Full Review

“What lies beyond” – Moana has been one of my favorite Disney movies of recent years (though “recent” is relative, maybe I am turning old). When I heard there was going to be a Disney+ series continuing Moana’s story, I was thrilled. With the news that it had evolved into a full-fledged movie, my excitement only grew, as it promised a grand and epic adventure.

In this continuation, Moana has fully embraced her role as a wayfinder. She embarks on a mission to connect with people from distant islands, assembling a crew to fulfill the mission of her ancestors. Auli‘i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson return to voice Moana and Maui, respectively, and once again, they do an incredible job bringing these beloved characters to life. Their dynamic remains as entertaining and heartfelt as ever, adding humor and depth to their interactions.

The new side characters that make up Moana’s crew are enjoyable additions. They brought to mind the ensemble from Atlantis: The Lost Empire – though this group is much less shady! The team includes a grumpy gardener, a painter/historian, and a clever young inventor. Each has their moments of humor and charm, making the crew likable, if not particularly totally unique.

The humor is one of the movie’s highlights, with plenty of funny moments, a few of the jokes were modern references, which was funny at times but a little overused. While the emotional beats are there, they don’t quite reach the heights of the first film. That’s a tough bar to clear, considering how moving Moana was from the very first scene with baby Moana.

The songs, written by Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear (best known for the Unofficial Bridgerton Musical), are solid and echo the style of the first movie. However, they lack the unique spark Lin-Manuel Miranda brought to the original’s soundtrack. The songs are good, but they don’t quite stick with you in the same way.

Visually, the movie is stunning. The animation of the ocean, islands, and skies is breathtaking, and every frame feels alive with vibrant detail. Disney continues to set the bar for animated visuals, and this film is no exception.

While Moana 2 is an enjoyable continuation of the first movie, it sometimes feels too similar to its predecessor. Still, it’s a successful sequel that delivers a fun adventure with incredible visuals and likable characters. If you loved the first Moana, you’ll definitely enjoy this one.

Synopsis

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical Moana 2 reunites Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) and Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced. 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 cinemas on Nov. 29, 2024.
(Synopsis by Disney)

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