MOANA

Moana (2026)

Directed by: Thomas Kail

𝘔𝘰𝘢𝘯𝘢 serves as a prime example of why not every animated film needs a live-action version.

Even with the ocean as its backdrop, the experience feels draining. 𝘔𝘰𝘢𝘯𝘢 already loses much of its magic and charm. Just as 𝘔𝘰𝘢𝘯𝘢 2 felt unnecessary, this remake is no better.

The colors lack vibrancy. The island setting seems like CGI creations than a real, living environment. It’s only the songs that are enjoyable to listen to. Even then, the production numbers and the visuals fail to match the energy of the music.

The direction is consistently flat. There’s little excitement in the mission to save the community. They could let the villagers starve, and it would be hard to care. The movie lacks the emotional weight and urgency needed to make its conflicts matter.

The climax involving Te Fiti unfolds like a small moment instead of something grand and heartwarming.

While there are a lot of inefficiencies, the most disappointing aspect is the acting department.

Catherine Laga’aia shows very little variation in her facial expressions, regardless of the situation she’s in. It doesn’t help that she looks so neat and dry, even when she has just come out of the water.

Dwayne Johnson seems capable of much more, but he delivers a restrained performance that never quite reaches its full potential.

Frankie Adams consistently comes across as a distant and unbothered mother. John Tui starts off fine, but eventually, his portrayal lacks the reluctance and anxiety expected of a father sending his daughter into the unknown. He appears surprisingly comfortable letting her go.

In a movie where everyone seems to be detached from their roles, Rena Owen is the only exception. She brings life to the character. She is convincing enough to make you believe whatever it is they’re fighting and living for.

Tamatoa (the Crab), voiced by Jemaine Clement, has some cool and amusing moments. Apart from these few things, it’s hard to justify the existence of this movie.

It suffers from a drought of life and appeal throughout. The sea couldn’t be any drier.

Before moving forward, 𝘔𝘰𝘢𝘯𝘢 should take a hiatus and seriously rethink the direction of its future installments.

Otherwise, there won’t even be a question of how far this franchise can go. It simply has nowhere meaningful left to go.

𝐌𝐎𝐀𝐍𝐀

Cast: Catherine Lagaʻaia, Dwayne Johnson, John Tui, Frankie Adams, Rena Owen

Screenplay by: Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller

Presented by: Walt Disney Pictures, Seven Bucks Productions, Flynn Picture Company

Release Date: July 8, 2026 in Philippine cinemas nationwide

A Movie Review by: Goldwin Reviews