An Entertaining Sequel
Although Moana 2 does not quite capture the magic of the first, the film is a good sequel and comeback with our favourite duo, Moana and Maui.
Plot: A few years after the events of the first movie, Moana and Maui must embark on a dangerous voyage as they are called by the ancestors to reunite all people from Oceania – or risk losing everything they call home.
Review: Eight years after the first film, Disney has returned with a highly-anticipated follow-up to one of our beloved heroine stories, Moana. Princess or not, Moana was a huge stepping stone for representing Polynesian culture in the mainstream world, and I for one was very excited to dive in once again.
To start off with the biggest highlight: Moana (Auli’l Cravalho) and Maui (Dwayne Johnson). Honestly, I’d watch anything with this pair as long as they were together. Their relationship in this film truly blossoms into something special; their bond, on top of their hilarious banter, was a delight to watch. Maui’s protectiveness over Moana was also a significant parallel to Moana’s protectiveness over her people. Above all else, this is what hits home in the film, and what really shone through the screen.
As for some of the other features in the movie, the sequel falls short in comparison to the first. With a new crew of characters introduced, I hoped for more of a backstory, or something that would give viewers more of an emotional tie to hold onto. Even with this installment’s “big bad villain”, the pacing was too fast establishing the threat to the group this time around. The music also paled in comparison to the first film. It felt like there wasn’t any standout songs that stuck once the credits rolled. Though not as catchy, the tunes were a fun and great way to help move the narrative forward.
Despite some of the shortfalls, the sisterhood bond between Moana and Simea was incredibly sweet. It’s refreshing not having a heroine’s sole purpose be for a prince. In the more recent years, Disney has been great at showing love beyond a romantic one, and Moana 2 is a great example. Here, it’s family love that drives Moana – love for her people and perpetuity of her home: this is what makes life worth living and fighting for. With Simea, Moana’s growth and maturity not just as a leader of Motunui, but as a big sister now too was heartfelt and inspiring.
Overall, Moana 2 was a good sequel, but did not quite capture the magic of the first. Though the film definitely raised the stakes in this latest adventure, it lacked the emotional connection needed to really tie it all together. Still, with a well-loved duo that stole audiences’ hearts years ago, it’s an entertaining story for the younger viewers to watch.
Moana 2 premieres exclusively in theatres November 27, 2024.