As someone who grew up enchanted by the magic of Disney films, Moana was a breath of fresh air when it first sailed onto our screens back in 2016. Auliʻi Cravalho’s spirited performance as Moana and Dwayne Johnson’s charming Maui made for an unforgettable duo, accompanied by memorable music that had me humming along for weeks.
In the second installment of Moana, Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson reprise their roles as Moana and Maui respectively. However, unlike the original, this nautical sequel doesn’t create the same splash in the waters of popularity.
In the year 2016, Moana’s debut sparked excitement among Disney fans. She was a determined protagonist with an unfulfilled longing, accompanied by a humorous sidekick, and boasting numerous catchy songs that left audiences in awe.
Given that Moana raked in an impressive $643 million at the box office and earned two Academy Award nods, it was only a matter of time before a sequel was greenlit.
Unfortunately, Moana 2 disappoints as a weak sequel. The latest film is undermined by some irritating supporting characters and a soundtrack that lacks impact. Despite this, even if these issues were addressed, Moana 2 would still struggle to stay afloat due to a fundamental problem: it lacks direction or purpose.
What is Moana 2 about?
Three years following the initial Disney movie, the sequel opens with Moana having honed her wayfinding skills. Upon returning home with a fresh discovery in hand, Moana develops an intense fascination with finding other people. As a premonition appears during a tempestuous night, she recognizes that the survival of her community hinges on reconnecting with the ocean’s inhabitants.
Instead, consider this rephrasing: She assembles an eclectic group of islanders to join her on a voyage over the ocean in search of the elusive Motufetu Island, said to be protected by the enigmatic deity Nalo. On their journey, they encounter various challenges that seem devoid of purpose but ultimately lead them towards their ultimate goal.
A lackluster adventure
Beyond the stunning landscapes of Moana’s vibrant islands and vast ocean, the sequel doesn’t offer many compelling aspects. Initially conceived as a television series, this is evident in the sequential storylines that unfold. The episodes feel disconnected, with Moana and her team facing challenges like the Kakamora or evading sea creatures. Each scene seems to stand alone rather than contributing to a broader concept or overarching plot.
The movie’s meaning isn’t clear due to its vague portrayal. While Moana’s main lesson is about finding alternative solutions, it doesn’t significantly alter her character. Many of her challenges are overcome by convenient resolutions or her sometimes annoying team of companions, which makes the current version of Moana quite different from the determined and active character we initially met.
In the sequel of Moana, the storyline featuring a potential antagonist named Matangi turns out to be entirely unnecessary. Contrary to expectations, there are no real villains in Moana 2; the ominous presence of Nalo ultimately proves to be inconsequential.
Moana 2 does less with a lot more
In a fresh take on Moana 2, more characters are introduced along with numerous melodic tunes, yet none manage to leave a lasting impact. The younger sister of Moana, Simea, serves as a tool for adorable scenes that fall flat. Additionally, a new group consisting of carpenter Loto, farmer Kele, and devout Maui admirer Moni, are also part of the cast, but their characters fail to make an impression.
In simpler terms, it seems that while Moana’s new companions aid her in getting out of tight spots, some, such as Loto, have their purposes, but others like Kele appear to be unnecessary. The presence of these characters, along with Moana’s familiar animal friends, gives the journey a sense of being overly populated or congested.
Regarding the soundtrack, you won’t find popular tunes like ‘How Far I’ll Go’ or ‘You’re Welcome’ from Moana 2. The soundtrack has catchy songs at their best (with the upbeat ‘What Could Be Better Than This?’) and weak imitations at their worst (the confusing ‘Can I Get A Chee Hoo?’ lasting a stressful 2 minutes, 50 seconds).
TopMob review score: 2/5
Perhaps it could be argued that Moana 2 might have thrived more as a television series. However, such a transition would require substantial revisions to the narrative, as its success largely depends on unexpected turns of events and humorous characterizations to maintain its momentum.
This production lacks anything truly remarkable or endearing, yet there are no aspects to dislike either. The climax is thrilling and victorious, but it isn’t preceded by any challenging feats of skill. Instead, it simply unfolds, and despite being a powerful conclusion, it fails to overshadow the insignificant and forgettable follow-up.
Moana 2 releases in theaters on November 27 in the US and November 29 in the UK.
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2024-11-26 21:27