Ten years after Disney released the animated Moana, a new live-action version has arrived. The original film followed a chief’s daughter who voyages across the sea to find the demigod Maui and restore the heart of the island goddess Te Fiti. It earned praise for its visuals, humor, adventure, songs, and its portrayal of an independent heroine. In the story, Moana is chosen by the ocean to venture beyond the reef and save her people rather than remain a passive figure. A 2024 sequel showed signs of declining quality. The current remake replicates the original scenes closely but lacks vitality. Moana, daughter of Chief Tui and Sina on the island of Motunui, feels drawn to the ocean despite her parents’ concerns. Her grandmother encourages her curiosity. When Maui steals the heart of Te Fiti, the island suffers. A thousand years later, the ocean selects Moana to return the heart and restore balance. Facing challenges from coconut pirates, the crab Tamatoa, and a volcanic demon, she completes her quest. The lead actress performs capably yet has limited scope to reinterpret the role. Johnson returns as Maui but appears disengaged, with distracting elements in his appearance. Another returning actor delivers a lively musical number. Although filmed in Hawaii, the visuals feel artificial and lack impact. Songs, action sequences, and humor come across as reheated and unoriginal. The film is now playing in theaters.
