The spark has fizzled out from Disney's latest live-action remake, 'Moana', which, despite boasting an A-list cast, feels like a pointless exercise in nostalgia. Critics are scratching their heads as to why this film needed to happen, especially given the lukewarm reception of its animated sequel just two years ago.
Dwayne Johnson is back as the charismatic Maui, bringing his trademark swagger and physicality to the role, while 19-year-old Catherine Laga'aia takes on the lead part of Moana, the fiery daughter of a Polynesian chief. Joining them in this epic quest is Rena Owen's wise Tala, who sees the potential leadership in her young granddaughter.
The production team has tweaked the script for the live-action version, with Jared Bush making some key changes to his original work and Thomas Kail, a Broadway veteran, making his feature film debut behind the camera. Lin-Manuel Miranda's iconic songs from the animation return, but unfortunately, Johnson's performance feels like he's on autopilot at times.
The over-reliance on CGI is another major criticism – it's not what fans of live-action remakes signed up for! Characters like Tamatoa and Heihei are presented as 3D animated versions of their cartoon counterparts, raising questions about the true intent behind this remake. Was it to breathe fresh life into a beloved story or simply to bank on the Disney brand?
The overall consensus is that while 'Moana' is adequately made, it's a bit of a misfire – a superfluous piece of content designed for cash rather than passion. As the film prepares to hit Disney+ after its theatrical run, one can't help but wonder if this remake was worth the bother.