Moana (PG)

A faithful live-action retelling of Disney’s 2016 favourite, bringing familiar songs, characters and adventure to a new generation.

On the island of Motunui, Moana (Catherine Laga'aia) is preparing to one day lead her people, despite feeling drawn to the ocean they fear. Encouraged by her grandmother (Rena Owen), she sets sail to restore the heart of Te Fiti and save her island from a spreading darkness. Along the way she teams up with the reluctant demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), whose confidence often outweighs his willingness to help, while a host of memorable creatures and familiar faces accompany the journey.

Following the original story almost scene for scene, there are few significant changes, instead relying on the presence of its cast to give well-known moments a slightly different feel. Laga'aia makes an impressive feature debut, bringing warmth, humour and a powerful singing voice to the title role, while Johnson slips comfortably back into Maui, this time adding a little more personality through his on-screen performance.

There are, naturally, few new surprises, but this remains an enjoyable family adventure, celebrating courage, identity and finding your own path with the same appeal that made the original such a success