Moana
The story remains virtually identical to the 2016 animated film of the same name, only this time it’s brought to life with real actors. Maui (Dwayne Johnson), the demigod of the wind and sea, steals the heart of Te Fiti, prompting the ocean to choose young Moana (Catherine Laga’aia) to restore it. What follows is the same two-hour voyage across the ocean, complete with familiar encounters and emotional beats, culminating in the inevitable triumph.
However, if you are watching it as a first-time viewer, you will certainly enjoy Moana’s latest version. The emotional beats of the story compliment the acting and singing performances by the actors.
Overall, Moana succeeds more as a visual spectacle than as a creative reinvention. Its imagery, convincing performances and emotions make for an enjoyable family film, especially for those experiencing the story for the first time. But for audiences who cherish the 2016 original, this is a film that impresses the eyes far more than it surprises the imagination.
