‘Moana 2’ Movie Review – Spotlight Report
Back in 2016, Moana took cinemas by storm, earning a place among Disney’s best animated films. Its beautifully crafted story, engaging humor, and memorable characters resonated with audiences while celebrating the rich culture of indigenous Pacific Polynesian communities.
Now, Moana of Motunui (Auli’i Cravalho) returns for her biggest adventure yet, set three years after restoring the heart of Te Fiti. As the island’s Wayfinder, Moana has taken to the ocean to discover new tribes while adjusting to her role as a big sister. However, her life takes a sudden turn when a lightning strike gives her a vision of impending devastation. Determined to break a curse cast by the gods, she sets out on an epic journey into uncharted waters, joined by her loyal companions Hei Hei and Pua, as well as a new crew. Meanwhile, Maui (Dwayne Johnson) faces his own battles against the gods, eventually crossing paths with Moana in a shared fight for survival.
Strengths and Struggles
Visually, Moana 2 excels with its stunning animation and vibrant color palette, while the talented voice cast delivers heartfelt performances. The film explores powerful themes like family sacrifice and the pressures of being an older sibling. However, it stumbles in its storytelling. The introduction of too many new characters leads to some feeling underdeveloped or unnecessary, diluting the focus that made the original so compelling.
Musically, the film delivers as expected, but some songs feel like they are striving too hard to recapture the energy of the first installment, ultimately falling short.
One of the most noticeable differences between Moana and its sequel is the dynamic between Moana and Maui. The original’s charm lay in their buddy-cop-like partnership, but here, their chemistry is sidelined due to the sheer number of supporting characters. Among them are Moni, a Maui superfan (Hualālai Chung); Kale, a grumpy farmer (David Fame); and Loto, a quirky boat-building genius (Rose Matafeo).
The lack of a clear antagonist also weakens the narrative. The villain is represented as an electric storm, and while the idea of battling a God unleashing nature’s fury is intriguing, it doesn’t provide the emotional weight or resolution needed for a satisfying climax.
Bright Spots and Surprises
The Kakamora make a delightful return and are unexpectedly pivotal to the story, providing both comedy and action. Another highlight is the introduction of Matangi, a mysterious character whose connection to Maui hints at an intriguing setup for a potential third installment.
A standout performance comes from young voice actress Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, who voices Moana’s adorable younger sister Simea. Her heartfelt delivery elevates the family storyline and adds emotional depth to the film.
Final Thoughts
Moana 2 is a worthy sequel, capturing the heart of the original while exploring new themes of love, duty, and family. Though its sprawling cast and unfocused plot prevent it from reaching the heights of its predecessor, it still offers plenty of laughs, adventure, and cultural richness. Fans of the first film will appreciate the heartfelt journey and the return of beloved characters.
Tip: Stay until the end of the credits for a fun surprise!
