Disney's live-action 'Moana' panned by critics as 'dismal' and 'pointless'
The live-action adaptation of 'Moana' from Disney, which debuted on Friday, has been met with largely unfavorable critiques. Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, while 19-year-old Catherine Laga'aia plays Moana. Critics described the film as 'dull,' 'flat,' and 'pointless.' Peter Bradshaw from The Guardian rated it two stars, remarking that Johnson's performance felt 'on autopilot.' Clarisse Loughrey of The Independent gave it just one star, deeming it 'a waste of everyone's time.' Similarly, Kevin Maher from The Times rated it one star, calling it 'a lazy cash grab.' In contrast, a few positive reviews emerged, with Variety's Owen Gleiberman and The Hollywood Reporter's David Rooney hailing it as 'captivating family entertainment.' The script was penned by Jared Bush, with music composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Key facts
- Disney's live-action 'Moana' was released on Friday.
- Dwayne Johnson plays Maui; Catherine Laga'aia plays Moana.
- Most critics panned the film as 'flat,' 'dull,' and 'dismal.'
- Peter Bradshaw (The Guardian) gave a two-star review.
- Clarisse Loughrey (The Independent) gave a one-star review.
- Kevin Maher (The Times) gave a one-star review.
- Robbie Collin (The Telegraph) said it 'could have been made by a ChatGPT prompt.'
- Owen Gleiberman (Variety) gave a positive review.
- David Rooney (The Hollywood Reporter) gave a positive review.
- Script by Jared Bush, music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, directed by Thomas Kail.
- Disney has made over 20 live-action remakes in 15 years.
- 'Snow White' lost $170m; 'Lilo & Stitch' made $1bn.
Entities
Artists
- Dwayne Johnson
- Catherine Laga'aia
- Jared Bush
- Lin-Manuel Miranda
- Thomas Kail
Institutions
- Disney
- The Guardian
- The Independent
- The Times
- The Telegraph
- Empire
- Variety
- The Hollywood Reporter
Locations
- Hawaii
- Atlanta