Moana 2 continues the adventures of the Polynesian princess from 2016. I thought the first film was a breakthrough in gorgeous animation and wonderful songs, but this sequel is somewhat lacking in its story and doesn’t leave as much of an impact.
However, kids will be entertained by the same level of animation, music, and humor that made the first film a fan favorite.
Moana 2 begins with the titular character (voiced by Auli’l Cravalho) exploring new islands when she gets a message from her late ancestors to find an island known as Motufetu, which connects all the islands. The island is underwater due to a powerful god called Nalo, and Moana’s island will be in jeopardy if she can’t find it.
Moana brings a crew with her in search of the mystical island, reuniting her with her pig and bug-eyed rooster companions. The others along for the journey include Loto (Rose Matafeo), who can craft weapons, Kele (David Fane), a farmer, and Moni (Hualālai Chung).
Moana 2 marks the return of Dwayne Johnson’s demigod Maui with all his shapeshifting powers. He’s been held prisoner by Matangi (Awhimai Fraser), a despot of Nalo’s. Eventually, Maui escapes and joins Moana and company on their quest.
As before, the movie is a wonderfully detailed animated adventure filled with convincing, creative, and, of course, beautiful images. When Moana discovers the mysterious island, it is truly impressive, as it can open literally in half. This sequence embodies such imagination that you can’t help but marvel at it.
The rest of the movie is a mixed bag because while I enjoyed the animation and voice work, I think it relies a little too heavily on that stuff and not so much on a memorable storyline.
Since it’s made for kids, we have to go into it knowing that it will have a happy ending, but it doesn’t have the weight of the first film, which is another reason I found that one much more evocative.
Still, despite its shortcomings, I was moderately entertained. Kids and their parents will likely find it thoroughly entertaining as they count down to Moana 3.
This sequel is a high-spirited adventure that rises somewhat above its narrative trappings to be a jolly, colorful romp.
Grade: B
(Rated PG for action/peril.)
