I enjoyed both animated versions of Moana (2016) and Moana II (2024). Unfortunately, this live version was just average. There was plenty of positivity surrounding the many wonders of the sea and the Hawaiian setting as well as lots of music, laughs, and adventures. It is not terrible, but cheesy enough to shred. The magical charms are good in parts, but the storyline goes off in too many imaginary directions. Directed by Thomas Kail, this is Moana. The voyager vibes are joyful, and so are the characters, but it wasn’t enough to make this film soar. 

For Disney, however, it is what I expected. The movie has over-the-top moments to inspire viewers of all ages. The music and the songs are top-notch. Most of the film’s glory comes from the vocal performance of Catherine Laga’ala in her role as Moana. Thanks to the music, the storyline about fulfilling one’s destiny by overcoming hurdles is fun.  Dwayne Johnson plays Maui, and also did the voice of this character in the animated versions. When Johnson is in the picture, there are bound to be moments of quirky, yet satirical humor. He displays that bad yet sappy attitude as one of the main characters. 

Moana dreams of fulfilling her family legacy by saving her island and making it return to its voyager setting. However, this requires her to go to the sea and find Maui. The dynamics between Laga’ala and Johnson is where this film shines. Behind them are CGI-generated sea monsters. The village where Moana comes from lacks the resources, and she is on a mission to change that. The film feels like an oceanography journey with lighting that highlights the beauty of the water.  Sadly, much of the film struggled to sell me. The film needed more magical components. I respect Disney’s style of movie-making, but I would have rather had more layers of seriousness and suspense in addition to more conflict added to the fantasy.

I did enjoy the film credits with their wonderful quotes. One quote, “Restore the heart,” means there is happiness that comes with growth. Another quote that speaks to me is, “No one goes beyond the reef,” which means that breaking the rules comes with some entertainment. Moana  “goes beyond the reef,” but her adventures just felt mediocre.

In the end, the movie was joyful and nice for families. I just wish that the magic in the waters and the writing had a few more components to make the final cut stronger. I give this version of Moana two-and-a-half out of four stars.