Grade: B… The 2016 animated version of Moana was a beautiful smash hit that made many answer the ocean’s call and rush to the theatre to experience it. Ten years later, the ocean is calling us back to the theaters again, this time to experience Moana’s journey with live action. While this live action remake may very well be one of the most beautiful movies ever filmed, it really is not necessary to rush to see it. If you saw the animated movie, you have seen this movie as well. Same story, same beautiful setting just… somewhat real.

While 2026 Moana is live action, it is still very CGI dependent. How else can you make the ocean pull a Ten Commandments and part around Moana? It goes without saying that the CGI used is top notch and looks insanely real and beautiful. Aside from the CGI, Moana was filmed on location in Oahu, Hawaii. Home to Disney’s gorgeous Aulani hotel, by the way. It really was a layup for Disney to make Moana as beautiful as it is when they had Oahu as the backdrop. For the Motunui village scenes, Pokai Bay and Kualoa Ranch were used. The exceptional greenery and blue water featured in the movie was a real treat for the eyes.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson voiced Maui in the animated movies. In this live action version, he literally is Maui. The wig he used in the movie is jarring to look at initially but you get used to it as time passes. Like most people, I am used to seeing the famous wrestling hero with a bald head. While Johnson might not be the best actor (or singer) in the biz, I think he did a decent job portraying his character. He is covered in (sometimes animated) tattoos and is insanely ripped. A body truly fitting for a demigod.

Catherine Laga’aia steps into the iconic role of Moana and she does an excellent job in the acting and singing department. Laga’aia sings all of her songs in the movie. She is the real deal and looked like a true island girl that was determined to finish the mission tasked to her by her grandmother, to return the heart of the ocean to its rightful place initially taken by Maui.

All of the beautiful songs make a return and I am sure they will once again cause a new generation of young girls to dream big.

The live action Moana, while not really necessary, is worthy of a trip to the movies with your friends or kids. I enjoyed my time with it and it did make me smile as I saw the Disney magic unfold on screen. Answer the ocean’s call again, you will not regret it.