The sequel to the beloved 2016 film is filled with plenty of magic and adventure but feels a little more serious than expected in places.
Originally set to be a tv series before creators decided to make it into a film instead, Moana 2 is a welcome opportunity to revisit some wonderfully colourful characters as well as new additions – but it feels as though the story isn’t as engaging as the first, particularly when it leaves many questions unanswered.
Written by Jared Bush, Dana Ledoux Miller and Bek Smith, this latest adventure sees Moana in search of the mysteriously island Motofetu which used to be a place for civilisations from all over the ocean to meet before it was cursed by an evil god. Moana, with the help of friends old (Maui) and new to charter dangerous waters to break the curse and welcome more people into her world.
Along the way there is plenty of excitement to be enjoyed as the confrontation with Nalo, the storm God standing in Moana’s way draws ever closer ( although it is interesting we don’t see the god in any recognisable form – except for bolts of lightning he rains down on Moana and her friends), it does feel like the story doesn’t feel completed (what on earth happens to Matangi in the aftermath?) which could suggest a continuation to this particular story is happening. But this is never made particularly clear.
While there is of course humour still present in the script, it takes a bit too long (and for the arrival of Maui to really liven things up) to get going. The addition of some weird nameless creatures also don’t really add much – making it feel a little bit sillier. There is plenty of magic but some of the plot points can be a little bit confusing, so how much attention little audience members are able to give it is something that film makers perhaps didn’t quite factor in as much as they should.
All this being said, the film really warms up as it goes along and settles into the story and begins to feel a bit livelier towards the middle of the film, which builds to a pleasing climax. It still retains many of the aspects of the original film that allows the audience to be swept by it all and perhaps the pacing of the film could have been tightened up a bit more it is still a fun adventure that will appeal perhaps to older children who remember the original film with affection.
It does deal with themes of community, friendship and family well and visually once again it is the attention to detail that sweeps the audience into Moana’s world. The songs by written by Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foaʻi returning from the first film, with Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear joining to co-compose are pleasant enough even if they don’t quite soar to the catchy heights of some of those in the original. But particular standouts include Moana’s mature sounding ‘Beyond’ reflecting how far she has come as a leader and as a person, while ‘We’re Back’ is slightly silly lyrically but still a great way to welcome audiences back into this world.
Overall, Moana 2 is a bit of a mixed bag success wise but it is still a pleasure to see these characters back on screen again.
By Emma Clarendon
Moana 2 is now available to watch on Disney Plus.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️