“Moana 2” fails to go beyond expectations

Moana 2

Photo: Moana 2.

Moana 2. Photo courtesy of IMDb.

In 2016, Walt Disney Pictures released what would soon become a treasured gem in the world of animation and a nominee for multiple “Best Animated Feature Film” awards, “Moana.” The movie follows the life of Moana (Auli'I Cravalho), a 16-year-old girl 3,000 years ago from the fictional island of Motunui in Polynesia and her journey to save her people from encroaching harm. On her way to find the Heart of Te Fiti, the ancient stone needed to restore peace, she meets the renowned demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson). Together, they reaffirm each other’s sense of dignity and bring prosperity throughout the islands once more. Nearly eight years later, on November 27, 2024, Disney released “Moana 2,” in which Moana is called upon by her way-finding ancestors for yet another dangerous expedition, this time to restore Motufetu, an island that once served to connect communities across the oceanic region. While the movie’s ending undoubtedly leaves a mark, the rest proves to be somewhat underwhelming.

By far the most apparent flaw of the film lies in its music. Hit songs from the first movie such as “How Far I’ll Go” and “Where You Are” offer authentic and melodious tunes that have even become enjoyably familiar to many who haven’t watched it. Conversely, not one song from “Moana 2” stuck with me, except perhaps “Beyond,” though even that is unlikely to plant itself among the ranks of those from the first. Past being unenjoyable, many of the tracks contain what are simply poorly written lyrics; “Come on-a, Moana,” as one example. Though likely meant to emulate the cheeky sort of humor seen in past songs like “You’re Welcome,” it often falls flat.

The songwriters clearly attempted to carry on the legacy of the first movie’s writer, Lin Manuel Miranda, who was not involved in the making of the second, by imitating his occasional excursions into rapid rap-like verses. This can be seen in the character Loto’s (Rose Matafeo) part in the song, “What Could Be Better Than This?” Unfortunately, rather than successfully aligning the music style of “Moana 2” with that of its predecessor, it just comes off as forced and awkward. If the quality of the songs in the sequel was even close to that of the first, it would have made all the difference.

Looking past the lackluster music, the new characters all have charmingly unique personalities. Kele (David Fane), a grumpy old farmer reluctantly looped onboard with the others, is particularly amusing with his various quips and mutterings and his generally cynical attitude toward life. Something I really loved is the introduction of Moana’s stubborn little sister, Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda). Though appearing only at the beginning and end, she plays an abstract role in fueling Moana’s determination to get home safe and sound. While on screen, her childish feistiness and total admiration for her sister elicits many laughs and her presence is a reminder of how Moana’s life has changed since we last saw her.

One criticism of the plot is that it feels like a refresh of the first film’s in many ways—Moana journeys far away, must sequentially overcome a series of obstacles in her way, experiences a moment of dejection and hopelessness, regains confidence, travels to her treacherous destination, and in a culminating climax, finds a last-ditch way to defeat the scary god, leaving light to spread outward in place of the darkness. Even the stakes are essentially the same, with Moana’s ancestors warning her that her people will disappear unless she finds others like them. Of course, there are some differences, and the obstacles she faces are interesting enough, but in a structural sense, “Moana 2” does not take an original approach.

Additionally, her arc does not present itself as much like a spiritual and cultural revolution as it does in the first film. In “Moana,” her venture beyond the reef is monumental, as is her gradual and emotional discovery of her people’s true roots as voyagers. In “Moana 2,” the significance of finding other people among the islands is, for the larger part of the movie, delved into as merely an aim to be achieved for the sake of Moana’s community and not an emotional transformation.

Despite its flaws, one of the greatest virtues of the film is its rich portrayal and celebration of Polynesian culture. Throughout the movie, viewers can see traditional Polynesian clothing, dances, awa ceremonies, and practices such as the painting of tapa cloths. Even Nalo takes inspiration from Tāwhirimātea, the Polynesian god of weather and storms. The song “Can I Get A Chee Hoo?” also refers to a typical Polynesian and Hawaiian exclamation of happiness and excitement.

All in all, the movie is probably much more suitable for younger kids and can be a great watch for families in need of a fun outing. But while “Moana 2” may be entertaining for some, it could never live up to the classic “Moana.”

“Moana 2” is rated PG. It was released in the United States on November 27, 2024, and is now playing in theaters everywhere, including Regal Majestic Stadium 20 & IMAX, AMC Wheaton Mall 9, and AMC Montgomery 16.