Disney's Moana Live-Action: Critics Call It Dull & Dismal

The live-action remake of Disney's 2016 animated hit, Moana, has garnered largely negative reviews from critics. Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as demigod Maui, joined by Australian-Samoan newcomer Catherine Laga'aia as Moana. However, since its release on Friday, the film has been described as "flat," "dull," and "dismal" by numerous reviewers.

While a few critics offered praise, such as Variety's Owen Gleiberman who found the film "soars above" remake conventions, many others were highly critical. The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw called it a "competent but pointless" remake, with Johnson's performance likened to "software." The Independent's Clarisse Loughrey deemed it "a waste of everyone's time and talent," questioning Johnson's repeated performance. Empire's John Nugent suggested the film's heavy CGI made "live action" feel like a misnomer, deeming the remake "so pointless" compared to the original.

Further criticism came from The Times' Kevin Maher, who felt Johnson was "three decades too old to play Maui" and described the film as "a lazy cash grab." The Telegraph's Robbie Collin suggested the remake could have been generated by AI. Despite the negative reception, David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter offered a positive review, calling it "captivating family entertainment." The film features a script adapted by original screenwriter Jared Bush and music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, directed by Thomas Kail in his film debut.