Notably, I am a huge fan of the original animated film and an even bigger fan of Dwayne Johnson. The 2016 animated version is one of those movies that just works for me — the music, the humor, the emotion, the ocean, and the relationship between Moana and Maui work. So, with any live-action remake, especially one based on a film I already love, I wondered whether it could capture the same magic or end up feeling like an unnecessary copy. For the most part, it does.
This new Moana, directed by Thomas Kail and written by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, has enough heart and visual beauty to make the journey worth taking again. It follows the same basic storyline as the animated film, with Moana answering the ocean’s call and sailing beyond the reef to find Maui and help restore balance to her people and her island. The story is familiar, yet it still feels fresh thanks to the performances, the lush live-action setting, and the way the film lets us see this world in a different form.
Catherine Lagaʻaia is perfectly cast as Moana. She is beautiful, expressive, and talented, and she is believable as a young woman torn between love for her people and a deeper calling she does not fully understand at first. She brings strength and vulnerability to the role without making Moana feel overly polished or distant, which matters because Moana has to be brave yet young, determined yet still learning.
Dwayne Johnson, reprising his role as Maui, is once again a major reason the film works. I have always enjoyed Johnson’s charisma, and he clearly understands why people love this character. His Maui is funny, big, loud, wounded, and completely entertaining. The banter between him and Lagaʻaia is one of the best parts of the movie. Their back-and-forth gives the film much of its humor and energy, and I honestly found myself wishing there had been even more time spent with Maui and Moana together on the ocean.
The supporting cast is also strong, helping ground the story beyond the two central characters. John Tui brings warmth and authority as Chief Tui, while Frankie Adams gives Sina a gentle yet firm presence as Moana’s mother. Rena Owen is also a lovely fit as Gramma Tala, whose wisdom and spiritual connection to Moana’s journey remain an emotional anchor of the story.
Visually, the movie is beautiful, even when the CGI is obvious. There are moments when you can clearly tell the ocean, creatures, and larger fantasy elements are heavily rendered with effects, but the overall look is still gorgeous. The water, the island landscapes, the colors, and the sense of movement give the film a sweeping storybook quality that worked for me.
What I appreciated most is that this live-action version does not erase my love for the animated film. It does not replace it either, and I do not think it needs to. Instead, it offers another way to enjoy a story about courage, identity, family, and the voice inside that keeps calling you toward something bigger. To be honest, if given the option, I’d likely see the animation over the live action, but only because it exists. I enjoyed this version too.
For me, Moana, while far from perfect, is a beautiful, entertaining, and heartfelt live-action reimagining, carried by a wonderful lead actress and the undeniable charm of Dwayne Johnson. It may follow a story we already know, but it still has enough life, music, humor, and visual wonder to make the voyage feel worthwhile, even if repetitive.