'Moana' Remake: Critics Ask 'Please Stop'

The newly released live-action adaptation of Disney's 'Moana' is generating a polarized response among critics. Many reviewers find the remake to be overly derivative, sticking too closely to the 20-year-old animated original with little new material. Some critics have labeled the film a 'cash grab,' questioning the necessity of retelling the same story.

However, the film has also garnered positive feedback. A select few critics have praised the live-action 'Moana' as the best of Disney's recent remakes, highlighting its heart, humor, and respectful engagement with South Sea cultures. Performances, particularly from Catherine Laga'aia as Moana, have been singled out for praise.

Despite critical division, the film opened in theaters last Friday. Its initial box office projections are around $60 million for its opening weekend, a figure significantly lower than other recent Disney live-action remakes. The film currently holds a 35% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes.