“Finally, we’re back to who we’re meant to be.” –Moana
Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho) and Maui (Dwayne Johnson) return for a thrilling new adventure in Moana 2. Set three years after the events of the first film, Moana has continued her wayfinding journey to discover other people on the surrounding islands, promising a fresh and exciting storyline for the audience.
Moana, guided by a call from her ancestors, assembles a crew for her perilous journey. Her team includes Loto (Rose Matafeo), a quick-witted builder with a passion for upgrading the canoe; Kele (David Fane), a grumpy farmer longing to stay home on Motunui; and Moni (Hualālai Chung), the crew’s muscle with the ability to interpret the images left by their ancestors (Moni also happens to be Maui’s biggest fan). Each of these characters brings a unique perspective and skill set to the adventure, enriching the storyline and making it more engaging for the audience.
As the quartet sets sail, they encounter a series of daunting obstacles. From treacherous waves and frightening giant clams to the ever-menacing yet funny Kakamora and the enigmatic ‘crazy bat lady,’ Matangi (Awhimai Fraser), Moana’s quest is fraught with danger.
Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, Moana 2 is a fun sequel that will captivate Moana fans of all ages. While not as captivating as the first, Moana 2 still manages to tug at your heartstrings, especially in the poignant moments shared between Moana and her sister, Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda) and their grandmother, Tala (Rachel House).
Much like the first film, Moana 2 is beautifully animated. Every detail is painstakingly crafted, from each person on Motunui to the smallest hermit crab looking for a new shell to call home. Moana’s world is a breathtaking one that you’re quickly transported to with each passing frame. Whether voyaging on the ocean or trapped in another realm, every aspect of the animation is eye-catching and adds another layer of depth to the story.
Of course, with many Disney animated films, music is one of the biggest draws. While I am likely in the minority when I say this, I did not miss Lin-Manuel Miranda’s presence at all. Perhaps this is because I still think Tamatoa’s villain song, “Shiny,” is one of the worst tunes to take up space in a Disney film. Barlow & Bear (Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear) did a fantastic job taking over the song duties for Moana 2. The specific song standouts for me were “Beyond” and Matangi’s “Get Lost,” which, to me, was giving “Be Prepared” energy (specifically when you see the scene play out on the big screen with some of its colour scheme and the animal accompaniment). Cravalho’s performance of Moana’s respective songs is beautiful as always, her voice soaring high for all to hear.
Returning from the first film to deliver another enchanting score are Opetaia Foaʻi and Mark Mancina. Much like the first, the duo created another epic score that follows Moana’s journey, perfectly capturing all the highs and lows of the adventure. The songs from Barlow & Bear and the gorgeous score from Foaʻi and Mancina tell a musical story of a young woman finding her way (literally and figuratively) in Moana 2, immersing the audience in the emotional and adventurous aspects of the film.
In terms of the performances, Cravalho shines (per usual) as the titular character. Whether belting a ballad or being caught in a comedic moment with Pua and Hei Hei, Cravalho’s voicework throughout the film is impeccable. Not to be outdone is newcomer Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda as Moana’s little sister, Simea. Their bond serves as the emotional throughline of the movie and is one of the reasons that Moana takes on the current task of finding the new island, which will serve as a bridge to finding other islanders. Together, Cravalho and Lambert-Tsuda make for a perfect pair.
We don’t have a shortage of Moana’s friends this time around. Of course, everyone will be delighted by Maui’s return and Johnson brings back his delightful energy to the character once more. In addition, three new friends are along for the ride. Kele, Loto and Moni, respectively, voiced by David Fane, Rose Matafeo and Hualālai Chung, bring their A-game to Moana 2.
Last but certainly not least is the standout performance from Awhimai Fraser as Matangi. With excellent comedic timing and a voice that easily enraptures, Fraser does a phenomenal job as her character. Smooth-talking, mysterious, and funny, Matangi is a wonderful addition to the Moana franchise. My only wish was to see more of her throughout the film.
Where Moana 2 falls short is in parts of the story and the pacing. When another adventure with Moana was announced, it was supposed to be a series. From watching the movie, that much is clear. Some scenes seemed spliced together from different episodes of the initially proposed television series. Not only did this stunt the movie’s pacing, but it also hurt the storyline. Some unexplored avenues pertained to some of the new characters, particularly Matangi, who, as said previously, I would have liked to see more of and learn more about her motivations and Nalo. As the big bad, Nalo’s tale was intriguing. His disdain for humans is made clear, but the group’s interaction with him passes too swiftly. Matangi also has a bone to pick with Nalo, but the audience never sees that come to fruition. However, being aware of these aspects can help the audience manage their expectations and still enjoy the film for its other merits.
Despite the pacing and plot’s shortcomings, Moana 2 is still an enjoyable adventure with standout voicework, vivid visuals and pleasant music that sets the tone. It likely won’t be long until you hear the kiddos and some adults singing along to “Beyond” and “What Could Be Better Than This?” among others. While not perfect, Moana 2 is one of the better recent Disney sequels and an exciting journey that’s perfect to share with the entire family.
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