There have been many questions as to whether it is too soon for re-make of one of Disney’s biggest animated films in recent years. Yet there is still plenty of fun to be had and it is a nice debut performance from Catherine Laga’aia as the central character.
Director Thomas Kail has created a wonderfully faithful live action of Moana, which was such a hit back in 2016 and it is wonderful to see a live-action representation of Polynesian culture. But it is hard to not keep questioning as to whether this live action version was needed.
As in the original film, Moana finds herself on her very own adventure to save her village from complete destruction by finding and returning Te Fiti’s heart, which was taken by Demi God Maui which led to a curse being placed on the world. Along the way Moana discovers more about herself and what she is capable of, developing an unexpected friendship with Maui as well.
Featuring a screenplay by Jared Bush (who also co-wrote the 2016 original alongside Ron Clements and John Musker), the film is still filled with warmth and joy that made the original so uplifting to watch. Some of the jokes perhaps don’t quite land as well as they could and it is really difficult to justify a CGI Hei Hei in this version but the intention throughout is solid.
Kail’s film is filled with colour, drama and sense of heightened theatricality to it, really allowing the musical numbers to shine perfectly (although some of the visual effects for ‘Shiny’ feel slightly too overblown). But it also highlights the importance of seeing different cultures to be shown on screen and not just in animated form.
There is a real consistency also in the way themes such as family, tradition and culture are portrayed without ever coming across as heavy handed. The magic and joy still remains in tact as well.
The pacing can feel a little bit sluggish in places, particularly in the middle of the film but there is no denying that the climax to the end of the film is well played out and is suitably thrilling without being too scary for younger viewers.
Meanwhile, it has to be said that Catherine Laga’aia offers a wonderful warm performance as Moana, really capturing the character’s warmth, strength and determination. It is a really assured performance, while her vocals ring out beautifully as well as heard on ‘How Far I’ll Go’ for example. Dwayne Johnson, reprising his role as Maui in life this time rather than just his voice is clearly relishing his opportunity to revisit this character but there is occasionally a slight hesitancy which seems at odds with the character’s exuberance and confidence – but it is still a fun performance overall to watch.
Overall, this live action adaptation of Moana is a bit of a mixed bag. There is still the fun and joy of the original but it is just lacking something visually to make it stand out from the original.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️