When “Moana” premiered in 2016, it wasn’t just a box-office hit – it was a cultural milestone. It celebrated Polynesian heritage with authenticity and heart, striking a chord with audiences worldwide.
Fast-forward eight years, and the sequel sails into theatres with big shoes to fill. While “Moana 2” has its moments, it struggles to replicate the magic of its predecessor.
New to the “Moana” universe? No problem. This sequel stands alone.
In “Moana 2,” the titular heroine (Auliʻi Cravalho) embarks on another high-stakes quest. This time, she must find the lost island of Motufetu, sunken by the villainous god Nalo, whose curse threatens to doom her tribe and isolate their part of the ocean from humanity.
Guided by a vision from Tautai Vasa, Moana sets sail with a crew of loyal villagers, including Moni, Loto and the grumpy-but-lovable farmer Kele.
Fans of the original will be thrilled to see familiar faces (and feathers), with Heihei the clueless rooster and Pua the adorable pig.
Adding spice to the adventure are the returning Kakamora coconut pirates, now with an unexpected twist to their role, and new characters like the menacing Matangi, whose cave scenes deliver a burst of excitement.
And, of course, Dwayne Johnson’s Maui makes a grand return.
Auliʻi Cravalho once again proves she is Moana. Now 24, her performance radiates the same warmth and energy that turned her into a household name back in 2016. Her voice performance anchors the film, carrying it effortlessly.
If there’s one area where “Moana 2” truly shines, it’s the visuals. The animation is richer, more vibrant, and dripping with intricate detail.
From dangerous vortexes with ominous eyes and teeth to the stunning valleys in the sea, Disney’s creativity is on full display. Each scene feels like a painting, making the ocean feel alive and unpredictable.
The background music deserves a special mention. While the original songs fail to leave a mark, the powerful drum beats and orchestral score deliver. They shake the theatre, building anticipation during key moments.
As in the first film, the relationships in “Moana 2” bring warmth and charm. The banter between Moana’s crew adds levity, with Moni’s hero worship of Maui and Kele’s gruff exterior softening over time.
A surprising highlight is Moana’s bond with her younger sister – a tender relationship that, while not central to the plot, delivers some of the film’s most touching moments.
For all its charm, “Moana 2” struggles to reach the emotional highs of the original. One major drawback is the overload of songs – 16 compared to the original’s three.
While the quantity is there, the quality isn’t. None of the tracks are as memorable or impactful as “You’re Welcome” or “How Far I’ll Go”, which became instant classics.
The plot also feels rushed at times. It dives headfirst into the main mission, leaving little room to build tension or connection. By the time the climax rolls around, the twists feel more like ripples than waves. While it does throw you off slightly from what you’d expect, the surprise doesn’t linger long enough to make a lasting impression.
And then there’s Maui. While Dwayne Johnson’s moments are as entertaining as ever, fans will undoubtedly wish he had more screen time. His larger-than-life personality feels sorely missed.
True to Disney form, “Moana 2” carries a heartfelt message: “There’s always another way.” It’s a powerful and timely reminder of resilience and problem-solving, especially for younger audiences. However, while the message is meaningful, it doesn’t quite hit as hard as the original’s themes of self-discovery and courage.
So, final verdict? “Moana 2” is a heartwarming and visually stunning sequel that celebrates Polynesian culture and the power of friendship. It’s a solid family film with plenty of fun and excitement, but it ultimately doesn’t quite make the waves that made the original unforgettable.
As of press time, ‘Moana 2’ is screening in cinemas nationwide.