Moana (2026) Review: Competently Executed But Unnecessary, The Good, The Bad, and The Dim

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source: tv.lk21

Synopsis:

Moana (2026) is a live-action adaptation of the animated film of the same name from 2016, and the film is directed by Thomas Kail. Released on July 10, 2026, with a runtime of 115 minutes, the film holds a rating of 5/10 on Filmaffinity.

The story is exactly the same as the animation. Moana, the daughter of Motunui Island, is forbidden by her father, Chief Tui, from sailing beyond the reef. But when the island’s resources begin to die, Moana answers the call of the ocean. She must set sail, find the demigod Maui, and return the "heart" of Te Fiti — the mother island goddess — which Maui stole 1,000 years ago. If she doesn’t, a curse will destroy the world. Throughout the journey, Moana and Maui face the Kakamora, the giant crab Tamatoa, and the lava monster Te Kā. In the end, they must return the heart to save her people and restore the balance of earth, wind, fire, and sea.

Critics praised Catherine Laga’aia. Her debut as Moana was called "captivating." She brings determination and brilliance to the character. The visuals and production were shot on location in Hawaii and the South Pacific. This becomes an important cultural representation because it’s vital to see Polynesian culture again in a major film, not just in a Hollywood studio setting.

However, there are some shortcomings. Criticism was aimed at Dwayne Johnson. His charisma is still there, but his live-action version of Maui is considered a "downfall." Many called the film a "pointless remake" because it’s truly identical to the animated version, with nothing new or different. Critics said the film is "ultra-faithful" but "superfluous." Meaning: it’s too similar to the animation to the point where there’s no reason for it to exist. It’s suitable for children and hardcore Moana fans who want nostalgia. But it’s not for those hoping for a new story or a bold adaptation.

This film stars: Catherine Laga’aia, Dwayne Johnson, John Tui, Frankie Adams, Jemaine Clement and more.

In my opinion:

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The Moana live-action was one of the most anticipated films of the year, and from the reviews I’ve read, the film wasn’t very successful at the box office. One of the criticisms is that this live-action seems to erase the Disney-style cheerfulness. What I mean is, in terms of atmosphere. In the animated version, Moana is decorated with spectacular colors. Bright and joyful in itself, it looks cheerful and spirited. Whereas in the live-action version, everything feels dim and doesn’t radiate color. So it feels like the film doesn’t bring any spirit at all. Well, I can’t blame that opinion because I admit the film does feel darker. But is it fair to compare animation and live-action? I mean, of course animation will have more "radiant" colors. What can you say, it’s animation, right? It’s supposed to be like that.

Okay, for me, the film is pretty good. It was made as close as possible to the story in the animation, without cutting anything. The visuals are also great, especially at the end of the film, when we see the forms of Te Kā and Te Fiti. Come on, you can’t deny that those are stunning visuals. The sound and rhythm of the film are also very enjoyable. The songs, the singing, everything is presented beautifully. But what I felt was lacking was the casting. Catherine Laga’aia is perfect as Moana, but Dwayne Johnson as Maui? Listen, yes, he voiced Maui in the 2016 animated Moana. But bringing him into live-action, I don’t think it works. Because his face doesn’t resemble Maui at all, so it feels weird. If I could choose, why not pick Bronson Reed instead, haha.

The film is "competently executed" but it feels like a "drama club production." Because the original animation was too good, so this version loses. Radio Times said, "A tale of great courage told with creative cowardice." But for me, the film isn’t disappointing. I enjoyed it. Visually, in audio, and cinematography, this live-action film is very entertaining and fun. I will definitely be waiting for the next Disney live-action. So, surprise me, okay?

For me this one is 7.5/10.

Knowledge Center:

Too "god" for humans. Too "human" for gods

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Demigod means "Half-God." In mythology, a demigod is a being born from a god/goddess who married a human. Because their blood is mixed, they are not fully immortal, but they are also not fully human. So brothers! This is the myth of the demigod: a child of the gods with the fate of a human.

The word "Demigod" only appeared in the 14th century from the Latin semideus. The ancient Greeks called them "Heroes." Many ancient kings claimed to be descendants of gods in order to legitimize their rule. For example, the Pharaoh claimed to be the son of Ra. In truth, lightning, earthquakes, and sacred animals were signs of a demigod’s birth. A demigod possesses extraordinary strength: power, speed, and endurance far beyond that of a normal human. Think of Steve Rogers after taking the super soldier serum x10. A demigod’s lifespan is relatively long, but that doesn’t mean they cannot die. A demigod has their own life dilemma because they are too "god" for humans, yet too "human" for the gods, and almost all of their stories end bitterly.

There are many famous demigod legends throughout history. To name a few:

• Hercules / Heracles from Greece and Rome. The son of Zeus and a human named Alcmene. Hercules died by being burned alive, then ascended to Olympus to become a true god. Hercules is a symbol of strength and redemption.
• Maui from Polynesia. A human child, but pulled to the sea by the gods. He is a mischievous and narcissistic hero. He is the thief of fire, the one who pulled up islands, and the one who captured the sun. Maui is a symbol of trickery and world creation.
• Gilgamesh from Mesopotamia. 2/3 god, 1/3 human, he was the King of Uruk. He had a friendship with Enkidu. Gilgamesh searched for immortality after his friend died. Gilgamesh is a symbol of failure, acceptance, and the search for meaning in life.
• Perseus from Greece. The son of Zeus and Danae. A "classic" hero who succeeded in beheading Medusa. Perseus is a symbol of courage and destiny. 
• Achilles from Greece. The son of Thetis, goddess of the sea, and Peleus. He died young but became a legend of the Trojan War, with his only weakness being his heel. Achilles is a symbol of greatness and weakness.

The myth of the demigod has always existed and remains a fascinating story in every generation. Every culture has its own version of a demigod, and they need to be told from generation to generation. Because humans need a figure who "understands" what it means to be human, but can also fight gods. A demigod is essentially an overpowered version of a human. Their stories are always about "power comes at a price." Want to be great? Then you must pay with suffering. Even our ancestors often linked disasters, the appearance of mountains and new islands, to the deeds of demigods, like Maui pulling up an island. Even in today’s pop culture, demigods are featured in various films. Name a few: Percy Jackson, Maui in Moana, and even Thor in the MCU.

So, do you think demigods are real or just myths? Share your opinion, okay?