Disney’s push to remake its animated hits in live action is hitting a rough patch, and Moana is the latest example drawing sharp criticism ahead of its July 10 release. Early reactions from its Hollywood Bowl premiere paint a divided picture, with some reviewers offering mild praise while others openly question why the film exists at all.
The live-action Moana has debuted with a 34 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, a stark drop from the 2016 original’s 95 percent. Critics point to a photorealistic style that strips away the color and charm that made the animated film stand out. Several reviews note that the remake looks too similar to the original while somehow feeling less lively.
Director Thomas Kail, known for the filmed version of Hamilton, delivers a near shot-for-shot remake. That choice appears to backfire. The film follows the same beats but lacks the emotional spark, humor, and visual energy that defined the original. What remains is a polished but hollow retread that struggles to justify its own existence.
Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, but his performance is drawing some of the harshest reactions, with critics describing his portrayal as flat and subdued. In the animated version, Maui’s oversized personality came through in exaggerated expressions and vocal energy. Here, that presence is muted, and the character loses much of what made him memorable.
Catherine Lagaʻaia fares better as Moana. Her performance brings warmth and a strong singing voice, especially in songs like “How Far I’ll Go.” Still, even her effort cannot fully overcome the film’s larger issues. Johnson’s take on “You’re Welcome” lacks the energy fans remember, and the visual effects often feel like they are compensating for a lack of physical performance.
The film also struggles with its hybrid style. Mixing live actors with heavy computer-generated environments creates a strange effect. Characters like Heihei and Te Kā look nearly identical to their animated versions, which raises a basic question about the purpose of the remake. Scenes such as the coconut pirate attack feel forced in a live-action setting, even though they worked in animation.
Writers Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller stay very close to the original script. That loyalty limits creativity and leaves the film feeling redundant. Moments that once felt magical now come across as routine, and the story’s emotional beats land with less impact.
The original Moana succeeded because of its expressive animation and music by Lin-Manuel Miranda. That combination helped audiences connect with the characters and their journey. In the remake, the more grounded visual style makes the story feel smaller and less imaginative.
The bigger picture may come down to box office results. The original earned $687 million worldwide, while Moana 2 crossed $1 billion despite weaker reviews. Disney is already planning another sequel, and early projections suggest a strong opening weekend for the remake. That reality suggests the studio’s strategy is driven more by profit than by creative risk.
For now, Moana stands as another sign that Disney’s remake formula may be wearing thin. The film delivers a familiar story with fewer reasons to care, and audiences are starting to notice.
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English (US) · 