Eight years have passed since the original “Moana” saw release in theaters around the world. Now, a sequel has seen release that continues the story set forth in the first; fittingly titled “Moana 2.”
Picking up where the events of the first film left off, the story sees Moana continue her journey as both chief and way finder. One day, she discovers an artifact leading to a lost tribe of islanders. With a crew of both familiar and new companions onboard, she reunites with the demigod Maui to expand to new horizons.
The film initially began life as an event series for Disney Plus, before being retooled into a theatrical film with a budget to match. Even though the story may lack the same punch that the first film had, the trio of directors at the helm do a more than capable job of taking the sails from Ron Clements and John Musker—who were instrumental in the company’s “renaissance era” from 1989 to 1999. The visual presentation remains as delightful as ever, effectively doing for the South Pacific what the “Frozen” films did for Norway.
Though there are times where the film plays like a “greatest hits” reel of the first, the movie is anchored by the strength of its performances, especially from leads Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
While the film may not be as “shiny” as the first, “Moana 2” is still a seaworthy sequel that’s at least worth watching.
At a glance:
Directed by David Derrick Jr., Dana Ledeoux Miller and Jason Hand
Starring the voices of Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Temuera Morrison, Hualālai Chung, David Fane, Rose Matafeo, Awhimai Fraser, Rachel House and Nicole Scherzinger with Alan Tudyk and introducing Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda
Rated PG
My Rating: ★★★★