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“Moana 2” sails audiences back into the world of “Moana” from the 2016 original. Three years have passed with Moana’s village accepting and thriving in their wayfinding heritage. But young Moana, Auliʻi Cravalho, remains restless in pursuit of searching for more of their people seemingly disconnected from the rest of the vast ocean. Moana once again answers the call to adventure. Instead of returning a sacred artifact, she must use her seafaring skills to navigate the open water leading a bungling crew to break a curse over a forgotten island. New and familar obstacles emerge including the Kakamora, a giant clam, sea serpents, and guardian of the portal of the gods, Matangi.
Maui, Dwayne Johnson, coincidentally goes on a similar mission as Moana. He’s mostly a motivational speaker to the young heroine. Maui by far delivers the funniest laughs. The demi-god’s catchphrase is incorporated into his new song “Can I Get a Chee Hoo?”. In fact, many story beats and songs are counterparts to the original. “We’re Back” is a successor to “Where You Are”. “Beyond” succeeds “How Far I’ll Go”. Even “Shiny” has a new replacement.
Matangi, Awhimai Fraser, is a guardian to the portal of the gods. She embodies the visual calling of a sleek villain. After advising Moana to “Get Lost” teaching you don’t have to know where you’re going in order the find what you’re looking for, her story pretty much ended from there. Not unlike Tamatoa, the giant crab from the first movie.
A tidal wave of visually colorful vistas. A sensory treat to see panoramic views of the open sea, mountain paradise, gargantuan sea creatures, peaceful bliss of a starry night sky, and the epic power of Maui actually using his fish hook to pull an island to the surface just as legend depicts him. Gorgeous viewing experience on the big screen.
The first adventure left Moana to sneak off on her secret journey. This new sanctioned adventure not only gets a proper crew, but also a ceremonious send off with a dramatic boat launch. Moana adequately selects her new shipmates based on a variety of useful skills. Rose Matafeo as Loto, the clever boat builder, is a natural choice with a tenacity learning from failures.
David Fane as Kele, the disgruntled farmer, although grouchy and hesitant later adapts and absorbs new lessons proving you’re never too old to stop learning. Hualālai Chung as Moni, the passionate storyteller, goes beyond telling and retelling stories, gets to finally live and breath in one. The crew is mostly meaningless until the final act when each pulls their own weight. Everyone fulfills a personal gain whether they realize it or not.
Even more new characters play a variety of parts in the story. Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda as Moana’s new little sister, Simea, is irresistibly adorable audiences will immediately fall in love with. Moana and Simea interactions are so genuine and infectious. The voice performances really sell their bond. There is a touching moment when Moana introduces the Ocean to Simea. Just as one would pass down knowledge and experience to a younger generation in a caring and wondrous manner.
“Moana 2” will split audiences depending on what they’re hoping to see and hear. Those who don’t like much change will embrace the familiarity of this sequel to the original. The other half will dread to find the motivation behind the sequel story starting with its Disney+ limited series origin. The sequel focuses on connections as the emotional draw between family, friends, and community. The film does include a mid-credit scene determined to continue more ocean exploration.
Dive in and get hooked on “Moana 2” now playing in theaters.
