Moana 2 is an enjoyable sequel with some heartwarming character moments. While it can feel more piecemeal and lacks the thematic core of the first film, the fun still shines through.
Moana 2 sees Moana return to the ocean on a new quest to unite her ancestor. After a call is sent to her that she must discover another island, she sets off on her journey with a new wayfinding crew. The crew opens the door to new challenges and opportunities as they run into various blockades and discoveries on their quest. Maui returns to help Moana as they both discover deeper secrets of beyond the reef.
The film takes a while to set up the stakes of the plot, which often get muddled by new characters and semi-antagonists entering with their own motives. This can muddy the pacing and feel disjointed at times, but it forgiven by the fact that these interjections often come with great performances, enjoyable songs, and some exciting visuals.
The strongest part of the film is the third act, where it finally finds some clarity in what the plot wants to achieve. It gives Moana a clear goal to achieve, and even if the ending feels a step beyond suspension of disbelief, the emotional payoff is worth it.
The cast is having just as much fun as the first. Some news cast members join this time, including David Fane as the loveable Kele who has some memorable lines. The standout is Awhimai Fraser Matangi. Her song ‘Get Lost’ is the best song of the film, which is helped hugely by her background as a singer who releases her own songs. Her character is mysterious and has a fun air about her.
The relationship between Moana and Maui still has great chemistry and is wonderfully heartwarming at parts. The new wayfinding crew can sometimes feel like new character of the week additions, but each have their likeable characteristics to add some interest to the stories.
Much like the first film, Moana’s family is mostly restricted to their bookend roles of sending her off and welcoming her back to the island. This includes her new sister Simea, who adds probably the strongest emotional core to the film even if it feels artificial at times.
What’s most clear is that Moana is a well-developed character with a clear personality and strong values. She’s the best character Disney has introduced in the past decade. This film allows her to grow and change in ways that makes her interesting and opens the door to compelling future stories.
The music is catchy and worth a download of the soundtrack. The influence of Polynesian sounds and themes is even more prominent in this film, which is excellent thanks to the returning composition of Opetaia Foaʻi working alongside the new songwriters Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear.
Thank you to Disney Australia for hosting us at the Australian Premiere. We also had the chance to interview the local stars of the film, which you can watch on Screen Brief’s YouTube right here:
Moana 2 releases in Australian and New Zealand cinemas this Thursday November 28th.
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