The first Moana explored what it’s like to have an unexplained calling, and to fulfil that destiny. For most creative types (actually anyone, really) that’s a familiar feeling.
But what happens when you’ve already completed what seems to be your life’s goal – and then you get pulled by yet another inexplicable urge to complete another goal?
That’s what Moana 2 explores. While Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho) is hardly in her mid-life at this point, it’s an undeniable fact that she feels incredibly compelled to go on this new quest, despite familial bonds pulling her back. It’s a longing that’s expressed through song and dance, a feeling that she felt in the first movie, and a pull that is so strong that it propels her on a new quest.
For those of us who always seem to have something that drives us, it’s relatable. So yes, I’m saying I related to Moana – even though I can’t sail, I don’t have long curly hair, and I don’t have pet animals at home (I live on an island though, does that count?)
AN EXPANSIVE NEW VOYAGE — Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical “Moana 2” sends Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) on an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, “Moana 2” features music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa‘i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina. The all-new feature film opens in theaters on Nov. 27, 2024. © 2024 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.Synopsis
Moana 2 is a 3D-animated musical fantasy film that’s the sequel to 2016’s Moana. After the title character receives a vision from her ancestors, she assembles a team to find the legendary island Motufetu, which will reconnect all the peoples of the oceans. Along the way, she reunites with the demigod Maui – as well as finding some unexpected allies in the process.
Directors: David Derrick Jr, Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller.
Writer: Jared Bush, Dana Ledoux Miller, with story credits for Bek Smith.
Voice Cast:
- Auliʻi Cravalho (Moana)
- Dwayne Johnson (Maui)
- Hualālai Chung (Moni)
- Rose Matafeo (Loto)
- David Fane (Kele)
- Awhimai Fraser (Matangi)
- Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda (Simea)
- Temuera Morrison (Tui)
- Nicole Scherzinger (Sina)
- Rachel House (Tala)
- Tofiga Fepulea’i (Nalo)
Moana levels up
It’s not unexpected, but Moana literally levels up during the film. It’s for good reason and it pays off the journey that she started in the first movie, so it’s well deserved. It also allows her to go toe-to-toe with Maui in future instalments, which hopefully puts an end to his chauvinistic comments and superiority complex (I didn’t like Maui in the first film, and I still don’t like him here).
Her level up does raise questions though – if Moana was already so competent before her gains, how much more powerful will she be now? More importantly, what sort of challenges will have to arise to be able to adequately challenge Moana from this point?
Expanded mythology of Moana’s universe
What’s always interested me about Moana has been the divine aspect of the series – specifically, the literal mythology of the world. In the previous Moana, we were introduced to Maui (Dwayne Johnson), as well as the deity Te Fiti/Te Kā. This time, we’re introduced to another pair of divine beings – Matangi (Awhimai Fraser) and Nalo (Tofiga Fepulea’i), showing us that there are far more powerful beings involved in this world. It fleshes out the world that much more, and also foreshadows Moana’s future antagonists. Will she have to fight Matangi and Nalo in later instalments? Only time will tell (or maybe, the ocean will as well).
Gorgeous animation
Moana 2 has quite a colourful production history, having originally been envisioned as a television series on Disney+, before they pivoted to it becoming a movie. That meant that it had to go from television quality animation, to theatrical quality animation – no mean feat, given that it was announced only earlier this year (2024). Given the timelines, the change in format, and the differing directions it took, it’s impressive how the animation still managed to impress, with its water effects, animated action sequences, and the sheer fluidity of all the characters’ movements and facial expression.
Interesting supporting cast
Moana gains some mortal crew mates on her new quest, in the form of: Moni (Hualālai Chung), who is Maui-lite; Loto (Rose Matafeo), the brains of the group; and Kele (David Fane), the grumpy old man of the group. There’s a sense that there’s a lot more to their story (ie, that they weren’t created for the sake of giving Moana some people to talk to), probably because of the pivot from animated series to movie. My only wish is that they could have gotten more airtime, but perhaps that’s something we’ll see in the future.
More exposition and fluidity would have helped the story
For such an aquatic story, it’s slightly ironic that the plot didn’t flow as well as, well, water would. The story makes sense, thought the film does seem like it’s leaping from set piece to set piece at times. There are a number of inexplicable events (and I’m not referring to Moana’s calling in this movie) that could have been better fleshed out, and there are a larger than expected number of coincidences. Still, for a movie that was originally conceived of as an animated series, it still manages to retain its coherence – and much more than other films that are out there. As a writer though, I couldn’t help but feel that a smoother reworking of the plot would have elevated it so much more.
The songs try their best, but the original still has better music
I know, I know. Every review has to comment on the songs – when you have hits like How Far I’ll Go in the first Moana, comparisons are inevitable. And while Moana 2 has good songs (not just decent, they are good, catchy songs in their own right), it’s still Moana‘s songs that are superior. It’s a bit like comparing siblings – inevitable, but true. I like Moana 2‘s music, but Moana‘s songs are better.
Should you watch this?
If you loved the first Moana, you’ll like Moana 2 too. For me, it expanded on what I liked (the mythology of the series), as well as giving me more of the same (the same setting and good songs). The message is still largely the same, but contextually it hits differently. Stay back for a mid-credits scene, but there’s no final post-credits scene at the end.
Score: 7/10
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