And you believe those things because the movie is animated and has a certain look and feel, which creates an unspoken whimsy. The world itself feels real, even when it’s obviously not. Funny then that the “real” version of Moana feels so incredibly fake.

Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui for Disney's live-action take on the 2016 animated original that recently spawned a mammoth hit with 2024's 'Moana 2.'

Disney isn't going to stop making live-action versions of the studio's animated classics. But unlike "Moana," they need to be creatively necessary.

Moana is back in Disney’s new sort-of-live-action remake, but how far does it go from the original? Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, appearing in the flesh this time around. Catherine Laga'aia plays Moana,

Disney's Dwayne Johnson-led live-action reimagining opens this weekend, as does Warner Bros.' horror offering 'Evil Dead Burn.'

This live-action version is cute, and Laga’aia is an exciting new star, but it doesn’t quite pull off a convincing argument to go out when we already have “Moana” at home.

Disney's remake of its 2016 animated film "Moana" is not catching a wave at the box office. With an industry estimated $18.2 million opening day from 3,872 locations, the live-action film is falling well below projections with an estimated domestic opening of $45 million.

The new film is a reimagining of the classic animated film that families have loved for a decade. It’s sure to be a hit with new fans as well.