Moana 2
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5 stars)
Moana was a groundbreaking production for Disney in 2016, with the leads being of Pacific Islander descent, where its two leads had no romantic connection. Despite not being an actual princess, the wayfinder eventually became part of the Disney royal family and inspired a franchise. Moana 2 continues the story of the island nation three years after the end of the previous chapter.
Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho) continues to travel the ocean waves, searching for connections with other islanders. As she explores remote islands with her rooster, Hei Hei (Alan Tudyk), and her pig, Pua, in search of any clues about other civilisations. After discovering an artifact that looks to be the first hint that other humans are in the area, she decides to find them. Inspired by her ancestors before her, Moana takes a crew with her on this quest to find her friend and demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) along the way. Eventually, the young seafarer discovers that she must break the god Nalo's curse on the hidden island of Motufetu to connect her with the other islanders across the oceans.
This second Polynesian adventure from the Walt Disney Animation Studios has most of the magical elements of the original without the pedigree. David Derrick Jr is a first-time director replacing the legendary team of John Musker (Aladdin) and Ron Clements (Hercules), and the Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda is replaced by TikTokers songwriters Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear. All that to be said, these novices to the animated Disney world manage to do admirable work in finding the hidden treasure of the original and delivering a good follow-up that reflects the first movie. As Disney villains go, Matangi (Awhimai Fraser) is less sinister and Loki-like, as she proves to be more morally flexible than previous foes and complex to nail down as evil or misunderstood. As the mouthpiece of the true enemy, she struggles to live up to the villains of old in this animated world. While Dwayne Johnson and Auliʻi Cravalho fill their familiar roles well, the pair must work hard to live up to their original chemistry as they travel through this adventure. This production does bring back most of the cast, including Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, and Rachel House. Then add some welcomed newcomers, Rose Matafeo, David Fane and Hualālai Chung, as the young wayfinder's formidable crew. Yet, the inclusion of Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda as Moana's little sister, Simea, will win over multiple generations' hearts. This mix of old and new makes for an enjoyable ocean quest that does its best to rival the first journey across the seas.
Moana 2 taps into the mystical elements of Polynesian folklore while adding enough of a modern spin to keep families engaged from beginning to end. The songs may not be as catchy, and the storyline proves to be rather predictable, but the film is visually stunning. Reminiscent of a sequel that would normally go straight to Disney+, this follow-up has enough to keep this franchise alive and provide families with a fun adventure for the holiday season that will take them away to the beautiful waters of the South Pacific once again.
What should parents know about Moana 2? Like the first film, this film weighs in heavily on the gods and mystical beings of islander culture. Entertainingly, it allows for discussions on other cultures and faiths throughout history. As Moana taps into her ancestral heritage and they battle ocean gods, audiences may need to discern if this is what they want to expose their children to in the cinemas. There are scarier elements that may make this inaccessible to young children, but no more than the majority of the Disney catalogue.
Possible discussion points: Three conversation starters stand out from this screenplay: following your instincts, friendship and sacrifice.
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. - John 15:3
