Moana: It’s déjà vu all over again...

Moana (2026) • View trailer3.5 stars (out of five); rated PG, for action peril, scary images and rude humorAvailable via: Movie theatersBy Derrick Bang • Published in The Davis Enterprise, 7.12.26The window between Disney’s animated features and these semi-live-action remakes seems to be shortening, given that Moana 2 sailed into theaters just two years ago. This new film’s arrival feels somewhat cynical: driven more by corporate greed than art. Resolutely embracing her destiny, Moana (Catherine Laga'aia) bravely sets said, to restoreorder to what has become an existential ecological threat to her people. Fortunately,she won't be alone for too long...But if the enthusiastic crowd for Wednesday evening’s sold-out preview is any indication, this new version of Moana will be a monster hit anyway. (Pun intended.)It’s easy to see why. The characters are engaging, well defined and capably portrayed; the Pacific island setting is colorful and laden with captivating cultural touches; the…