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Live-action ‘Moana’ review: Sailing strong performance, overboard timing

July 14, 2026

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Disney’s live-action ‘Moana’, directed by Thomas Kail, successfully brings the beloved animated classic to life, with Catherine Lagaʻaia as Moana and Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui. It was a delight to see iconic characters like HeiHei the chicken, Pua the pig, and Tamatoa, the flashy crab, make their return. One of ‘Moana”s greatest strengths has always been its unforgettable soundtrack, with songs written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and the live-action adaptation continues to celebrate the music that made the original so iconic.

What we appreciate most is how Disney doesn’t simply recreate the animated film—it thoughtfully embraces and showcases Polynesian culture in a way that feels authentic and visually distinct. The result is a film that stays true to the heart of the original while offering a fresh and culturally rich cinematic experience.

Personally, it feels a little too soon for ‘Moana’ to receive a live-action adaptation, considering it’s only been about a decade since the animated film was released. With many of Disney’s other live-action remakes—especially the Disney Princess films—there’s usually something noticeably different or a fresh perspective that makes you wonder what has been added to the story. ‘Moana’, on the other hand, is almost a scene-for-scene translation from animation to live action. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, but it also means there aren’t many surprises for audiences already familiar with the original.

That said, I think the biggest reason to look forward to this film is simply seeing this beloved story come to life with real actors, stunning visuals, and beautifully recreated settings. It captures the magic of the original in a remarkably faithful way, making it feel as though the animated film has stepped into the real world.

Overall, ‘Moana’ remains an iconic story for kids and is just as enjoyable for adults, making it a wonderful movie to experience with the whole family. Whether you’re revisiting the adventure or introducing it to a new generation, it’s a fun and heartwarming watch on the big screen.

Special thanks to SM Cinema and Disney Philippines for their separate invitations to the block screenings of ‘Moana’ in IMAX of Mall of Asia and Family Cinema of Opus Mall.