Remakes have been a hot topic of discussion over the past few years, with many questioning why it’s necessary to retell a story that’s already so well-known and cherished. In some cases, such as Maleficent and Cruella, the story is reimagined from another character’s perspective, while films like The Little Mermaid update the original for modern audiences. Moana, however, does neither, instead offering an almost frame-for-frame recreation of the beloved animated film just 10 years after its original release.
Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as Maui after voicing the iconic demigod in the 2016 original and its sequel, this time embodying the larger-than-life character in live action. Unfortunately, his performance falls flat, failing to match the high-energy charisma of the animated version. Unlike Auliʻi Cravalho, who chose to pass the mantle of Moana to another young actress of Pacific Islander heritage, Johnson’s return makes the remake feel more like a vanity project than a fresh reimagining of the beloved original.
Understandably, it is difficult to recapture the colour, energy and narrative of an animation in a live-action format, but that poses the question: why do it? Films like Snow White are retelling stories from almost 80 years ago for a new audience, which, whilst still debatable, does make more sense. But with Moana only being released in 2016 and its sequel arriving less than two years ago, the story still feels fresh rather than one in need of revisiting and not one I would’ve expected or wanted to see being adapted so soon, but instead maybe in another decade or so.
The one benefit of this remake is that audiences have been introduced to Catherine Laga’aia, who makes her feature film debut in the title role. Laga’aia shines as much as she can in this adaptation, with a beautiful voice that does the original songs justice while bringing a fresh perspective to the adored character. She gives Moana the subtle strength and stubborn determination needed to save her people. However, where the film falls short is in Moana’s friendship with Maui. While this may be no fault of Laga’aia‘s, the chemistry between the pair never quite lands, resulting in a much lower-energy dynamic than the animated original.
But credit must be given where it’s due, and some of the musical numbers lend themselves beautifully to the live-action format. Interestingly, it’s the songs that juxtapose light and darkness which leave the biggest impression. I Am Moana (Song of the Ancestors) is particularly stunning on the big screen, with its vibrant colours contrasting against the darkness of the ocean to create one of the film’s most visually striking sequences. The same can be said for Shiny, set within Tamatoa’s glittering cave of jewels, which transforms into a dazzling, West End-worthy show as Moana attempts to distract the self-obsessed crab.
Yet visually, this film is a mixed bag, showcasing some enchanting visuals in one scene before shifting into darker, dimly lit ones the next. One of the most noticeable differences is Te Fiti, a moment that should be one of the most colourful and breathtaking parts of their voyage, but instead appears dull, dampening what should be the film’s biggest visual and emotional payoff. The lack of colour not only affects the spectacle of the moment but also removes some of the emotional weight that made the finale so memorable.
Previously, many have criticised Disney for altering the stories they know and love, which may have led this adaptation to stick so closely to its animated counterpart. It’s difficult to dislike a film that faithfully follows a story so loved, which is why this remake will undoubtedly find its audience. If this remake proves anything, it’s just how special the original is with its vibrant animation, unforgettable soundtrack by Lin-Manuel Miranda and infectious sense of adventure; the 2016 film still stands as the definitive version of Moana – and one I would choose over the remake any day.
★★
In cinemas from July 9th / Dwayne Johnson, Catherine Laga’aia, John Tui, Frankie Adams, Rena Owen / Dir: Thomas Kail / Walt Disney Pictures / PG
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