Moana is back to expand her village. Having struck it rich with the initial animated film, Disney created a successful sequel in an attempt to woo its kid and teen audience into a return trip to the theater. Moana (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho) and Maui (Dwanye Johnson) may seem like an unlikely pair, but they are clearly a great duo. According to Box Office Mojo, the movie has earned nearly $991 million dollars worldwide. Moana 2 is a fun, adventurous musical crafted by Jared Bush and his fellow directors David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller.
Moana discovers that her people were once united, and she embarks on a dangerous journey to restore an island where they once gathered. Along the way, she seeks companionship, reunites with an old friend, and faces terrifying challenges. In the end, she manages to bring the island back and marks her journey with a tattoo, symbolizing her near-death experience and growth.
The plot of Moana 2 stands out for its simplicity, offering a classic problem-and-solution storyline that feels uncomplicated in its plot. While this straightforward approach keeps the story accessible, it doesn’t compromise in its stereotypical Disney quality. The narrative builds steadily, leading to a surprising ending that elevates the overall experience. However, some may feel that the simplicity of the plot leaves little room for complexity or character development which may be necessary for the teen audience.
Moana has many friends by her side who help her find Motu Fetu in the end. However, the supporting characters’ personalities are somewhat underdeveloped, and their backstories could be explored further. Loto (Rose Matofeo) is a quirky boat builder, Moni (Hualalai Chung) is a Motonui historian, and Kele (David Fane) is a grumpy old farmer. They all contribute to finding Motu Fetu and uniting their people, though their roles are mostly tied to their specific skills, leaving room for deeper exploration of their personalities.
One element of the story sparked debate among viewers on Reddit. Matangi (Awhimai Fraser), who was portrayed as truly wicked, unexpectedly helps Moana. Towards the end, it is revealed that she is working for Nalo, leading to speculation about her true nature. This twist has intrigued many fans, though others feel it could be clarified further.
Songs in movies often play a crucial role in shaping storyline and emotion. In Moana, the songs depict her strong bond with the sea. The songs reveal character stories that go beyond the dialogue alone. This integral aspect, often praised in reviews, explains the film’s high ratings and anticipation for another sequel.
The songs in the sequel carry on the heartfelt, adventurous spirit of Moana, keeping the audience engaged without regurgitating material from the original film. The musical score brings fresh energy while staying true to what has made Moana so beloved, ensuring things never feel melodically dull. For instance, certain songs highlight Moana’s internal struggles, offering insight into her determination to protect her people while balancing her own desires. Other songs amplify moments of victory or danger, adding depth to the plot while immersing the audience in her journey.
Though there is a Tomatometer/audience discrepancy of nearly 30%, the sequel remains a solid addition to Disney’s lineup. The Howl believes Moana 2 paves the way for even more exciting Disney sequels in 2025. While Disney fans may contend that nothing beats the original, Moana 2 still delivers an entertaining, heartfelt experience for teen fans to enjoy.
Howl Rating: 9/10 stars
