Moana (2026) Review: A Flat, Lifeless, Artificial Rehash
Disney's latest live-action remake, Moana (2026), has left me scratching my head. I'm struggling to find something substantial to say about it, which is a rare occurrence for me as an expert analyst. This film is a prime example of Disney's recent trend of remaking animated classics in live-action, but it falls flat on its face. The original Moana, released in 2016, was a vibrant and captivating adventure, but its live-action counterpart feels like a shallow imitation.
The movie's artistic and visual elements are a letdown. It lacks the charm and energy of the original, with flat angles and uninspired camerawork. The live-action scenes are minimal, and the CGI elements dominate, making it feel artificial and lifeless. The closest comparison I can draw is to George Lucas' Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, which is not a compliment.
One of the most frustrating aspects is the treatment of the sea and the demigod Maui. Moana's ability to communicate with the sea is a central theme, but it's portrayed as a mere CGI effect, lacking the magic and authenticity of the original. The live-action scenes between Moana and Maui are uninspiring, with no chemistry or comedic timing between the actors. Dwayne Johnson's performance as Maui feels forced, and his physique, enhanced by CGI tattoos, appears artificial.
The live-action remake's purpose is unclear. It doesn't address any new themes or criticisms, and it fails to bring anything fresh to the table. It's a mere rehash of the original, with the same story, beat for beat, without any surprises or new angles. The only original message I found was in Tim Burton's Dumbo, which was a deliberate anti-Disney critique.
Disney's live-action remakes have often been criticized for their lack of substance and their tendency to address outdated criticisms. Moana (2026) is no exception. It's a big-budget production that feels like a cover song with worse instrumentation. While it may be a hit, it marks the end of an era for Disney's live-action remakes, and I hope it signals the end of this trend.
In my opinion, this film is a missed opportunity and a disservice to the original animated masterpiece. It's a shallow imitation that fails to capture the magic and spirit of the original. Disney should focus on creating new content rather than milking old projects for all they're worth.
Rating: 4 out of 10
Moana (2026) opens in theaters on July 10, 2026.
