On Nov. 27, “Moana 2” hit theaters starring Auli’i Cravalho as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui. Since it has been eight years since audiences have seen what Moana and Maui have been up to, the sequel’s release gained much attraction from Disney fans and families.
Three years after the first “Moana” movie’s release, Moana looks to find other civilizations across the ocean that had once been connected. During a vision, Moana is informed by her ancestor, Tautai Vasa, that the storm god Nalo wanted control over the mortals, and sunk the island of Motufetu, which connected all the islands. Moana then sets off with three new characters, Loto, Moni and Keke — and of course Pua the pig and Hei Hei the chicken — in hopes of defeating Nalo and restoring Motufetu. They eventually help Maui escape from Nalo’s enforcer, Matangi, and ask him to join them on their adventure. The wayfinding crew goes on a strenuous journey touching on topics of community, culture, friendship and family.
The story takes place majorly in the ocean, across stunning water visuals and captivating creatures Moana and her crew battle, like the Kakamora, the coconut-like creatures showcased in the original “Moana.” The humorous scenes and fast-paced action give the movie the classic Disney movie feel as if no time had passed since the first “Moana.” The mix of familiar characters, like Maui, and new characters makes the plot captivating yet gives a sense of familiarity while watching.
Although the new characters refresh the “Moana” franchise with new personalities and fun dynamics, the antagonists lack the screen time they deserve. Matangi, who traps Maui early on in the film, is charming and exciting, similar to the iconicness of Tamatoa from the original “Moana.” Matangi is revealed to be a demigoddess and is portrayed to be on Nalo’s side, but ultimately reveals her displeasement with Nalo and ends up helping Moana escape. After the brief introduction of Matangi during the song “Get Lost,” we don’t see her again until the post-credit scene when Nalo and Tamatoa join her.
It’s clear the choice to keep Matangi’s full story hidden was intentional as the post-credit scene hints towards a third “Moana” movie to keep the villains’ stories going, but the short-lived scene of Mantagi was disappointing as she seems like a well-thought-out Disney villain with morals.
Along with the new Disney villains, “Moana 2” features 16 new tracks composed by Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa’i, missing co-composer Lin-Manuel Miranda who worked on the original “Moana” soundtrack on memorable songs such as “You’re Welcome” and “How Far I’ll Go.” The soundtrack comprises fewer “sing-along” songs that Disney movies are known for, but highlights Polynesian culture that is heartfelt and pleasing to listen to. Despite Miranda being absent from the composing in “Moana 2,” the soundtrack adds another layer to the story of Moana and her people and the overall message of culture and community.
Overall, for a Disney sequel, “Moana 2” provides audiences with a heartwarming story about family and culture that is shown through a great storyline, visuals and soundtrack.
