Moana 2 review: Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson's ocean tale drifts off course

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Moana 2 story:

Moana 2 brings back Auliʻi Cravalho's Moana and Dwayne Johnson's Maui for a new and exciting adventure three years later, this time with an unexpected group of sailors. Her navigational ancestors unexpectedly summon Moana to sail the vast oceans of Oceania, plunging her into perilous, long-lost waters and thrusting her into an extraordinary adventure unlike anything she has ever experienced.

Moana 2 review:

Eight years is a long time to wait for an animated sequel, and Moana 2 is just around the corner, following its original release in 2016. Similar to the Frozen series (2013 and 2019), Moana 2 is an eagerly awaited sequel that generated excitement with its first installment. However, Moana introduced us to an "almost" princess who ruled the world of Oceania, a blue and unexplored part of the planet where the people were as vibrant as their surroundings. But after eight years of returning to the world where Dwayne Johnson voices the demigod Maui and Auli'i Cravalho voices the braveheart Moana, is it worth the wait? Let's find out...

In Moana 2, we see the eponymous character becoming the wayfinder and exploring deeper into the oceans to know if there are other populations around. She discovers a broken earthen pot that depicts the unexplored island of Motufetu, which has hindered people from living harmoniously across the ocean. The evil storm known as God Nalo is to blame for all of this. This prompts Moana to assume leadership once more, with the aim of saving her villagers from extinction and fostering greater peace throughout Oceania.

Indeed, the screenplay by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, who also makes her directorial debut, suggests a return to the stunning ocean, a significant character in the story. However, as their canoe covers each knot, the story becomes darker and deeper—but not the execution.

The characters' excitement on their journey beyond the horizon is undoubtedly enjoyable and lively. This time, Rose Matefeo's punk brat Loto, David Fane's curmudgeon farmer Kele, and Hualalai Chung's moony-eyed man Moni, who fawns over Maui constantly, join Moana and Maui along with their animal companions, the adorable pig Pua and the insane rooster Heihei.

All in all, these characters infuse the story with endearing quirkiness through their exaggerated lifestyles without going overboard. However, this time around, Moana is an adult heroine who has discovered her faith, gained self-confidence, and matured into all those positive aspects. She had a limited amount of time left for introspection. Unlike the original, Moana 2 primarily focuses on the outside world.

Compared to the original Moana, which, at its best, went beyond its genre, Moana 2 is just an adequate film that provides an above-average experience for children. It felt as though the latest film relentlessly pursues its audience's sympathies to sway their opinions.

However, the biggest drawback definitely has to be not having Lin-Manuel Miranda behind the music, and it shows. The first part, which I watched a couple of days ago, featured songs that continue to resonate with me. However, after watching Moana 2 just last evening, none of the songs left a lasting impression, and they lacked the freshness that had been present eight years earlier. The sequel's composers, Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa'i, along with Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, unfortunately failed to leave an impressive mark.

Cravalho brings back the charm with her melodious voice and a dash of quirks, which she carries throughout the film. Nevertheless, Johnson joins her, effortlessly blending into the character as if he were accustomed to his daily conversations.

Given that they are returning for the live-action version of Moana, is a sequel really necessary? Well, the storyline doesn't suggest so! I must admit, there isn't a single noteworthy discovery!

Moana 2 verdict:

While Moana 2 dives deep into uncharted waters, it barely makes waves. The film sails on the nostalgia of its predecessor but struggles to anchor itself with a compelling story or memorable tunes.