Virtually every line, beat, and song in the new movie is identical to the 2016 version, apart from a few minor punch-ups or extra comedy tags here and there. There’s no artistic or aesthetic reason for this movie to exist. (more)

However unnecessary it may be, director Thomas Kail’s live-action remake of Disney’s 2016 animated “Moana” is very entertaining, with gorgeous visuals, great songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Dwayne Johnson and Jemaine Clement reprising their roles as demigod Maui and giant monster crab Tamatoa. Johnson and Miranda were also producers of the remake, ensuring it faithfully preserves every detail of the original to satisfy fans and attract new ones. (more)