Back on Monday I took in the much anticipated Moana 2, coming just over 8 years since the first movie was released. This movie sees Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson (The Rock) return as Moana and Maui respectively with Rose Matafeo, Hualalai Chung and David Fane adding voices to the crew who go on the adventure with Moana.
The movie picks up with Moana search and exploring to find other people, but comes to find out a dangerous mission to break a curse must be taken for that to be possible including challenging a god in the process.
Moana 2 has some moments that will tug on the old heart strings, but doesn’t seem to find the magic the first one brought. While I laughed a few times I don’t see this as a must watch or a repeat watch, for me at least. There are some good songs but no catchy ones you will be racing to sing or listen back too the way “You’re Welcome” and “How Far I’ll Go” did for people, including myself.
Kids will enjoy it, parents won’t mind it but ultimately for me it didn’t wow me like I hoped it would. It was an unessary sequel but Disney saw dollar signs in their eyes and went for it, especially weird given a live action of the first Moana is being made. There is a mid-credit scene that sets the stage for at least a 3rd installment completing a trilogy.
Final Grade: 6/10
Check out the trailer below:
– Everett
