"Moana 2 - A Sequel That Struggles to Match Its Predecessor"
Reuniting with Moana
Seven years after its initial release in 2016, "Moana" became the most streamed movie of 2023. This led to the anticipation of a sequel, which was initially planned as a TV show. It wasn't until February 2024 that Disney officially announced "Moana 2" as a feature film set to debut nine months later. In this sequel, Moana is called upon by her ancestors to break a curse and reconnect with the ocean. This is a significant task within the 100-minute runtime, yet the film struggles to fully develop the story. The story presented often feels like fleeting glimpses of what the original TV show story might have been. It's a shame because the potential was there, but the execution fell short.For instance, when Moana embarks on her journey, we are introduced to her crew members - Moni (Hualālai Chung), Loto (Rose Matafeo), and Kele (David Fane). Unfortunately, these characters are disappointingly one-dimensional. Their presence seems more like a remnant from the show rather than an integral part of the movie's story. It's as if they were added just to fill a space without adding any real depth or significance.
The Antagonist Dilemma
In the first "Moana" film, Te Fiti was presented as an evil lava monster, but by the end, we understood her complexity. In "Moana 2", Awhimai Fraser's Matangi is initially introduced as the antagonist. However, we only learn about their backstory through a brief exposition drop. The true antagonist, Nalo (Tofiga Fepulea’i), doesn't have a speaking role until the post-credits scene. This lack of motives and development in the villains makes the film feel flat in comparison to the first film. It's a missed opportunity to create a more engaging and multi-faceted villain.Imagine if the antagonists in "Moana 2" had been given more screen time and a more detailed backstory. It could have added a whole new layer of tension and intrigue to the story. As it stands, the villains feel underdeveloped and fail to make a lasting impact on the audience.
Runtime and Story Expansion
The original "Moana" had a runtime of 107 minutes. While adding seven more minutes might not have saved "Moana 2" from feeling incomplete, it does highlight the fact that a compelling story can be told in a relatively short amount of time. The problem with "Moana 2" is that the story feels too large and rushed. It seems as if Disney took the story from the show and simply pressed the fast forward button. Moana herself often feels like a viewer to the events unfolding rather than a true protagonist. In group settings, she often gets overshadowed by the other characters and fails to draw the necessary focus.This lack of focus on the main character is a significant drawback. A good story needs a strong protagonist to drive the narrative forward and engage the audience. Without that, the film loses its emotional core and becomes just another forgettable sequel.
The Absence of Lin-Manuel Miranda
Lin-Manuel Miranda was the mastermind behind the songs in the first "Moana" film. His absence in the second installment is keenly felt. The songs in "Moana 2" are decent, but they fail to capture the same level of catchiness or sentimentality as those in the first film. Music plays a crucial role in enhancing the emotional impact of a movie, and without Miranda's magic touch, "Moana 2" suffers in this aspect.It's clear that the songs in the first film were a key element that added to its charm and popularity. Without a comparable musical contribution in the sequel, the film feels somewhat lacking in this regard.
The Animation and Character Moments
One area where "Moana 2" continues to shine is in the animation. The scenes where Moana interacts with her ancestors are truly powerful and a beautiful testament to the artistry behind the film. Dwayne Johnson's Maui, although featured sparingly, still manages to bring his comedic charm and show how he has grown from the lessons learned in the first film. Auliʻi Cravalho's Moana does an excellent job with the role given to her. Her voice performance allows us to connect with Moana's journey and feel for her. Additionally, the moments when Moana is with her sister, Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda), are some of the soulful highlights of the film. These slow and thoughtful sibling moments add depth and emotion to the story.The animation and character moments in "Moana 2" are a testament to the talent and effort put into the film. They provide some much-needed respite from the film's other shortcomings and give audiences something to cherish.
When I took my seven-year-old sister to watch "Moana 2", she loved it. But on a deeper level, it feels like a cash-grab. The success of the film will likely lead Disney to continue churning out more sequels with less attention to detail and full development. Recent films like "The Wild Robot" (2024), "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" (2018), and "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" (2023) have shown that animation can explore complex stories that are enjoyable for both children and adults. "Moana 2" had the potential to do the same, but it ultimately chose to prioritize quantity over quality.
There is no doubt that Disney will continue to tell stories in the Moana universe. With a live-action "Moana" scheduled for a 2026 release date, one can only hope that these future films will learn from the mistakes of "Moana 2" and strive to live up to the original's magic.
Editor's Note: This article is a review and includes subjective thoughts, opinions, and critiques.