homeWelcome, sign in or click here to subscribe.login
     


 

 

Weekend





Subscriber content preview

July 10, 2026

At The Movies: The live-action ‘Moana' is a lifeless carbon copy of an animated classic

By JAKE COYLE
AP Film Writer

[enlarge]
Catherine Laga’aia, who plays Moana, sings beautifully. But all inventiveness has gone out to sea.

Say what you will about them, but the Disney live-action remakes have at least given us a choice. Which would you rather see? A spirited, soaring, animated “Moana,” or a purposeless remake featuring Dwayne Johnson with Fabio hair?


 
. . .


To read this story in full login or purchase a subscription.



Previous columns:



Email or user name:
Password:
 
Forgot password? Click here.