Live-action reimaginings of beloved animated hits are a mixed bag. Disney has done them more than anyone, seeing them as not only a fresh source of revenue, but a way to keep these franchises fresh and alive. But so soon after Dreamworks’ excellent remake of How to Train Your Dragon, the bar has risen signifcantly for Moana, Disney’s new take on the 2016 animated smash that introduced the world to the boisterous demigod Maui and the fearless titular Polynesian princess. While director Thomas Kail doesn’t attempt anything specific to separate from its predecessor, embracing what worked before, and allowing the actors to make these roles their own, works to make this one of Disney’s best live-action films in years.
First of all, this movie is absolutely stunning. The original Moana was gorgeous, with crisp, lush ocean blues filling up the screen like candy for the eyes. Making the move to live-action hasn’t diminished any of that; in fact, it’s just as beautiful whether Moana and Maui are sailing the high seas, traversing the vivid greens of Motunui island, or deep in the rainbow-colored bowels of Tamatoa’s lair.
While original Moana voice actress Auli’i Cravalho has moved to a producer role, the lead is impressively filled by the luminous, extraordinarily talented Catherine Laga’aia. Her singing voice isn’t quite as strong as Cravalho’s, but that’s okay. She never seems to be trying to emulate the actress, and finds her own way to capture Moana’s fearlessness, inner strength, and positive attitude. She’s especially impressive when performing some of the most signature songs, such as “Where You Are”, and “Along the Way”, while showing strong comedic chemistry with Dwayne Johnson’s Maui.
Speaking of which, if Johnson is going to be remembered for any acting role, it’s going to be Maui. After voicing the musclebound demigod in the 2016 original and again in 2024 sequel, it’s a part that uniquely combines all of Johnson’s best qualities. He’s a born performer, whose physicality is matched only by his charm and charisma. I don’t know if he changed his workout plan or if they used some weird AI, but he is even shaped like Maui now, looking like an icebox given legs, arms, tattoos, and long hair. His performance of the iconic “You’re Welcome” is Johnson at his absolute best, allowing him to be the showman that he was always meant to be.
The plot remains untouched, which is for the best. Moana still needs to defy her tribe’s traditions by leaving the island and venturing into the dangerous ocean to find Maui, who with his magical hook, stole the “heart” of the goddess Te Fiti, leaving the world a dead and dying place literally crumbling to ash. Moana must master the art of wayfinding, the voyager’s way of navigating the oceans, if she is to save her island from certain doom.
Whenever there is one of these live-action remakes, the question is always “Well, what’s the point”? Was there a need for a new Moana? Probably not. But so what? If there’s one thing that I think this version does better is showing off the Polynesian customs and culture, with more time spent with Moana as she seeks connection to her ancestors and tribal traditions. I loved the quieter moments between Moana and Gramma Tala, played by Rena Owen, whose bond takes them beyond the reef and even beyond the ocean itself.
A misunderstanding of these live-action recreations is that they are here to make you forget the movies of the past. It’s simply not true. The heart, soul, and adventure that made the original such a cherished favorite is here, as well. Who knows? The path of the wayfinder might lead you to loving both versions of Moana equally.
Moana opens in theaters July 10th.
