Moana (2026) Movie Review

Moana (2026) Movie Review: The Same Journey, Less Magic

As last year's How to Train Your Dragon proved, there are times when a live-action remake can feel worthwhile and justified. Unfortunately, Moana isn't one of those cases. What we get is a competent remake that faithfully recreates the moments that made the original so memorable. But because it follows the animated film so closely and this remake coming off it heels less than a decade from its release, it ultimately feels like a lesser version of something we've already seen.

Ever since she was a child, Moana (Catherine Laga'aia) has felt an undeniable connection to the sea despite her village's beliefs discouraging her from venturing beyond the reef. When a mysterious darkness begins threatening her island, she defies her father's wishes and sets sail to find the demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), hoping to convince him to return the stolen heart that brought this curse upon her people.

It's easy to dismiss Moana as an unnecessary remake but that wouldn't be entirely fair. If you asked our daughter, she'd tell you she had an amazing time watching it. Experiencing the story for the first time, she loved it just as much as we loved the animated original and she even called it her favorite live-action Disney remake so far. It serves as a reminder that perspective matters and for younger audiences, Moana still works its magic regardless of the format you're experiencing it.

Adults (and those who have seen the original animated film before), however, will likely notice where this version falls short. Some stories simply lose a bit of their charm when translated from animation to live action, and Moana is one of them. Dwayne Johnson's return as Maui lacks the larger-than-life energy that made the animated character so memorable and likable before while the breathtaking world of the original feels noticeably less colorful and vibrant in this format. One pleasant surprise, however, is Catherine Laga'aia as Moana. She delivers a confident and heartfelt performance making the role her own. In the end, the choice is fairly simple. If you've never experienced Moana before, especially if you're watching it with children, this remake still delivers an enjoyable adventure if you want that big screen experience. But if you're looking for the definitive version of this story, the 2016 animated film remains the one to watch.

Rating: 3 and a half reels