With New Songs and Characters, ‘Moana 2’ is a Hit

One of the most difficult things to do in film is replicate a film’s success in a sequel. Adding to that difficulty is the extremely high expectations of anything Disney makes. With Moana 2, the big gamble paid off.

Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) is back and ready to set sail on an all-new adventure after receiving a call from her ancestors. Honoring the great wayfinders before her, Moana heads out in search of a new land that will see all of her people joined together again.

The original characters mesh nicely with the recent additions for a well-rounded cast in presence and chemistry. Familiar faces like Hei Hei the Rooster (Alan Tudyk) and Pua the Pig (Frank Welker) return to accompany Moana wherever she goes. As expected, Maui (Dwayne Johnson) returns and is just as funny as before. New characters include Kele (David Fane), Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda), Loto (Rose Matafeo), Moni (Hualalai Chung), and Matangi (Awhimai Fraser). Moni is the designated storyteller, Loto is a bright-eyed engineer, and Kele is a farmer who knows exactly which crops will survive the long journey. On top of learning all about the new range of characters, there’s even more to discover with the Kakamora (the adorable yet deadly coconuts who spit poisonous darts).

David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller were tapped to direct this fun-filled sequel. While they did an excellent job, the true heroes of the film are Opetaia Foa’i, Mark Mancina, Emily Bear, and Abigail Barlow, the creative engine behind the score. Digging deep into the cultural roots of Oceania, the team stays on brand with fun island vibes and soulful Polynesian percussion. Look no further than “We’re Back” for a delightful track that brings the same fun, high-level performance as the first film. Other great tracks are “Can I Get A Chee Hoo?” “Get Lost” and “We Know The Way“.

One thing that was a pleasant surprise was the humor. Not only were expectations high for the overall story and quality of animation, but the writing was brilliant and the dialogue was perfect. Each character served a purpose, not only for the film but to invoke something in the audience. Simea, Moana’s younger sister, was too adorable to ignore. Whether wanting affection or displaying a simple pout, her presence will have audiences oozing over her every word. Kele was the Scrooge of the operation, portraying an emotionless exterior while having a heart to help. His one-liners were hilarious and appropriate each time they arrived. Hei Hei and the Kakamora brought special cases of laughter since neither character can speak. Moni is full of heart and is a great storyteller but is a Maui fanboy almost to a fault. When he finally meets him it’s difficult for him to concentrate on much else.

The animation and visual effects are absolutely breathtaking. When Moana and her new crew set off to find this new island, they use the fire in the sky to guide them. But when things start to seem off, they discover a dark force is behind the island’s disappearance. Without Maui and a new group with little cohesion, Moana is forced to rise to the occasion for the sake of her family and friends before the chance to unite her people is lost forever.

Moana 2 gets a 9.5 out of 10. I know it’s a huge task to outdo your last project every single time and if people focused on that, films would constantly suffer. So if you read reviews burning with anger over the soundtrack, just know that it’s ill-placed. Every song to every film Disney makes isn’t going to be like “Circle of Life” and it shouldn’t have to. It should be unique, entertaining, and related to the story being told. The film is larger than life and should be seen in IMAX if possible.

Moana 2 premieres in theaters on Nov. 27.

-Jon Jones

Photos: Disney Animation

Genre: Animation
Rating: PG
Runtime: 1hr 40mins
Trailer: Watch
U.S. Release Date: November 27, 2024