Dwayne Johnson
- Jemaine Clement
- Industrial Light
- Bill Westenhofer
- Digital Domain
- Pacific Islander
- Manuel Miranda
- Newcomer Catherine
- Frankie Adams
- Mark Mancina
- The Grade Your
- The Grade Your
