Though “Moana” was a modest industrial hit domestically when it debuted in 2016, its spectacular streaming numbers on Disney+ have reworked it into one of the vital items of mental property in Disney’s catalog during the last decade. Seeing its potential for a serious field workplace run, Disney pivoted “Moana 2” from what was initially meant as a made-for-streaming TV sequence right into a feature-length movie. Due to this shift, it feels extra like these low-stakes, direct-to-video sequels the studio churned out within the ’90s.
That stated, there’s nothing inherently fallacious with that. I’ve little doubt children will fall in love with “Moana 2,” if solely as a result of they’re already conversant in the characters and can probably get pleasure from watered-down imitations of earworms like “How Far I’ll Go.” However as they get older and wiser, they’ll probably look again and see how far more substantial the primary movie was. Whereas “Moana 2” is not missing in scale or spectacle, with main motion sequences and some scary monsters that had children at my screening visibly on edge, the movie does not fairly seize the magic of its predecessor. Nonetheless, administrators David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux have crafted a beautiful, colourful animated function, filled with the “Moana” vibes that toddlers will undoubtedly crave.
Nonetheless, the story itself feels severely missing. At its core, “Moana 2” depends closely on the familiarity of the primary film with out charting its personal path. The indicators that this was initially conceived as a TV present are evident—characters and villains are launched after which rapidly forgotten. Moreover, Disney’s intention to exploit the “Moana” franchise is obvious, as varied characters repeatedly declare, “That is JUST the start.” Buckle up for “Moana 70.”
It’s kind of of a letdown as a result of the unique “Moana” was a breezy, lighthearted movie with a soundtrack full of hits. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s songwriting abilities gave us songs like “You’re Welcome,” “Shiny,” and, in fact, “How Far I’ll Go,” all of which turned on the spot classics. Because of the success of each the movie and its music, Disney is at present engaged on a live-action remake.
With live-action remakes turning into the brand new norm, movies like “Moana” stand out as exceptions. Right here was a film that authentically explored Pacific Island tradition with a vibrant power that, at one time, made Disney the gold commonplace in animated storytelling. It featured a demigod who may shape-shift into varied animals—sharks, falcons, and pigs—whereas Jemaine Clement voiced a sassy, singing crab.
Capturing that magic a second time round proves to be a problem, and “Moana 2” exhibits the cracks. The sequel facilities on a grown-up Moana (Auli’i Cravalho, returning), who seems to the celebs and the ocean to discover her ancestors and uncover civilizations past her residence island. Within the wake of the primary movie’s occasions, she is now idolized by her group and seen as a neighborhood legend, significantly due to her budding friendship with the demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson, additionally returning).
The plot kicks into gear when Moana uncovers an historic relic hinting on the long-lost island of Motufetu, which holds secrets and techniques about her ancestors. Quickly, she’s packing her ship and setting sail. Alongside her trusty rooster Heihei and lovable pig Pau, Moana is joined by some new human companions: Loto (Rose Matefeo), an engineer; Moni (Hualalai Chung), a muscular adventurer; and Kele (David Fane), a cantankerous farmer.
Sadly, these characters are somewhat generic and really feel as if they might have been higher fitted to an episodic format. With simply 100 minutes to work with, they continue to be flat. One notable exception is the inclusion of Moana’s youthful sister, voiced by Khalessi Lambert-Tsuda, who provides a little bit of coronary heart to the story.
In the end, “Moana” shines brightest when it focuses on its title character. Whereas Maui gives some occasional comedian aid, one of the best moments of the unique have been these the place Moana chartered her personal course solo, navigating the seas with the steerage of the celebs. However when Moana and Maui reunite—let’s face it, the second everybody was ready for—it doesn’t handle to recapture the unique movie’s spark.
Because the exposition piles up (there’s a major backstory involving the villain Matangai, voiced by Awhimai Fraser) and the songs fail to ignite, it turns into clear that “Moana 2” is little greater than a late-year money seize. The perfect music within the film is Maui’s “Can I Get a Chee Hoo?” and that’s solely as a result of it looks like a Lin-Manuel Miranda-lite quantity.
At this level, “Moana 2” reveals its true colours as a mere placeholder to pad Disney’s year-end field workplace numbers (for context, “Moana 2” wasn’t even introduced till March of this yr). I’ve little doubt it is going to make a boatload of cash, setting the stage for yet one more wave of sequels. However do not mistake “Moana 2” for something aside from a brief fill-in.
At the very least your children received’t have to attend eight years for an additional “Moana” film.
MOANA 2 is now enjoying in theaters.