'Moana' Review: A Superfan's Verdict on the Disney Live-Action Remake

Disney's live-action Moana is best described as a faithful reimagining rather than a reinvention. It follows the original story almost beat-for-beat while adding a new song, a handful of updated scenes, and a more grounded, culturally authentic live-action presentation.

Most of the beloved songs composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda remain intact, providing the film's most memorable moments. The new recordings are just as effective, with Catherine Lagaʻaia delivering a soulful performance.Miranda also contributed a new original song, "Along the Way," performed by Lagaʻaia, Dwayne Johnson, and original Moana voice Auliʻi Cravalho.

The Polynesian culture, costumes, and island settings feel even more authentic and beautiful in live action. Moana's responsibilities as the future chieftess also come across as more relatable and emotionally grounded than in the animated version.

While Dwayne Johnson is entertaining as Maui,  you can't get past The Rock in a wig. His animated performance is much more magical.  

Hei Hei brings comedic relief, but the rooster's CGI design is even more over-the-top and goofier than the original.

The best endorsement for Disney's remake came from my 21-year-old niece, who has watched the original Moana hundreds of times since she was 11. It's still one of her all-time favorite Disney films. She was skeptical going in, but she walked away happy with the live-action adaptation. That said, she still plans to keep the 2016 animated classic on repeat.