Review - Moana 2 (2024)

         Hey guys. Chuck here, and I just went to see Moana 2, the newest film from Disney Animation, and the sequel to the 2016 film Moana. This movie features the vocal talents of Auli'i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Alan Tudyk, Rose Matafeo, David Fane, and Rachel House. 

         Set a few years after the first film, Moana 2 sees Moana and members of her village traversing the ocean, and getting them used to going back on the ocean again. One night, however, Moana sees a vision from her ancestors, and thus she gathers her crew, reunites with Maui, and sails the ocean to find the hidden island of Motufetu, break the curse of a sea god called Nalo, and reconnect the people of the ocean. 

         So, one major thing I liked about Moana 2 is the improvements in animation and character design. While Moana and Maui still look like their counterparts from the first film, it's clear that both have ages up by a handful of years. Also, the particle effects for Maui's transformations and such were much better realized than before. But, it's the ocean effects, as well as the landscape and panoramic shots that are much improved from the first film. 

        Music wise, the new songwriters of Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, working in collaboration with Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa'i, definitely made some really fun songs that, while not necessarily better than the ones Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote for the original film, were still entertaining, having more of a proper Island vibe to them. I think my two favorites are the songs "Beyond" and "Can I Get a Chee Hoo." 

          With the returning cast, Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson as Moana and Maui were both excellent once more, and their banter was just as fun, of not moreso, than the first time. Both Temuera Morrison and Nicole Scherzinger as Moana's parents were also fantastic, and I enjoyed the addition of Moana's little sister Simea, who was absolutely adorable. As for Moana's crew, I enjoyed them, with Rose Matafeo as Loto being my personal favorite. 

        However, it's in the storytelling that I'm a bit more mixed. On the one hand, I like how Moana's goal has gone from saving the ocean to reconnecting the people of the ocean. Also, I like how this journey isn't just a carbon copy of the first one, and the challenges and obstacles are far different. HOWEVER, I feel the narrative didn't quite come together completely, as this wasn't initially planned as a movie. Initially, what was morphed into the film Moana 2 was intended to be a Moana streaming series for Disney+. And, I can see where some plot elements were meant for a long form streaming television series rather than a feature film. Am I glad Disney reworked it into a movie instead, and got back actors from the first movie? Yes. Do I think that the story should have been planned for a film instead of a streaming series? Certainly. 

       Overall, Moana 2 isn't a perfect film, nor is it better than the first film. But, I was entertained by it. So, I'm giving Moana 2 a rating of 4.85/5. 

         Alright guys, this is Chuck signing off, and I'll see you guys next time.