STORYLINE: Live-action adaptation of the 2016 Disney animated film ‘Moana.’ (IMDb)

Storyline of the 2016 Moana: In ancient Polynesia, when a terrible curse incurred by the demigod Maui reaches Moana’s island, she answers the Ocean’s call to seek out Maui to set things right.  (IMDb)

    In 1996 all 101 Dalmatians were brought to life, in what is my favorite live action Disney adaptation. Since then The Beauty found her Beast in a live action tale as old as time, in 2017.   Alice found her way to Wobderlabd, in a live action 2010 feature.  Winnie the Pooh, even had his day in the real world, if you will, in 2018’s Christopher Robin. Moana, has now sailed from the world of animation, to the realm of live action, with the latest Disney feature, Moana. 

     Does it seem like there was a quick turn around between the release of Moana, the original animated feature, and this love action remake?  It’s been a quick decade since the animated feature graced the silver screen.  The sequel is only two years old. The films I listed have decades between the release of the classic animated feature, and their live action counter part. 

    The story of the 2026 Moana is, pretty much, a carbon copy of its predecessor.  This includes Dwayne Johnson in the role of Maui.  I know what you’re thinking, it’s a remake.  To that I say how much does Peter Jackson’s King Kong (2005) remake have in common with its1933 original source material, beyond a general storyline, and if you finer points?  

   Moana, is able to do things in love action form it can’t do in animated form. As a live action movie, Moana, is more of a visual spectacle.  This is coming, primarily, from the musical numbers.  Here a grander since of showmanship is created.

   Being a carbon copy of the film from a decade ago, the heart of the movie is still one that is designed to entertain its target demographic.  As a film goer who has not been in that age demographic, for sometime now, I was entertained by the story, but more so by the spectacle of the film.

    This 2026 live action take on Moana, is the same Moana that fans of the animated feature love, just with the grander of a live action motion picture. 

     Until next time, I will see you at the movies!