Disney’s live-action reimagining of their 2016 animated classic, Moana, is set to reach theatres on July 10th, but the embargo on critical reactions has only just been lifted… and while the first reactions to most movies these days seem to be wildly positive, that’s not the case with Moana. In fact, while taking a quick glimpse at social media, it’s difficult to find many positive reactions to this one. A sample of the first reactions can be seen below.
What’s Moana about?
Set in Ancient Polynesia, Moana tells the story of what happens when a terrible curse incurred by the demigod Maui reaches Moana’s island. Answering the Ocean’s call to seek out the demigod and set things right, the young woman reconnects with her ancestors and discovers she’s more powerful than she ever imagined.
The live-action take on the story stars Catherine Laga’aia as Moana, with Dwayne Johnson as the trickster demigod Maui. Also in the Moana cast are John Tui as Moana’s no-nonsense father, Chief Tui; Frankie Adams as Moana’s playful and strong-willed mother, Sina; and Rena Owen as Moana’s revered Gramma Tala.
Thomas Kail (Hamilton, Fosse/Verdon) directs the live-action Moana, with Jared Bush, who wrote the animated original, returning to pen the screenplay for the live-action remake.
What are the first reactions to Moana like?
Here’s the sample:
Fear not, some viewers did enjoy the movie. Here are a few positive reactions:
Is a live-action Moana necessary?
That’s the question a lot of Disney fans have been asking, especially since we’re only ten years removed from the release of the animated original. Judging by the first reactions, it doesn’t sound like the movie was able to prove to most of the reviewers that it should exist. Are you looking forward to this film, or are you going to stick with the 2016 version of Moana? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
I’m so far out of the loop, I can’t even comment. Not only have I never watched the original Moana, I’ve also never seen most of the live-action remakes Disney has released over the last couple of decades. Who knows if or when I’ll ever get to this one?
The comment section exists to allow readers to discuss the article constructively and respectfully, focused on the topic at hand.
What’s Not Allowed