Disney has set sail again with Moana 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2016 animated classic. While the original film broke new ground with its stunning visuals and heartfelt storytelling, this sequel faces the challenge of living up to its predecessor’s high standards.
The new movie, Moana 2, is full of good animation and catchy songs. It’s fun and entertaining, but it doesn’t quite reach the hype and standards of the first film.
The first Moana movie gained a lot of attention after being released in 2016, with a 95% Rotten Tomatoes score. The second movie picks up several years after the events of the first movie, with Moana now a confident and capable leader of her people. The story goes beyond her island of Motunui and explores deeper themes of family, finding self and change.
The film introduces new characters such as her younger sister, Simea, and a crew of sidekicks for her seafaring adventures. These new characters bring humor and charm but don’t help the story reach the emotional depth of the original.
One thing Moana 2 excelled in was its animation. Disney’s animators have crafted a masterpiece of visual storytelling from the shimmering ocean waves to detailed character designs. The viewers become immersed in the views of the Polynesian settings because the water effects are more lifelike than ever.
However, the sequel did not match the level of the songs from the original movie. The songs in the original were composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda and the songs in the sequel were composed by Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear who made history as the youngest and 1st all-female team to lead a Disney soundtrack. Although the sequel had enjoyable songs, the absence of Miranda’s musical magic from the soundtrack of the new movie was noticeable.
Moana 2 still greatly delivers positive messages about cultural appreciation and teamwork helped by Moana’s continued growth as a leader which makes the movie uplifting for people of all ages.
Although Moana 2 may not outdo its ionic predecessor, it’s still a worthwhile story filled with the amazing visuals, laughter, and celebration of Polynesian culture. While more could have been done to strengthen Moana’s heroism and deliver more memorable songs, fans of the original will likely find joy in revisiting her world.
So gather your crew and set sail for the nearest theater; while it might not be the perfect adventure, it’s one worth taking.
