Disney's 'dismal' live-action Moana panned by critics
Disney's live-action remake of Moana has received largely negative reviews from critics, who described the film as dull and overly reliant on CGI. While some reviewers praised the casting and visual beauty, the consensus suggests the film feels like a superfluous attempt to monetize existing intellectual property.
Why it matters
The critical reception of this film highlights ongoing industry debates regarding the value and necessity of live-action remakes of animated classics.
Image source, Walt Disney Image caption, Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as demigod Maui in the live-action remake of Moana
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 , external , who said it "escapes the remake blues - in fact it soars above them".
Image source, Walt Disney Image caption, Catherine Laga'aia takes on the lead of Moana in the live-action film
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