I watched Disney’s Moana live-action movie at IMAX during its premiere night.
I saw the animated version back in 2016. Ten years ago! While I do not remember most of the story, I do know the gist—that it’s about an island girl, Moana, who teams up with a demigod, Maui, to save her home. I took my friend to watch it with me and to be honest, both of us were skeptical about the live-action.
- Was it a good movie for IMAX?
- If there was nothing new to tell about Moana, why the need for a live-action so soon?
There was a threat of a typhoon that week, and I honestly worried about the weather. It was the Mall of Asia area, after all. When the rain pours down hard, it’s Armageddon there! Luckily, it turned out to be a good day for the weather to attend a movie premiere night.
For Moana, the dress code called for beach chic! I wore my Banana Republic maxi green dress paired with Tory Burch espadrilles. And I brought my Siargao bag from Shop Style Cat.
A short program was held at the MOA Atrium prior to the movie premiere.
Singer and young actress Kai Montinola sang the Tagalog version of Moana’s How Far I’ll Go during the program, The local song rendition is entitled “Hangganan Ko”.
Inside IMAX cinema, there was also a lantern show held before the movie started. The lanterns were shaped like sea creatures—way cute!
Moana live-action starred Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as demigod Maui. He also voiced Maui in the animated film. Newcomer Catherine Laga’aia stepped into the role of Moana. After seeing the movie, here’s what I can say:
Dwayne Johnson and Catherine Laga’aia were born for the roles
I think he played the role so well! I can’t imagine any other actor topping off his performance. Physically, of course he was ripped. But also with curly hair?! It was weird to see him rocking any other look than a shaved head, but the role called for it. At least, he’s a good sport about all the memes online mocking him for the wig. He was cocky and conceited just as the character called for, but he also showed vulnerability when the scenes called for it. He was a charming demigod overall.
Meanwhile, Laga’aia shined as Moana. Being of Samoan descent, she had the look part down. And the great thing is that she also had the vocal talent and charisma to match. I thought she sang the iconic musical numbers, especially the most popular one, How Far I’ll Go, very well.
Together, the duo’s on-screen chemistry made Moana live-action movie fun and refreshing to watch.
Pua, Hei Hei and the Kakamora are Too Cute to Boot
The CGI characters Pua, Heihei and the Kakamora are scene stealers! Heihei is still the funny sidekick and even manages to be the hero when he saves the heart of Te Fiti. The Kakamora, the tiny coconut-armored pirates, were the enemies, but it was pretty hard to see them as such when they were just too cute. And Pua, well, he may be a pig, but he reminded me of a puppy with his playful energy.
Best Seen in IMAX
While the movie itself did not have a new story to tell, I thought watching it in IMAX made it a delightful movie experience. The cinematic and colorful visuals of the ocean and the island of Motunui seemed to come to life in IMAX. Parents and kids at heart—watch Moana live-action in IMAX!
Overall Verdict: Still Worth the Voyage
While Moana live-action did not offer anything new, I think those who were old enough to see the animated film in 2016 like me will find it refreshing to watch the live-action version, especially in IMAX. And for families with young kids, it’s definitely worth taking them to see Disney’s Moana live-action. It’ll be an enjoyable movie experience for the family.