Moana represents the newest entry in Disney’s series of live-action adaptations of it’s classic animated films, yet it has not received a favorable critical reception thus far. In fact, the initial Rotten Tomatoes ratings prior to it’s release are even lower than those of the Snow White live-action remake, which is considered one of the most significant failures among these adaptations.
While numerous criticisms of the Snow White film focused on the casting of Snow White and the unusual CGI look of the Seven Dwarfs, the feedback for Moana stands in stark contrast. Moana is a direct remake, featuring minimal alterations, and it even sees the return of Dwayne Johnson as Maui, maintaining his typical muscular appearance.
The majority of the songs remain unchanged, and the action sequences see little to no variation. In reality, numerous negative reviews do not label the Moana live-action remake as a bad film. It narrates the same cherished story that made the original animated version a phenomenal success, achieving an impressive 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and an 89% audience score.
Similarly, Lilo & Stitch faced a comparable situation last year, ultimately grossing over $1 billion at the Box Office, with a 72% Rotten Tomatoes rating and a 91% audience score. Various issues contribute to the lukewarm reception.
The Cherished Animated Beings Seem Strange In Live-Action CGI
Another element that received acclaim from audiences in the original Moana film was the charming creatures. Heihei the rooster and Pua the pig, who served as Moana’s sidekicks, quickly became breakout stars of the movie.
Maui’s playful comment about making them dinner was entertaining, and remarkably, these two characters, who didn’t speak a single line, became beloved by fans. Furthermore, the villain, Tamatoa, the giant coconut crab, also won over audiences, with Jemaine Clement lending his voice to the character.
Nevertheless, initial reviews suggest that the creatures have lost their charm and appeal, appearing entirely mismatched in the new film. Tamatoa, in particular, comes off as somewhat frightening, which detracts from the enjoyment of his musical number about collecting treasures.
Regarding Heihei and Pua, Tyler Tang’s review on Discussing Film noted that these non-human characters “have lost all their charm” and are now depicted in unsettling detail.
The Cast Does Not Possess The Same Charm As The Original Animated Film
Two actors stood out and garnered significant acclaim, even amidst unfavorable critiques. Critics lauded Catherine Laga’aia for her remarkable portrayal of Moana, particularly highlighting her exceptional singing performances.
Rena Owen also received considerable praise for her role as Gramma Tala, with many asserting that the interactions between Moana and Gramma Tala were the film’s finest moments. Nevertheless, critics were harsh on the remainder of the film, deeming it devoid of the original’s charm.
In a review, Witney Seibold likened the film to Star Wars Episode II – Attack of the Clones, noting that the two main actors merely exchange lines while the camera shifts back and forth between them in a lackluster manner.
This observation adds to the numerous criticisms regarding the line delivery, which comes off as nearly robotic and dull. Consequently, the live-action adaptation of Moana appears to have fallen short of capturing the original animated film’s charm and warmth.
The Extensive Use of CGI Gives It A More Animated Feel Than That of A Live-Action Film
Another interesting observation regarding Disney’s approach to remaking animated films into live-action is that many of these adaptations blend animation with live-action elements. A case in point is the Dwarfs in Snow White, which illustrated the uncanny valley phenomenon due to their unsettling appearances.
Although Moana avoids such extremes, it does showcase several scenes rich in CGI, with some critics suggesting that these are the highlights of the movie. Heihei and Pua are created using CGI, just like Maui whenever he transforms into a creature.
When Maui tosses Moana into the sea, it appears off in a live-action context compared to the animated version. The live-action remake of The Lion King achieved tremendous success, yet it wasn’t truly live since every animal was generated through CGI.
Despite nearly all of The Lion King being animated, Disney did not classify it as an animated film. While Moana isn’t as problematic, it still prompts similar inquiries. Given that most scenes are animated and the original is a beloved animated classic, the live-action adaptation seems to lack a compelling purpose.
Dwayne Johnson’s Portrayal of Maui Was More Impressive In Animated Form
Dwayne Johnson is the standout star who has reprised his role for the live-action adaptation of Moana. He originally lent his voice to Maui in the animated film, delivering catchy songs that became some of the most unforgettable moments of the movie.
His return is significant for two main reasons. Firstly, it allows him to perform his beloved songs once more, ensuring that nothing about that experience is altered. Secondly, Johnson’s status as a highly marketable movie star adds considerable value to the project.
Nonetheless, numerous critics highlighted that Johnson’s portrayal of Maui was distracting and fell short compared to the animated version. While his voice remains impressive, the combination of Johnson’s muscular physique and big wig fails to capture the essence of the larger-than-life Maui from the animated film.
Additionally, several reviewers noted that Johnson appeared to be merely reciting familiar lines, lacking the engagement he demonstrated in his original voice performance.
There Hasn’t Been Enough Transformation In The Film To Make A Remake Worthwhile
The primary issue with the film is it’s lack of purpose. The live-action adaptation of Moana features a screenplay written by the original animated film’s writers, Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, who also worked on Moana 2. This is evident in the new version, which mirrors the original almost scene for scene.
It’s not surprising that this isn’t a fresh idea. How to Train Your Dragon was a straightforward remake of the original animated feature, but it has been quite a while since that film was first released.
Lilo & Stitch was nearly identical to the original, yet the new live-action version incorporated some slight modifications, and Stitch was just as charming as he has always been. While both of these films were met with high praise, Moana is now receiving criticism for the same issue.
The challenge lies in audience weariness towards remakes that come off as cash grabs. Although Moana 2 didn’t receive the same level of praise as the original, it still crossed the $1 billion mark at the Box Office. This indicates that the choice to create it was probably influenced more by financial considerations than by artistic vision.
The main grievances focus on the belief that this film does not sufficiently justify it’s creation, explaining why Moana isn’t resonating with viewers as Disney had hoped.