MOANA 2 (2024)

Genre: CG Animation
Director: David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller
Cast: Auli‘i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Hualālai Chung, David Fane, Rose Matafeo, Awhimai Fraser, Gerald Ramsey, Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda
Runtime: 1 hr 40 mins
Rating: PG
Released By: Walt Disney
Official Website: https://www.instagram.com/disneyanimation/

Opening Day: 28 November 2024

Synopsis: Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical “Moana 2” reunites Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho ) and Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.

Movie Review:

In 2016, Walt Disney Animation Studios released a movie titled Moana. It introduced audiences everywhere to the culture of the Polynesian people, who originally settled Samoa, Tonga, Hawai’i, New Zealand, Tahiti, as well as several other islands of the Pacific. It also made lots of money, grossing over $687 million worldwide. So why wouldn’t there be a sequel?

So here it is, a follow up to the first movie after eight years. What’s interesting is how it was supposed to be a streaming series for Disney+. But considering how commercially successful John Musker and Ron Clements’ was, one just needs to factor in the business potential (think of all the countless merchandise and tie in products that will fly off the shelves) to make an informed decision to give the greenlight for a theatrical release. It also helps that the first movie was a hit with the critics, receiving two nominations at the 89th Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.

While what we’ve just penned makes this sequel seem like a cash grab, we are happy to report that the movie is an entertaining outing to the cinema that has something for both adults and kids.

Helmed by David Derrick Jr, Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller who are making their feature directorial debuts, the movie sees Moana returning as an established Wayfinder. She explores new islands and on one occasion, she finds an item which suggests that there are other groups of people who are connected to the ocean. She also gets a vision from her ancestor which prompts her to set off on a quest to raise a sunken island so restore the balance of nature.

The concept may sound iffy on paper, but trust Disney to make a musical adventure movie that brings you along for the ride with gorgeous animation, catchy songs and adorable characters. And all that will happen in a very agreeable 100 minute runtime.

Viewers are in for a treat on the big screen as the movie looks visually stunning with the realistic water effects and intricate textures. The ocean naturally plays a central role, and you will feel that you are on an adventurous voyage with Moana and her crew. Whenever the sky darkens ominously with purple hues, it feels truly threatening. The larger than life visuals look good on screen, and every scene bursts with colours.

The music from the first movie was a hit, with the soundtrack peaking at number two on the Billboard 20. This time round, Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa'I have returned as composers and co songwriters, while Lin-Manuel Miranda’s absence is felt. Stepping in are Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear who are credited as songwriters. WE are not complaining though, because whenever a new tune plays, we found ourselves humming to the likeable music and tapping our feet to the infectious beats.

Then there are the loveable characters. Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson returns to voice Moana and Maui the demigod. Cravalho sings her heart out in “Beyond”, while Johnson croons the silly but fun “Can I Get a Chee Hoo?”. The two rotagonists are joined by amusing supporting characters like Moni (Hualālai Chung), a brawny dude who is Maui’s die hard fan, Loto (Rose Matafeo), a resourceful crew member who gets to perform a cool rap in “What Could Be Better Than This?”, as well as Kele (David Fane), a grumpy farmer.

Elsewhere, Awhimai Fraser voices a mysterious character named Matangi who may be been created for the streaming series, but is kept in the movie because of the potential for a future sequel or series. Regardless, her anthem “Get Lost” is a gratifying performance.

Kids will be good time laughing at the antics from the returning non human characters – Pua the cute piglet, Heihei the neurotic rooster and the dangerously delightful Kakamora tribe. In the meantime, parents will chuckle at Maui’s hilarious one liners.

With this successful formula, we are pretty sure the Disney movie will be another hit and make a splash at the box office.

Movie Rating:

(Gorgeously animated with catchy songs and an entertaning cast of characters, this enjoyable sequel has something for both adults and kids)

Review by John Li