A glossy but hollow retread that leans on Johnson and visuals to stay afloat.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
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Critic consensus
Critical reception for the live-action Moana remake is largely negative, with most reviewers finding the film an unnecessary and hollow recreation of the 2016 animated original. The most common criticism is that the remake offers little beyond faithful frame-for-frame replication, failing to justify its own existence. Dwayne Johnson's Maui, the visual spectacle, and the returning songs received some acknowledgment, while Simi Laga'aia's lead performance drew mixed responses, with several critics finding her lacking the spirit of the animated counterpart. One outlier, Rajiv Vijayakar, praised the film's script and narrative structure enthusiastically, though this view stands in stark contrast to the broader consensus.
3 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 8 critic reviews · may contain errors
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Top critic
Film review
Moana is more a self-conscious teen than a carefree spirit. Laga'aia, making her debut, also struggles to hit the right note of chutzpah that marked her animated version. Her eager-to-please smile is the biggest detractor.
Film review
This live-action Disney film reimagines their 2016 animation classic, Moana, without consciously trying to surpass or belittle one of their finest animation exercises. One of the finest Disney scripts ever, the narration does not offer a standardized template wherein a princess has to deal with evil forces and win the heart of an eligible suitor. At 115 minutes, it is one relentless cinematic feat and feast, a seamlessly perfect amalgam of content and form, all anchored by some incredible writing.
Film review
The remake delivers spectacle and sincerity, but its safest choices leave Johnson's Maui doing much of the heavy lifting.
Film review
Moana is almost a frame-for-frame recreation that struggles to justify why it exists in the first place. A live-action retelling that brings nothing new to the table.
Film review
The live-action Moana faithfully recreates the original, but rarely captures its magic. It just can't justify its own existence, much like the Mulan remake. It is just Disney flexing that whatever it creates will be consumed by nostalgia-fueled audiences.
Film review
Disney's live-action Moana brings back beloved songs, Dwayne Johnson and stunning visuals, but offers little beyond the animated classic. Catherine Laga'aia shines in this family adventure, though the remake struggles to match the original's charm.
Film review
Same map, same reef, but the tide just isn't the same
Film review
Now comes a live-action remake of the animated film, which is stunning only in its soulless replication of frames. 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.
Credits
Catherine LagaʻaiaMoana
Dwayne JohnsonMaui
John TuiChief Tui
Frankie AdamsSina
Rena OwenGramma Tala
Jemaine ClementTamatoa (voice)English films like Moana
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