Key facts
- Disney's live-action remake of Moana has been released.
- The film stars Dwayne Johnson as Maui and Catherine Laga'aia as Moana.
- Many critics have described the remake as "flat," "dull," and "dismal."
- Some reviews praised the film's visual appeal and Johnson's performance.
- Criticisms include heavy reliance on CGI, a perceived lack of originality, and Johnson's age for the role.
Walt Disney's latest live-action remake, a retelling of the 2016 animated hit Moana, has been met with largely negative reviews from critics. Dwayne Johnson returns as the demigod Maui, while 19-year-old Australian-Samoan newcomer Catherine Laga'aia stars as Moana. Despite the star power and the original film's success, many reviewers have described the remake as "flat," "dull," and "dismal."
Critics have pointed to the heavy reliance on CGI, with some suggesting the film feels more like an animation than a live-action production. John Nugent of Empire noted that Johnson's character "feels like an AI interpretation," and Kevin Maher of The Times called the film "a lazy cash grab for shareholders." Maher also questioned Johnson's casting, stating he was "three decades too old to play Maui."
However, not all reviews were negative. Variety's Owen Gleiberman praised the film, stating it "escapes the remake blues - in fact it soars above them" and that Johnson's fit for the role was "perfect." David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter also offered a positive assessment, calling it "captivating family entertainment." The script for the remake was adapted by Jared Bush, the original screenwriter, and the music remains from Lin-Manuel Miranda. Thomas Kail, known for directing Hamilton, makes his feature film directorial debut. This release follows a pattern of Disney adapting its animated classics into live-action, with varying degrees of success, including the financially unsuccessful Snow White remake and the highly profitable Lilo & Stitch.