Moana, directed by Thomas Kail, is a live action adaptation of the 2016 animated hit, and is seen as a competent yet unnecessary addition to Disney's remake series. Critics point out that the film's faithfulness goes overboard and avoids offering anything new. This makes it difficult for audiences to meet their expectations.

While the film tries to preserve the spirit of the original story, it hesitates to step outside the norm. Critics emphasize that this approach lacks the courage to go beyond familiar elements for viewers. This could lead to disappointment for both new audiences and fans of the original film.

Disney's live action adaptations generally aim to provide a nostalgic experience. However, this version of Moana remains limited to what audiences have seen before. This indicates a lack of innovation in the film. As a result, this remake of Moana may be met with indifference from both critics and viewers.