Disney's live-action remake of Moana has sailed into its first wave of reviews, but the initial reaction suggests the studio could be facing another divisive remake despite high expectations and a major theatrical release. The musical adventure, which arrives in cinemas on July 10, has drawn mixed to negative first impressions from critics following early screenings.
Praise for Newcomer Catherine Laga'aia
While many reviewers praised newcomer Catherine Laga'aia for her performance as Moana, a large number questioned whether the remake offered enough fresh ideas to justify revisiting one of Disney's most beloved animated films. Directed by Thomas Kail, the film reimagines Disney's 2016 animated hit, following Moana as she leaves her island home of Motunui on a dangerous ocean journey to save her people. Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, reprising the role he originally voiced in the animated feature. The cast also includes Rena Owen, John Tui, Frankie Adams and Jermaine Clement, who also returns from the original film.
Critics Question the Remake's Purpose
Despite the familiar story and returning stars, several critics argued that the remake sticks too closely to the original. Jonathan Sim of Us Weekly was among the harshest reviewers, describing the film as 'a shot for shot, line by line remake without a single original idea.' He labelled it 'a creatively bankrupt cash grab' and questioned why audiences would choose the remake when the original remains widely available.
Matt Neglia of Next Best Picture echoed similar concerns. While acknowledging the film's technical ambition, he argued that Disney had produced 'another unnecessary, nearly shot for shot, beat for beat live action remake that does not offer anything new.' Neglia also criticised the film's visuals, pointing to what he described as an over reliance on green screen technology and computer generated imagery. According to his review, the extensive visual effects made many locations, creatures and musical sequences feel artificial, resulting in what he called a 'soulless and inauthentic' experience.
Some Positive Reactions Emerge
Peter Gray of The AU Review also found little reason for the remake to exist, although he singled out Catherine Laga'aia as one of its strongest elements. He wrote that the young actor 'shines' in the leading role but felt the film 'adds nothing the animated original did not already achieve.' Gray also suggested that Dwayne Johnson appeared less comfortable portraying Maui in live action than he did voicing the character a decade ago.
Not every early reaction was negative. Junior Felix of That Hollywood Show praised the film, writing that he genuinely enjoyed Disney's latest remake and describing Catherine Laga'aia as 'electrifying' while calling her 'a bona fide star.' He also highlighted her natural chemistry with Johnson throughout the adventure. Tessa Smith of Mama's Geeky admitted she was pleasantly surprised by the adaptation, saying she enjoyed the film more than expected. She praised Laga'aia for carrying on the legacy of the animated heroine while also highlighting her comedic chemistry with Johnson.
Disney's Remake Strategy Under Scrutiny
The split response reflects the wider conversation surrounding Disney's strategy of remaking its animated classics as live action films. Previous releases have achieved enormous box office success despite receiving mixed critical reviews, suggesting audience interest often extends beyond reviewers' opinions.
