Disney’s latest live-action adaptation of Moana has been criticized for its lackluster visuals, disrespectful adaptation of the original material, and overall pointlessness. The film, a shot-for-shot remake of the animated classic, fails to offer anything new or creatively compelling.
The story follows Moana, played by Catherine Laga’aia, a Pacific Islander who defies her father’s orders to save her dying island by seeking out Maui, portrayed by Dwayne Johnson. The film features an original song, “Along the Way,” by Lin Manuel-Miranda, which is only included in the end credits.
While the performances in the movie are serviceable, the transition from animation to live-action results in subpar visuals, awkward CGI characters, and uninspired lighting and set design. The film attempts to justify its musical numbers in a more realistic way, but this decision falls flat compared to the original animated version.
Despite being a tolerable watch, Disney’s live-action Moana is critiqued for being a soulless imitation of the beloved original. The film’s uninspired approach and lack of genuine creative effort have left audiences underwhelmed. In the end, Moana (2026) is deemed as nothing more than cinematic slop.