Moana 2 (2024) Movie Review

Genre: Animation, Family, Adventure

Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes

Rating: PG

Walt Disney Pictures

After eight years, Moana 2 brings back Auli'i Cravalho as Moana and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as the demigod Maui. Set three years after the events of the original, the sequel follows Moana embarking on a new adventure after receiving a vision from her ancestors. She must journey to the far reaches of the ocean to uncover a mythical lost island and reunite separated tribes.

Visuals and Worldbuilding

The movie’s greatest strength lies in its stunning visuals. The vibrant oceanic world, with its luminous sea creatures and picturesque landscapes, feels alive and beautifully crafted. Every scene is a visual treat, immersing viewers in a dazzling, colorful realm.

Story and Characters

The story starts strong, with Moana stumbling upon an urn that serves as proof of other isolated tribes scattered across the ocean. Her ancestor warn her that without reuniting these people, her own tribe will fade into obscurity. This setup has the potential for an exciting journey, but the execution falls short.

While Moana herself shines as a more mature leader and skilled wayfinder, the supporting characters fail to leave a mark. Moana assembles a crew consisting of a head gardener, a skilled cannon builder, and an enthusiastic fan of Maui who knows things, but their contributions to the story feel superficial and rushed. Similarly, Moana's little sister, Simea, adds some heartwarming moments, but their roles ultimately lack depth or significance to the overall plot.

The antagonist, Nalo, is also underwhelming. His motivations for sinking islands and separating tribes are shallow, boiling down to a generic hatred of humans. This makes him feel more like a plot device than a compelling villain.

Music and Comedy

One of the highlights of the original Moana was its unforgettable soundtrack, with hits like "How Far I'll Go" and "You're Welcome." Unfortunately, Moana 2 struggles to replicate this magic. The new songs are passable but lack the infectious charm of their predecessors, leaving little to hum along to after the credits roll. The comedy is similarly lackluster, relying on recycled jokes that generate a few chuckles but fail to deliver consistent laughs.

Conclusion

While Moana 2 retains the breathtaking visuals of the original, it falls short in delivering a magical, heartwarming story with memorable songs. The lack of character development, a compelling antagonist, and unengaging adventures makes the film feel disjointed and uninspired. Fans of the original may enjoy revisiting Moana’s world, but this sequel doesn’t quite capture the same enchanting spirit.

My Screen Times Score - 4

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