The shot-for-shot reproduction of the 2016 animated gem offers nothing new—no fresh insight, no visual imagination, and no reason to exist
Ten years ago, Disney released Moana, an animated film about a chief’s daughter who sails the ocean in search of the demigod Maui and returns the heart of the island goddess, Te Fiti. The film, a critical and commercial success, had an arresting visual palette, jokes, adventures and songs aplenty, and also created a new breed of Disney heroine.
Moana was not a damsel in distress waiting to be awakened by a kiss from Prince Charming. She was a chief-in-waiting, anointed by the ocean itself to venture beyond the safety of the reef and save her island. There was a sequel, Moana 2, in 2024, which was well on the downward slide to mediocrity. Now comes a live-action remake of the animated film, which is stunning only in its soulless replication of frames.
The Story
Moana (Catherine Laga’aia), the daughter of Chief Tui (John Tui) and Sina (Frankie Adams) of the Polynesian island of Motunui, is curious and longs to explore the wide ocean. Though her parents dissuade her, wanting to keep her safe, Gramma Tala (Rena Owen) understands the young girl’s desire to explore and encourages her to follow her heart.
The people of Motunui worship the island goddess Te Fiti, but when the shapeshifting Maui (Dwayne Johnson) steals her heart to give humans the power of creation, much like Prometheus, Te Fiti disintegrates. A thousand years later, the ocean chooses Moana to return the heart to Te Fiti and set things right.
When the coconuts turn rotten and fish disappear from the sea, Motunui is in dire straits, and Moana decides to set out, find Maui, restore the heart to Te Fiti and save the island.
The Performances
Laga’aia, who takes over from Auliʻi Cravalho, does her earnest best, though she has little room to make Moana her own as the film follows the original shot for shot. Johnson reprises his role from the animated films but seems to have phoned it in. The wig is rather distracting, while his tattoos are far more animated and get whatever meagre jokes there are to be had. Clement, who also reprises his role from the animated films, sings a jaunty tune while wiggling his eyes in an alarming manner.
The Verdict
Live-action with eerily life-like CGI is a bit of a misnomer. Though shot in Hawaii, the blue of the sea and the expansive lush green vistas do not deliver much of a wow, presenting a sterile lab-grown version of reality. The songs, action, and jokes all give as much joy as microwaved curry puffs from yesterday. Moana was an animated gem, which did not need this flat rehashing.
