Moana, a live-action remake of the 2016 animated film, is a refreshing take on a beloved Disney story. It's a buoyant surprise, directed with verve and generosity of spirit by Thomas Kail, that stands confidently on its own. The film features a captivating performance by Catherine Laga'aia in the title role, a Disney princess with no need for a prince to figure out who she is or what she wants. The addition of Dwayne Johnson as the egotistical trickster demigod Maui is a winking backup that adds to the charm of the film. While I'll always be skeptical of Disney's live-action remakes, Moana is a fresh sparkle on beloved material, allowing for discovery by a new generation and the warm comfort of childhood memories for audiences old enough to have experienced them the first time around.
One thing that immediately stands out is the respect for South Sea cultures and inventiveness with their mythology. The film contains more CG-heavy elements, such as cute animal sidekicks and marauding coconut pirates, but these concerns recede when a movie has this much heart and humor. The story follows Moana, played by Laga'aia, who is raised with love in the idyllic Polynesian community of Motonui by her parents Tui and Sina. Her deepest spiritual bond is with her grandmother Tala, who shares stories of their island ancestors and has an intuitive understanding of Moana's magnetic attraction to the ocean.
The film's strength lies in its ability to balance heart and humor, as well as its respect for South Sea cultures. The songs, composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa'i of Oceanic music group Te Vaka, and Mark Mancina, are catchy and well-integrated into the story. The actors inject so much personality into the numbers that it seems churlish to quibble. The final act is joyfully moving and almost makes it feel like a vacation in tropical settings.
However, the film could stand to shave off 10 minutes from its midsection on the ocean, which often suffers from too many flat, green-screen backgrounds. Despite this, Moana is a captivating family entertainment that deserves to find an audience. It's a stirring touch that Sina recognizes and subtly encourages their daughter's formidable drive before the chief is willing to accept her independence. And Rena Owen brings warmth and earthy wisdom to Tala, who provides a living link to the ancestors.
In my opinion, Moana is a refreshing take on a beloved Disney story, with a captivating performance by Laga'aia and a winking backup from Johnson. It's a family entertainment that deserves to find an audience, brimming with visual interest, vibrant color, and alluring tropical settings. While it may be too soon for some to remake a widely adored film from 2016, Moana is a captivating surprise that stands confidently on its own.
