We Saw Live-Action Moana Early. Here's What Fans Will Love (No Spoilers)

It's been ten years since the animated Moana, and now she's back in live action. I took my six-year-old and four-year-old to an advance screening ahead of the July 10 release, and if your family loved the original, you're going to be so happy with this one!

It's basically the movie you already know

If you've watched the animated Moana enough times to recite it (same), you'll recognize this film scene for scene. So many moments are recreated almost exactly, which is what kids want. There's no new twist. It's the same story your family already loves, just with real people, real water and a real island.

The culture is front and centre

This was the part that got me. Polynesian culture and traditions are shown so beautifully: the dancing, the ceremonies, the way the whole community of Motunui celebrates together. You can feel the passion and heart in every scene. It doesn't feel like a backdrop; it feels like a celebration, and it's such a lovely way to get kids curious about the real cultures behind the story. Here's one to share with your kids: "Moana" actually means 'ocean' in Samoan, Hawaiian, Māori and other Polynesian languages.

The songs are still amazing

All the songs you love are here, and they're gorgeous in live action. Kids will love that they already know every word, and there's even a brand new song for fans.

The casting is so good

Catherine Laga'aia is cast so well as Moana. She captures everything you love about the character. And of course, Dwayne Johnson is back having fun as Maui. The second he came on screen, the audience in our theatre went wild. Everyone just loves his energy.

Kids may notice one thing

On the way home, I asked my six-year-old, Aura, what she thought. Her review: "It was fun." Then came the thing only a kid would notice: "Moana's voice is different than the first Moana."

And she's right. It's a whole new person playing her, which turned into a chat about how different actors can bring the same character to life. And here's a fun fact for your own sharp-eared kids: Auli'i Cravalho, the original voice of Moana, is actually an executive producer on this film. She's talked about passing the baton to Laga'aia, so in a way, the first Moana helped bring us the new one.

The takeaway

This is such a great family watch. Underneath the songs and the adventure, it's a story about courage, knowing who you are, listening to your elders and caring for the world around you. Those are conversations worth having with your kids, and this movie opens the door to all of them. Whether your little ones are longtime Moana fans or meeting her for the first time, there's a lot of heart here for the whole family.

Moana hits theatres July 10!