Disney's 'dismal' live-action Moana panned by critics - BBC
Disney's new live-action remake of 'Moana' has received largely negative reviews from critics, who described it as dull and overly reliant on CGI. While some praised Dwayne Johnson's performance, others criticized the film for feeling like an unnecessary, animated-heavy product.
Why it matters
The critical reception of this film reflects broader industry debates regarding the quality and necessity of live-action remakes of animated classics.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Annabel Rackham Culture reporter Disney Disney has once again taken one of its biggest animated hits of recent years and turned it into a live-action remake - but the new take on 2016's Moana has been panned by most critics.
Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as demigod Maui, with 19-year-old Australian-Samoan newcomer Catherine Laga'aia playing Moana, the teen daughter of a Polynesian chief.
However, the movie, which was released on Friday, has been described in reviews as "flat", "dull" and "dismal".
There were some more positive voices, including Variety's Owen Gleiberman , who said it "escapes the remake blues - in fact it soars above them".
Gleiberman added that the film "truly delivers 'Moana' - the beauty, the comic personality, the fairy-tale enchantment", and described Johnson's "fit" for the film as "perfect".
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