3.0 out of 5 star rating
As a cinephile who’s spent countless hours immersed in the rich tapestry of animated films, I must admit that Moana 2 left me feeling somewhat adrift at sea. Having watched the original back in 2016 and being captivated by its enchanting blend of Polynesian mythology and vibrant animation, I was eagerly anticipating this sequel.
Eight years after its initial release in 2016, the Disney animated film Moana made a splash at the box office, earning $643 million globally. Now, Moana 2 is set to return to theaters, riding the cultural tide of Oceania.
Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho, who gave voice to the Polynesian character Moana, are returning for another installment that sticks close to its proven recipe. Some might criticize this, but Moana never aimed to be a groundbreaking cartoon; instead, it focused on telling a heartwarming story that respectfully honors Polynesian mythology and culture.
In the sequel to Moana, three years have passed since the initial tale. We rejoin Moana, the young and dedicated navigator, who carries on the legacy her ancestors began. As Tui, the chief of Motunui Island (voiced by Temuera Morrison), explains, she must bridge our past, present, and future, a philosophy that becomes reality when Moana is prompted to follow a celestial path left by her ancestral navigators. Her mission? To travel across Oceania to alleviate an ancient curse cast upon the island of Motufetu.
Eventually, Moana gathers her team, which includes Loto, a clever but youthful character played by Rose Matafeo, Kele, an elderly farmer with white hair, David Fane portraying him, and Moni, a muscular young man who harbors a crush on Maui, the demigod character voiced by Dwayne Johnson in the initial film.
Additionally, Moana’s beloved pig and rooster are aboard, often referred to humorously as “bacon and eggs” by Maui. As the journey unfolds, an unusual character clad in armor made of coconuts enters the scene, expressing a desire to assist in lifting the curse.
Moana has a deep connection with the vast ocean that encompasses her home island, Motunui. She continues to reside there with her father and mother, portrayed by Nicole Scherzinger. To illustrate this bond, she frequently interacts with the water, which takes on a tube-like form, similar to the water pods in The Abyss; you’re not far off if that comparison comes to mind. This concept is intriguing, and it could have been more fully developed within a story that – using the Moana metaphor – occasionally strays from its path.
Under the guidance of directors David Derrick Jr, Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, this production seems to drift off course somewhat, with its narrative resembling Moana’s raft adrift on the sea. Unfortunately, it fails to deliver the emotional depth or danger required to drive this story about lifting an ancient curse. The large crew of eight characters feels excessive; when compared to Maui’s future companions, it becomes difficult for audiences to become emotionally invested in each one.
Despite occasional complaints, Moana 2 offers a vibrant, relaxed journey that’s sure to captivate even the smallest Disney enthusiasts. The animation of this ancient Pacific culture is truly stunning, with breathtaking sunsets and even the tiniest details like facial pores showcasing remarkable craftsmanship. While some lines may carry a sense of prophecy (“may the ancestors continue to guide us”), there are also clever one-liners, such as Maui playfully nicknaming a group of young acolytes ‘Moana-wannabes’.
Johnson appears to take pleasure in portraying Maui, the character with the constantly shifting tattoo, and he holds his own against the others during sparring scenes. Once more, Cravalho demonstrates her impressive vocal abilities by singing songs composed by Emily Bear and Abigail Barlow. Additionally, Johnson has an opportunity to showcase his powerful voice in one song, which he performs adequately.
Although it may seem somewhat ordinary for parents right now, this bubbly character isn’t going away anytime soon. In fact, there’s a live-action remake of Moana in the works, along with suggestions in the post-credits scene that a third animation is being planned. For now, Moana 2 manages to maintain enough intrigue to keep viewers engaged. Just barely.
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2024-11-27 14:33