Let’s state the obvious and get it out of the way: There’s no reason this movie should exist. The original Moana was only released in 2016, and in those ten years, it has become a storied and enduring piece of Disney history. So, then—why now? A tenth anniversary celebration? To get over the mixed response given to Moana 2? A blatant cash grab to keep the IP in the public consciousness? Was the window closing for Dwayne Johnson to play the buff demigod Maui for real? Is it something we needed? After having seen this new iteration of the beloved animated film, I’m inclined to say “all of the above” (including that last one), but I can’t deny that Hamilton director Thomas Kail has made his near shot-for-shot remake almost as endearing as the original.
Kail and screenwriters Jared Bush (who wrote the original) and Dana Ledoux Miller (co-writer and co-director of Moana 2) wisely refrain from adding too much to this story, nor do they delete anything; instead, they keep this revision squarely where it needs to be—focused on Moana’s (Catherine Laga’aia) quest and Maui’s redemption. Lest you worry, everything has stayed the same: an island tribe is threatened by an oncoming blight and famine, and the daughter of the chief must venture past the protective barrier reef of their home to undo a curse levied upon the Earth by a vengeful god. The songs are repurposed and recontextualized in the live-action realm, and they’re just as tickety-tapping as ever (I was very happy to hear the interpolation of a quick verse section from the Jordan Fisher/Lin-Manuel Miranda version of “You’re Welcome”). The original’s strong themes of empowerment, friendship, and reparation are still intact—which, of course, they would be, considering the returning screenwriters.
So what’s new here? First, and most notably, Catherine Laga’aia, who steps confidently into role originator Auli’i Cravalho’s shoes as the titular character. Laga’aia balances the youthful excitement of adventure with the harshness of the reality that accompanies it, and she does this well. She makes Moana a likable, magnetic character who’s easy to root for; although she’s delivering lines we know by heart, she doesn’t just rely on Cravalho’s intonations, making the role of Moana her own with immutable strength and respect for the character itself.
Second: Dwayne Johnson. Yeah, yeah, I know, he is Maui. But this physical incarnation allows the cartoonish nature of the character to be shed, making way for Johnson’s humorous and dramatic talents to shine. He’s no slouch when it comes to Maui’s physicality, but there’s something about his use of facial expressions and comedic timing that makes this live-action performance irresistible. We watch Johnson’s films for a reason, and he gives Maui new life as a flesh-and-blood demigod with his patented wink-and-nod wit and a little bit of his usual mugging for the camera.
Also to be appreciated is the commitment to maintaining the high energy level established in the 2016 film, especially in the showstoppers. Often, when musicals like this get remade, there’s a certain flatness to the songs that never matches the exuberance or feeling of the originals. Compare, for example, the 1985 London recording of Les Misérables to the 2012 film rerecording. Maybe the vocal track is flattened sonically and Auto-tuned to hell, or the oomph just doesn’t come across in either the instrumentation or the singing. Honestly, that was one of my biggest concerns going into this, and I’m happy to say that there are no worries here, as Thomas Kail has gotten the exact performances necessary to keep the vibe fresh and vital.
So much work has gone into making sure that we’re not just watching the same film again—Rena Owen subbing in for Rachel House as Gramma Tala goes a long way toward this film breaking away from the original, along with some new knowledge drops specific to this version. A purposeful addition of one or two lines completely casts Maui’s actions in a new light, and even in the context of the original film, it makes sense. Little things like this have been given to us in this live-action remake, adding depth and more shading to what we’ve known since 2016.
But yes, we’re watching the same film again; as I said, it’s an almost shot-for-shot remake. (Stop right there. Don’t even mention it in the same breath as the two Psychos, as it does not deserve that kind of smoke.) However, the attachment that the human element brings to this adventure keeps us grounded with our heroes as they traverse the islands and seas to restore the heart of Te Fiti. Thomas Kail brings new depth and brightness to this ten-year-old story, and the cast is game to try it on. This physical reimagining of Moana doesn’t tarnish the original’s legacy; it is an outstanding option when faced with the choice between animated or live action for movie night.
One Comment
Asking why a remake exists ten years on is fair, but ‘wisely refrain from adding too much’ might be the actual answer — when a story works, restraint is the remake’s only real job. Kail seems to understand that.