Moana review: Same story, same heart
‘Moana’ is almost a shot-for-shot, live-action adaptation of the animated film, which means if you like the original, you’ll like this one.
Disney animation generally focuses on good defeating evil. These showdowns are even more appealing because the villain is usually as enchanting as the hero, if not more so. When Disney purchased Pixar, they were suddenly in the business of making CGI films with more abstract concepts. Now, Disney more readily embraces narratives about growth and friendship. Unfortunately, the main studio seems short on ideas for new pictures. So, they continue to pillage their animated catalogue for live-action scripts. The latest adaptation reaches back only 10 years to bring Moana into the realm of the semi-real.
Moana (Catherine Laga’aia) is the chief’s (John Tui) daughter and next in line to lead their people. They live on Motunui, a remote island that provides everything they need to survive. Consequently, venturing beyond the reef that borders their shores is forbidden. However, legends tell of the demigod, Maui (Dwayne Johnson), who stole Te Fiti’s heart and unleashed a deadly darkness that drains life from the islands. Now, that curse is engulfing Motunui, rotting their crops and making the waters barren. Against her father’s wishes, Moana embarks on a journey to find Maui and force him to return Te Fiti’s heart, restoring the islands’ natural bounty. Not an easy feat for a girl who’s never been on the ocean.
After years of monumental fails, Disney appears to have finally learned its lesson. Perhaps their epiphany is linked to the success of and praise for the faithful, live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon. Whatever the reason, the studio has realized audiences don’t want a reimagining of their beloved animated movies. So, this film features the same story, characters and, in some cases, voice actors as Jemaine Clement also returns to voice Tamatoa. It doesn’t need to be different to be entertaining — it’s already enjoyable. As the saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Is this adaptation necessary? Not in the least. Is it as enthralling as the original? Yes, because it’s essentially the same film.
This movie is nearly a shot-for-shot remake of the animated picture with minor changes. The dialogue is slightly different in places and there’s less interaction with Maui’s tattoos, which were previously key in telling the story. They also simplify certain scenes, especially those with more difficult stunts. But, most importantly, it has just as much heart as its predecessor.
Newcomer Laga’aia has tremendous spirit and a stunning voice. All the musical performances are as powerful and catchy as in the original. There’s also a new song written by Lin-Manuel Miranda called “Along the Way.” The sweet melody is a cross-generational duet sung by the new Moana and the animated Moana, Auli’i Cravalho.
Now in front of the camera instead of just behind a microphone, Johnson revels in personifying Maui. It looks like he needed some time to get use to the wig as he appears slightly awkward at times. But as he grows more comfortable, his embodiment of the demigod that previously only possessed his voice is apparent. Johnson seamlessly portrays his swagger and vulnerability, finally playing a character he clearly loves on screen.
In spite of being a live action version of the narrative, the film still uses a lot of CGI and animated sequences to bring its unique characters, loveable animals and fantastic lore to life. Yet, the blending of humans and computer effects is flawless. Thankfully, Heihei hasn’t changed at all, remaining an irreplaceable source of humour throughout the picture. And the pirate coconuts, a.k.a. the Kakamora, are just as silly and cute.
The one element that does feel enhanced in the live-action version is the film’s depiction of Polynesian culture. It’s simply more compelling to see real people dancing, performing the ceremonies and receiving traditional tattoos. It’s also more inspiring to see young Moana functioning in her role as supporter and advisor around the village.
For fans of the animated film, there’s nothing not to like about this very close adaptation. It’s simply another version with which to sing along.
Director: Thomas Kail
Starring: Catherine Laga’aia, Dwayne Johnson and John Tui
