A challenging odyssey! Our META movie review of Moana

As an animated heroine, Moana set sail across the ocean ten years ago. Now her odyssey is repeating itself – in the form of a live-action remake from Disney. But how will Moana fare this time around? Can the live-action film, starring Catherine Laga'aia and Dwayne Johnson, win us over? In KinoCheck's META review, you'll find out what we think of "Moana" and how other critics rate the film!

Here's what it's about

Moana (Catherine Laga'aia) grows up on the island of Motunui, where she spends a happy childhood. As a teenager, however, she senses that this can't be all there is – that her destiny lies beyond her homeland. When resources on Motunui mysteriously begin to run low, Moana makes a decision: she'll follow the call of the ocean and venture out onto the open sea. She knows what she must do to save her people, thanks to her loving and wise grandmother (Rena Owen): she must find the shape-shifting demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson). In fact, she succeeds in doing so soon enough – but that's only the beginning of her adventure.

With "Moana," Disney brings the next live-action adaptation of an animated musical to the big screen. The guiding principle in most cases is that the songs, story, look, and feel should essentially stay true to the original – which is particularly evident in "Moana." Despite their closeness to the animated originals, however, Disney's live-action adaptations always run the risk of losing some of their charm and wit. Ultimately, the magic – which simply can't be easily transferred one-to-one – tends to get lost. Given the film's strong resemblance to the beloved original, the question of what exactly adds value to the "Moana" remake is one that particularly troubles many critics in their reviews – and is a major factor in the film receiving generally mediocre ratings overall. Jake Coyle of The Associated Press, for example, writes:

"The new 'Moana' is an often shot-for-shot, note-for-note remake of the original, with small pockets of new material. […] But all inventiveness has gone out to sea."

Green goddesses and giant volcanic monsters

What we'll give "Moana" credit for: The filmmakers led by director Thomas Kail make good use of the maritime setting, which holds its own in the live-action adaptation – even if the CGI elements don't always blend in perfectly. Above all, the island setting at the beginning of the film is a delight to watch, and the fantastical creatures Moana encounters during her odyssey – green goddesses and giant volcanic monsters rising from the ocean – are magnificently staged. But opinions are divided when it comes to the film's visual style as well. The mix of live-action scenes and CGI has drawn some criticism. Nell Minow of RogerEbert.com, on the other hand, is particularly impressed:

"[Cinematographer Oscar Faura] uses the camera effectively to show us the vastness of the ocean and to sense how it makes Moana feel. The production design by John Myhre is wonderfully inviting, each space distinctive down to the smallest detail."

Catherine Laga'aia and Dwayne Johnson take center stage

We also think the chemistry between the two lead actors, Catherine Laga'aia and Dwayne Johnson, is spot-on. Johnson previously voiced Maui in the original animated film and plays a key role in ensuring that the quick-witted demigod works reasonably well in the live-action version as well – unlike other famous Disney reincarnations, such as the Genie from Guy Ritchie's "Aladdin" adaptation. Laga'aia's performance, in particular, has been praised by critics – even by those who are generally critical of the film itself. David Rooney, who is among those favorably disposed toward the "Moana" remake, succinctly expresses his enthusiasm for the two stars' performances in The Hollywood Reporter:

"Johnson and Laga'aia are terrific together as the reluctant buddies, whether facing disaster or adventure […]."

The spark just won't ignite

Overall, however, the film leaves us strangely unmoved. There's no real sense of suspense, no matter how great the dangers Moana and Maui face. This also has to do with the characters, who come across as rather two-dimensional overall – despite Maui's tragic backstory. Especially with the protagonist, Moana, the film does take its time at the beginning to introduce her to the audience before she embarks on her adventurous journey across the ocean. Nevertheless, the filmmakers fail to give the heroine the necessary depth. Not even when she expresses her feelings through songs.

Owen Gleiberman of Variety writes:

"The 'Moana' songs are friendly, with a rapture that sneaks up on you."

We see this aspect somewhat differently. A telling example is the scene in the first third of the film where Moana must say goodbye to her beloved grandmother. The supposed emotional impact of this moment fades completely when Moana immediately launches into one of her many songs – in perfectly produced smash-hit style. Why mourn when you can storm the charts instead? It's precisely at this point that it becomes clear: "Moana" is a glossy, polished product without any rough edges – every note is spot-on, and yet it all sounds harmless.

Conclusion: Overall, the remake isn't having an easy time with many critics. And we, too, can only warm up to the film to a limited extent: "Moana" scores points with its maritime setting and the cast – but it just doesn't quite spark.

"Moana" opens in theaters on July 10, 2026.