“Moana 2” has a tough legacy to uphold, following the waves of a beloved Disney classic and the most streamed movie in the studio’s history.
My verdict: While “Moana 2” may not become a timeless icon like its predecessor, it’s a movie that can appeal to various age groups.
Set a few years after the events of “Moana,” the movie follows the young voyager as she sails to new islands in hopes of connecting with other people of the ocean. She receives a call from her ancestors telling her to restore the island of Motufetū, which connects all the other islands in the ocean.
The film stars Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, reprising their roles as Moana and Maui respectively. Moana’s crew also expands by a few characters, such as Moni (Hualālai Chung), a young Maui fanboy, Loto (Rose Matafeo), a knowledgeable boat mechanic, and Kele (David Fane), an elderly farmer.
Throughout the film, I felt that my favorite characters had matured, and I appreciated the writers’ attempt to showcase this growth. In “Moana,” the titular character is eager to sail away from her island. While she cruises the ocean, she also embarks on a journey of self-discovery. But in “Moana 2,” Moana recognizes the consequence of sailing far away from her island — of parting with her family.
Just like the original, the movie’s animation is eye-catching and features striking fight scenes. The climax escalates in a moment of tension, followed by immediate relief. During the scene, the music and dialogue enhance the onscreen action, putting the audience at the edge of their seats. It’s not as unique a climax as the one in “Moana,” but it’s thrilling nonetheless.
Where “Moana 2” suffers is its attempts at humor, which include modern quips (fanfiction is mentioned). Some jokes land well, but some disrupt emotional scenes, preventing the audiences from feeling the true weight of a moment and detracting attention from the central storyline.
The songs of “Moana 2” are well-performed and suit the movie’s themes, but at times they feel too attuned to modern music trends. The melodies remain Disney-esque, but the production lacks the fullness and crispness of the original, sounding muddier instead.
All in all, “Moana 2” has my seal of approval. Will it become as renowned as the original? I don’t think so, but all audiences will certainly find something in this movie. After all, the universal lesson from “Moana” — to embrace the unknown — is reemphasized in its sequel eight years later.
As the film says, “There’s always another way, even if you have to get lost to find it.”
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