Eight years ago, the marvellous technological showcase that was Moana was released. Yes, the story was great, and the songs were catchy (though not too catchy), but the real scene stealer of Moana was the scenery itself. Lush paradise islands and stunning water physics really brought the film to life. But we know what Disney is capable of on the animated adventure front, so how does the sequel to the 2016 original stack up?

Set three years after the events of the first movie, Moana (voiced by Auliʻi Cravalho) has taken her role as Wayfinder seriously, spending her days searching the ocean for other tribes in the hopes of reconnecting her people to the wider world following centuries of isolation. After many fruitless searches comes a vision from her ancestors; and she learns that humanity was fractured and scattered by a curse sent by the storm god Nalo. To reunite the human world, Moana must reach and reclaim the mythical island of Motufetu. Coincidentally, Moana’s demi-god friend Maui (Dwayne Johnson) is also hunting down Motufetu for unrelated reasons but gets captured by Nalo’s enforcer, so we’re conveniently set up for the pair to join forces once more.

The basic story of Moana 2 hits most of the main beats we saw the first time around, with some notable exceptions. On this outing, Moana brings along more companions outside of Pua the pig and Heihei the chicken (once again voiced – or clucked – by Alan Tudyk). Joining the crew are brainy canoe engineer Loto (Rose Matafeo), grumpy master gardener Kele (David Fane) and Maui superfan Moni (Hualālai Chung). A bigger group serves the story well, setting up a few amusing scenarios and a fun musical number as Moana learns what it really means to be a leader while working with her community – one of the primary themes of the film.

In charge of the songwriting this time round are Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, who replace Lin-Manuel Miranda from the first film. This distinctly female focus adds more interesting layers to the songs, which aren’t as straightforward as they might appear at first listen. This is notable especially in the snazzy musical number “Get Lost” for the maybe-villain Matangi (Awhimai Fraser), Maui’s imprisoner.

This doesn’t mean the songs aren’t still a lot of foot-stomping fun, but like Moana herself, the music seems to have matured a bit. Maui’s semi-rap song “Can I get a Chee Hoo” is a great hype anthem for Moana and her mission, as opposed to keeping the focus on Maui himself.

The humour throughout the film is also top notch, barring one or two cringe comedic moments that felt out of place (including a fourth wall-breaking moment from Maui). Even so, those moments didn’t detract from the overall experience that should solicit more than a few belly laughs. The running gags – mostly around Heihei – aren’t overplayed and the story flows as smoothly as the animation.

On that note, somehow, the film world is even more beautiful than last time. The animation is stunning once again, and all the lush tropical locations are a feast for the eyes. As with the songs and the film’s protagonist, the treatment of Moana’s ocean setting has and evolved into something that’s truly a sight to behold.

You will likely quickly realise that most of what is present in Moana 2 is nearly the same as the first movie, from the main narrative driver to the style and sequence of the musical numbers. To be frank, Moana 2 doesn’t stand on its own. Nor should it, as an obvious continuation of an existing story.

Though it may feel very reminiscent of the original, there’s more than enough that has changed and grown, with added depth and complexity, to make Moana 2 a worthwhile sequel. Despite the presence of a mid-credits scene which is an obvious set up for a third instalment, Moana 2 doesn’t feel like the typical “middle” movie of a franchise. Much like the first film, the story could end here, or it can carry on, and audiences would love it all the same.

Moana 2 is in South African cinemas, including IMAX and 4DX from 29 November. It’s screening in 2D and 3D.


Moana 2 review

Standing nearly as tall as the film that came before it, Moana 2 is not a cash-in sequel, nor a typical filler movie that only serves to set up for future installments. It’s a worthwhile sequel, both in the fun to be had and the lessons to be learned.

8.5
Moana 2 was reviewed on the big screen