The highly anticipated Disney’s “Moana 2” has been out in theaters for a while now with its release on Nov. 27, and it’s finally time for a review of this controversial sequel.
While Disney is a beloved brand with decades of delightful movies that define childhoods around the globe, it has recently been under fire for a lack of originality.
The past five years have defined a melancholy period for longtime fans, with the release of a flood of poorly executed live-action remakes and disappointing soundtracks. While Disney has sporadically risen to the occasion with new classics such as the adorable story of “Luca” and Oscar-winning “Encanto,” many were justified in feeling doubtful about the quality of a follow-up to such a grand success as “Moana.”
The film earned a slightly above average 61% on Rotten Tomatoes, and while it didn’t live up to the first one, it is also entirely overhated. The unsolvable problem with sequels lies with both the fact that movies are often not initially created with enough of a story left to intrigue the audience further and that viewers unconsciously create such unrealistic expectations that the movie falls short no matter what the outcome.
“Moana 2” was lighthearted and a testament to the extraordinary capabilities of modern-day animation, a fun watch with friends or family. The stunning visual effects cannot, however, overshadow the lack of a particularly innovative plotline or character development.
To start, the movie kept its comical feel, especially with silly characters such as Hei Hei, the chicken commonly referred to as “Boat Snack” by Maui. He is still Moana’s number one sidekick and never fails to make the audience laugh. Moana is now a newly established wayfinder who sails the seas in search of new islands and people. She is praised and beloved by her home island of Motunui and brings back food and treasures for her people.
During one voyage to a foreign island, she discovers a relic with drawings of an ancient island and people, deciding to once more accept the call of her ancestors. Moana’s destiny of finding the lost island of Motufetu and reconnecting tribes across the sea is all the more meaningful with the addition of her little sister, Simea. While the stakes are higher than ever for Moana and her crew to succeed, this movie felt more distinctly like a comedy than the original.
As the plot thickens, Moana reunites with Maui. This powerful duo can put up a fight against any gods or storm, but the storm they get ready to face is the toughest one yet. The sea is especially dangerous and the characters do not know if they will even make it back to their friends, family and community. But, the hope of Moana uniting her people with the other islands drives her and her crew to fight until the end to find this lost island of Motufetu.
The songs in this movie are definitely not as good or catchy as the ones in the first “Moana,” but the songs still carry the movie along. Even if there are one too many motivational speeches, the overall vibe of the movie would not be the same without them.
It’s safe to say nothing can beat the original, but we still give this movie a 3.5 out of 5 stars. If you loved the first ““Moana,” we recommend you watch “Moana 2.” Be sure to stay through the credits scene to see an extra clip that ties the movie together and even sets up a potential third movie!
