MOANA REVIEW | Disney Brings the Magic Back to the Ocean
Moana captures everything that made the original so beloved while bringing fresh energy to the adventure. Directed by Thomas Kail and written by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, Disney’s live-action adaptation follows Moana as she answers the ocean’s call and sets out on a journey with the demigod Maui to help save her people. The film stars Catherine Lagaʻaia as “Moana,” Dwayne Johnson as “Maui,” John Tui as “Chief Tui,” Frankie Adams as “Sina,” and Rena Owen as “Gramma Tala.”
Lagaʻaia is everything you could want in Moana, bringing warmth, courage, and an infectious sense of wonder to the role. Her singing is every bit as beautiful as Auliʻi Cravalho’s, who originated the voice of Moana in the animated film and returns here as an executive producer. Lagaʻaia carries the movie with confidence and heart, making it impossible not to root for her from beginning to end.
Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as Maui and also serves as an executive producer, returning to one of the characters he’s clearly had the most fun playing. His presence on screen is just as charismatic as it was in the animated film, and his musical numbers remain among the movie’s biggest highlights. It’s easy to understand why Disney wanted him back. At the same time, I couldn’t help but wonder what the role might have looked like with an actor who more closely resembled the animated version physically.
This also marks the first narrative feature film from director Kail, whose background includes award-winning work on Hamilton, Grease: Live, and Fosse/Verdon. Making the leap from Broadway and television to a Disney blockbuster is no small feat, but it feels like a natural next step for him. Kail understands how to stage big musical moments without losing sight of the emotion underneath them, and that balance serves Moana incredibly well.
It had been a few years since I’d watched the original Moana, and I was surprised by how emotional the story still made me. Moana’s adventurous spirit, her love for her family, and her determination to do what’s right for her people remain the heart of the film. Those themes are timeless and continue to resonate no matter how old you are.
Disney had big shoes to fill, adapting one of its most cherished modern classics, and I’m happy to say they rose to the occasion.
Moana is now in theaters.
07/11/26 S10:E56 Broadcast Package
