Disney's live-action remake of Moana has been met with a wave of criticism, with many reviewers calling it a 'dismal' and 'pointless' adaptation. The film stars Dwayne Johnson as the demigod Maui and Catherine Laga'aia as the protagonist Moana, the daughter of a Polynesian chief. While some critics found fault with the movie's flat and dull execution, others praised its ability to capture the beauty and enchantment of the original animated film.
One of the most scathing reviews came from The Independent's Clarisse Loughrey, who described the film as a 'waste of everyone's time and talent'. She criticized the use of CGI, which she felt was so deeply embedded that it felt like another animation. Loughrey also questioned the decision to cast Dwayne Johnson, suggesting that his performance was a repeat of his voice acting from a decade ago, which she found unexciting.
Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian agreed, calling the film a 'competent but pointless and unexciting back-to-basics live-action remake'. He criticized Johnson's performance as being on autopilot and the heavy use of CGI, which he felt detracted from the film's authenticity. Empire's John Nugent also noted the film's heavy reliance on animation, describing it as 'live action feels like a misnomer'.
The Times' Kevin Maher was particularly harsh, giving the film a one-star review and describing it as a 'lazy cash grab for shareholders'. He criticized Johnson's age and performance, suggesting that he was three decades too old to play Maui and that his performance was lackluster and restrained. Maher also noted the film's lack of ambition, comparing it to a leaden and limited version of the original.
However, not all reviews were negative. Variety's Owen Gleiberman praised the film for its ability to escape the 'remake blues', describing it as 'captivating family entertainment'. He highlighted the film's visual interest, vibrant colors, and alluring tropical settings, as well as Johnson's perfect portrayal of the character.
The Hollywood Reporter's David Rooney also gave a positive review, describing the film as 'brimming with visual interest, vibrant color, gorgeous design elements, and alluring tropical settings'. He praised the film's ability to capture the beauty and enchantment of the original, while also delivering a compelling family-friendly experience.
Despite the mixed reception, it's worth noting that live-action remakes of Disney classics have a history of varying success. In 2023, The Little Mermaid underperformed at the box office, but Disney's Mufasa: The Lion King was a hit in 2024. The corporation also recouped costs with the live-action Lilo & Stitch, which became one of the biggest films of the year. However, the recent loss of $170 million with the Snow White remake serves as a reminder of the challenges and risks associated with these projects.
In conclusion, the live-action Moana remake has sparked a heated debate among critics, with some praising its ability to capture the essence of the original while others find it flat and unexciting. The film's heavy use of CGI and the casting of Dwayne Johnson have been particular points of contention, but its success or failure remains to be seen as the film continues to roll out in theaters.
