It's difficult to think of an example of Disney phoning it in better than its live adaptation of "Moana."Yes, "Moana" — the beloved 2016 animated film — already has a remake less than ten years after its release, following in the footsteps of remade classics like "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin," "The Lion King" and "The Little Mermaid" (not to mention last year's disastrous "Snow White").There's no doubt that Disney's live-action gimmick has largely paid off.Several of them have made over a billion dollars globally including last year's "Lilo & Stitch" remake.
But if they expect people to head to the theater and pay to see one of their movies, Disney should justify a film's existence besides being a cash cow.'THE INVITE' REVIEW: SETH ROGEN, OLIVIA WILDE HOST ONE HILARIOUS DINNER PARTY YOU WON'T REGRET ATTENDINGDwayne Johnson and Catherine Laga'aia star in Disney's live-action remake of "Moana." ( 2026 Disney Enterprises, Inc.All Rights Reserved.)This "Moana" is virtually a shot-by-shot, beat-by-beat redo of its predecessor.
Moana (played this time by newcomer Catherine Laga'aia) is the daughter of the chief of the Polynesian island of Motunui, and its people are on the verge of starvation as the island has been cursed after the heart of the nature goddess Te Fiti was taken from her by the shapeshifting demigod Maui (reprised by Dwayne Johnson) a thousand years ago.So she must venture into the ocean to find Maui and restore the heart of Te Fiti to save her people.‘TOY STORY 5’ REVIEW: TOM HANKS, TIM ALLEN RETURN FOR TIMELY INSTALLMENT AS PIXAR GANG BATTLES RISE OF TECHWhat's shocking about this "Moana" was how overtly lazy it was made.
It's supposed to be live action yet everything looks fake.All the beach scenes were clearly green-screened (you can tell by the artificial lighting on their faces).
The animals don't look remotely realistic.And don't even get me started on The Rock's ridiculous wig.Dwayne Johnson as Maui in Disney's live-action "Moan...