Watching the new Moana live‑action film felt like rediscovering a story I already loved, but with a deeper heartbeat. This Moana live‑action review explores that feeling. It’s the same journey — Moana finding her courage, the ocean choosing her, the connection to her ancestors — yet seeing it in live action made everything feel more real and more powerful.
The landscapes looked breathtaking, the ocean felt alive, and the performances brought a warmth that animation can’t always capture. I really loved how the film kept the spirit of the original while giving me a new way to experience it. It’s familiar, but more enjoyable, more emotional, and honestly beautiful to see in live action.
“MOANA”
In “Moana,” Disney’s live-action reimagining of the beloved Oscar®-nominated animated adventure, Moana (Catherine Lagaʻaia) answers the Ocean’s call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people. The film is directed by Emmy® and Tony Award® winner Thomas Kail (“Hamilton”); produced by Dwayne Johnson, p.g.a., Beau Flynn, p.g.a., Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, p.g.a. and Lin-Manuel Miranda; and executive produced by Scott Sheldon, Charles Newirth, Kail and Auliʻi Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the animated films “Moana” and “Moana 2.” “Moana” features original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi and Mark Mancina, and an original score composed by Mancina. Audiences can experience the brilliant cinematic sights, sounds and songs of “Moana” exclusively in theaters July 10, 2026.
