Cast: Catherine Lagaʻaia, Dwayne Johnson, Auliʻi Cravalho (Executive Producer) Review by Matthew Morlai Kamara
It was a soaring story of self‑discovery, and an instant cultural touchstone that earned two Academy Award nominations and captured hearts across the world. I carry deep affection for the original and had high hopes for this bold new iteration. What I found was this film honours its legacy while carving its own path.
Helmed with thoughtful vision by Thomas Kail, this live‑action reimagining is a technical marvel: its oceanic vistas and mythic landscapes are rendered with meticulous, breathtaking craft. I admire deeply the care taken to ground this fantastical world in vivid, tangible reality. Yet for all its visual grandeur, there are moments where it lacks the spark of pure, unbridled imagination that made the animation feel so vivid. This isn’t a fatal flaw, but one that lingers.
At its heart beats a truly special passing of the torch: Auliʻi Cravalho, the voice who first gave Moana her soul, now serves as executive producer, guiding extraordinary newcomer Catherine Lagaʻaia in a breakout debut of quiet strength and radiant charisma into the lead role. Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, and I have to admit I cracked a little smile thinking about the jokes surrounding his character’s wig. Though there’s no denying the production’s wardrobe and makeup team did an absolutely fabulous job bringing that iconic look to life. The energy between him and Catherine is nothing short of luminous; their rapport feels less like performance and more like kinship, anchoring every scene with warmth and wit.
The film stays remarkably close to the original story, perhaps a little too faithful at times. Perhaps trimming a few scenes would’ve kept the pace tighter and energy higher throughout. I also would have loved to have had more brand‑new, catchy songs and stirring ballads added alongside the favourites we already know.
Somewhat confusing however is the release timing: coming out just before the six‑week school holidays, rather than right as they start, feels like such a missed opportunity. It would have been perfect for bringing whole families together in cinemas and giving our box office a well‑earned boost.
I have no doubt however that it will be embraced as it lands globally this weekend.
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