Moana film review: Live-actor version traces the animated hit

2016’s animated Moana raised the bar yet again for Walt Disney Animation Studios, reeling in bigger bucks than budget while amassing an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a god damn Grammy. The grand slam earned a sequel. But Hollywood hedges its’ bets now more than ever, milking any cash cow until the teats run dry. In aims of playing it safe, acclaimed and beloved productions get exhausted, the fallout tainted and diluted legacies. The byproduct at hand is a live-action interpretation of the same story from the original picture. For her film debut, Catherine Lagaʻaia makes a big splash bringing the teenage Moana to life, embarking on an oceanic crusade in search of demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson reprising his role from the 2016 movie) to help restore balance and abundance to her island.

The two leads develop entertaining character dynamics

Tony Award-winning Thomas Kail’s direction, even teamed with fruitful collaborator Lin-Manuel Miranda, can’t steer this half-hearted variant away from a disingenuous pursuit to carry the torch. New interpretations on the original film’s celebrated numbers appear like cheap cushions for the new anthems. Overall, the picture’s mere presence seems desperate and superfluous.

The people of the island of Motunui find themselves in the crosshairs of a dangerous entity, leaving them in the bind of a depleted fishing zone which they rely on to live. Coconuts only will not sustain, but the risk of venturing out past the reef is a risk too great, as Moana’s father and village leader, Chief Tui (John Tui), firmly reminds. His confidence in her ability to one day assume the role of leader is challenged by his distrust of Moana’s passionate relationship with the ocean. Their backs against the wall, its sink or swim for the Motunui. Illustrating themes of self-confidence, identity, and community, Moana rises to the occasion and sets sail. Her rapport with Gramma Tala (Rena Owen) illuminates their mutual connection with the sea, while pleasantly kindling notions of the supportive and light grandparent/grandchild dynamic.

Cinematography fails to create a sense of place

Being a musical and all, it shouldn’t be a revelation Moana spares no time before the caroling steps in for spoken dialogue. The harmonies can’t hypnotize your eyes enough to miss the bulky presence of CGI landscapes buffing out any visual depth. Young viewers might not notice, or they might not care. 

The theme of the human connection to nature and respecting your surroundings are praiseworthy. Unfortunately, the imagery presented lacks warmth, falling flat behind the characters and their actions. Ridiculous wig aside, the Rock rocks in this. Johnson executes Maui’s level of humor just right to offset Moana’s bright-eyed, bushy-tailed ambition. The age-appropriate odd couple ends up giving Moana the energy of a wholesome buddy-cop flick.