FILM REVIEW: MOANA (PG) ESP RATING: 3.5/5

It’s absolutely stunning the amount of criticism that this Disney animation-to-live-action remake has been receiving – as this is a perfectly fine adaptation.

Yes, undoubtedly this retread of a movie that is less than ten years old has come too quick – and therefore looks like it’s simply trying to cash-in – but to be fair, if Dwayne Johnson waited much longer to play his role in the flesh, he’d be getting too old.

Which is probably the overriding factor as to why it was made earlier than other Disney live-action reimaginings. Little computer-generated ‘nipples’ or not.

As it’s so recent, you already probably know the story.

On the Polynesian island of Motunui, the inhabitants worship the goddess of nature, Te Fiti – a living island who brought life to the ocean using a pounamu stone as her heart and source of power.

But when Johnson’s shape-shifting demi-god Maui stole the stone to give humanity the power of creation, this caused Te Fiti to disintegrate, and in the process Maui lost the ‘heart’ to the depths of the sea – along with his magical fish hook – after being attacked by volcanic demon, Te Ka.

Fast forward a thousand years, the ocean ‘chooses’ Moana (Catherine Laga’aia) – the daughter of Motunui’s chief Tui (John Tui) – and when blight strikes, and starts destroying the island’s food sources, the young future chief takes to the ocean to try and find Maui to remove the darkness from her lands. And the wayfinding adventure begins.

But while it’s not unreasonable to call this an unnecessary remake, what prevails is a step-by-step retelling that does have the same heart of the original, it just didn’t come before the animation – so therefore loses some of the magic.

It even has plenty of its computer-generated animation – the water special effects are sensational – but couldn’t have exactly made Moana’s pets – dim-witted rooster Heihei and pig Pua – with animals. So again the use of added digital effects here is completely understandable despite some naysayers implying there was too much.

And as for the acting. Nothing wrong with that either. Newcomer Laga’aia – complete with impressive vocal range – is a fine replacement for the ‘now too old’ Auli’I Cravalho, and as always Johnson dependably emulates his animated role. There should also be a special well-deserved mention for Rena Owen as well – who is excellent as Moana’s grandmother, Tala.

To top it all off, the classic songs ‘You’re Welcome’ and especially ‘How Far I’ll Go’ are just as impressive this time round. You’ll be toe-tapping along just the same as with the animation.

Which all adds up to a remake that simply doesn’t deserve so much hate.

Unnecessary? Too soon? Some of the magic lost? Undoubtedly.

But that doesn’t in itself make a bad movie, as this still sails strong – against severe critical tides – in its own right.

ESP Rating: 3.5/5

Gavin Miller

Showcase Cinema De Lux Peterborough & Odeon Luxe Peterborough, Out Now

Cast: Catherine Laga’aia, Dwayne Johnson, Rena Owen, John Tui, Frankie Adams & Jemaine Clement

Running Time: 1 Hr 55 Mins

Director: Thomas Kail

Film Review Venue: Showcase Cinema De Lux Peterborough

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