The venerated Walt Disney Animation Studios has another hit sequel on its hands. The most successful sequel to date is the billion-dollar-grossing Frozen II, but Moana 2, the film which began life as a TV series, before eventually changing course and making the leap to the big screen is off to a great start. The film has already tallied a Worldwide gross of 611 million since its release on November 27.
And I, for one, was certainly thankful to see this quality of animated film hit the big screen. Sure, Moana 2 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it is so delightful, charming, and beautiful to look at, the trio of new directors David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller stayed true to the integrity of the 2016 original’s story. The sequel holds more seafaring adventures with the titular Polynesian teenager (Auli’i Cravalho) and her shape-shifting, tattooed demigod pal, Maui (Dwayne Johnson).
The setting is years after the events of the first film, the audience is caught up, as you might expect, with a toe-tapping expository song. We learn the village is now lush and thriving after Moana rescued it from doom, and she is now a minor celebrity, the ‘wayfinder’ whose signature hair-whip is mimicked by her adoring fans, counted with them is her outrageously cute puppy-eyed little sister, Simea voiced by Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda. But leaders never get to rest, the ancestors are still calling; her isolated community must find other peoples beyond the horizon, meaning she has to set sail once more.
You will find that Moana is just as engaging a hero as she was in 2016, and Cravalho displays the fact she still has an amazing set of pipes, specifically in new signature song ‘Beyond’. Dwayne Johnson’s Maui has a nice little number as well with ‘Can I Get A Chee Hoo’, though not quite as pleasing as the cocksure earworm of ‘You’re Welcome’. Of note, due to scheduling conflicts the first film’s chief songwriter, Lin-Manuel Miranda, did not return for the sequel. That being said, Maui and his magical fish hook remains the franchise’s secret weapon; as soon as the People’s Eyebrow pops up on a shape-shifted shark, the audience is in for a good time. Without a doubt, this is still my favorite Dwayne Johnson role.
Moana finds plenty of help this time around, along with old pals – her furry pig, the scene-stealing boggle-eyed chicken Heihei voiced again by Alan Tudyk, and a high-fiving, anthropomorphic, Abyss-style ocean spirit, she is also joined by a new crew. The one downside I might point out is the sense that these characters might have had more to do in a television series, but they are still really fun. Whimsical boat engineer Loto, voiced by comedian Rose Matafeo in particular has a pacy, Miranda-esque solo, meanwhile Taika Waititi regular David Fane is showcased nicely as a grumpy farmer who can’t swim and hates songs. And audience favorite culprit of mayhem, the Kakamora even enjoys an emotional character arc of their own.
True to typical modern Disney films, the film showcases wonderful songs about working together, living up to your responsibility, and “destiny in motion”, as well as a sense of wacky peril. Though our beloved characters are in constant danger, thanks to a cursed storm, you will find yourself luxuriating in the stunningly rendered oceanic fantasy mythology.
Moana 2 is animated fun of the highest standard, Maui’s luscious locks have never looked silkier or better-conditioned (it’s as if he could audition to star alongside Patrick Mahomes and Troy Polamalu in the new Head & Shoulders commercial), and the storytelling find its strength in leaning on formula without being reliant on said formula. Overall, as with the first film, Disney does a wonderful job of celebrating the Polynesian culture with its rituals, dancing, singing and storytelling. And lest I forget, there’s a funny boggle-eyed chicken. Now, I think it’s time for some bacon and eggs. (Just kidding…)
The Verdict: Moana 2 may not be as fresh as the original, but it’s still loaded with energy, emotion, warmth, and imagination.
A Cute Film Addictive Rating: 7.8/10
