MOANA (2026)

Genre: CG Animation
Director: Thomas Kail
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Catherine Lagaʻaia, Rena Owen, John Tui, Frankie Adams, Jemaine Clement
Runtime: 1 hr 55 mins
Rating: PG (Some Violence)
Released By: Walt Disney
Official Website:

Opening Day: 9 July 2026

Synopsis: In "Moana," Disney’s live-action reimagining of the beloved Oscar® -nominated animated adventure, Moana (Catherine Lagaʻaia) answers the Ocean’s call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people.

Movie Review:

When Disney announced that a live-action adaptation of Moana was in the works, the immediate reaction from many was probably the same as this reviewer's: did anyone really ask for this? After all, the original animated film was only released in 2016. Was a decade really enough time before revisiting a movie that was already beloved by audiences worldwide?

Still, optimism remained when the first glimpses of the live-action version arrived. Surely there would be something awe-inspiring about seeing the islands, oceans and mythology of Polynesia brought to life with real sets, costumes and visual effects. With expectations carefully calibrated before entering the cinema, the final result is exactly what one might expect: a pleasant two-hour adventure that offers little that feels new, but remains an enjoyable trip back to the world audiences already love.

For those who need a refresher, the story follows Moana, the daughter of a Polynesian chief who feels drawn towards the ocean despite her father's warnings to remain on the island. When a mysterious darkness threatens her home, she embarks on a dangerous voyage across the seas to find the demigod Maui and restore the heart of Te Fiti, hoping to save her people and discover her own identity along the way.

What immediately stands out is the pride and care put into representing Polynesian culture. From the intricate costumes to the traditional dance movements and the overall visual language of the film, there is a genuine sense of respect towards the heritage being portrayed. It is encouraging to see a production where representation is not merely a marketing point, but an essential part of the storytelling.

As Moana, Catherine Lagaʻaia carries the responsibility of stepping into a role that has already become iconic. She brings warmth and determination to the character, making her a heroine young audiences can root for. When she launches into the now-famous anthem "How Far I'll Go", it is easy to understand why the character continues to inspire young girls to dream beyond their own shores.

The supporting characters remain charming additions. Hei Hei the clueless rooster, Pua the adorable piglet and the coconut-armoured Kakamora warriors are all designed to generate plenty of smiles and chuckles. They may not add anything dramatically different from their animated counterparts, but their appeal remains intact.

The real burst of energy arrives when Dwayne Johnson appears as Maui. Unsurprisingly, the actor lights up the screen, especially when performing the catchy "You're Welcome". However, there is something slightly distracting about seeing Johnson transformed through a body suit to match Maui's exaggerated size. Considering the actor's larger-than-life physical presence, one wonders why the production did not simply embrace his natural charisma and let him bring his own version of the demigod to life.

Another highlight comes from Jemaine Clement as Tamatoa. The giant crab's "Shiny" sequence remains one of the most entertaining moments, with Clement's theatrical delivery once again stealing the spotlight.

Visually, Moana is certainly a beautiful film. The ocean, landscapes and vibrant colours provide plenty to admire, and seeing these elements translated from animation into live action has its own appeal. However, the biggest issue is that the film follows the original almost too faithfully. Scene after scene plays out exactly as expected, leaving very little room for surprise or reinvention.

Ultimately, the live-action Moana is not a bad movie. It is charming, colourful and enjoyable, especially for younger audiences and fans of the original. But after leaving the cinema, one wishes there was something more — a fresh perspective, a new emotional discovery or a bold creative choice that would keep the conversation going.

The voyage is familiar, the destination is beautiful, but the journey feels like one audiences have already taken before.

Movie Rating: