Image citation: IMDb. (2024). [David Fane, Dwayne Johnson, Alan Tudyk, Hualalai Chung, Rose Matafeo, and Auli'i Cravalho in Moana 2 (2024)]. Retrieved January 20, 2025, from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13622970/mediaviewer/rm142885633/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk.
Moana 2 has some similarities with Frozen II. Of course, they both introduce new characters (one of them being Moana's little sister, Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda)). Yet, they also explore themes of entering uncharted territory and perseverance.
The songs, including the opening "We're Back" and "Get Lost," were more fun to listen to than the first film's soundtrack. They also related to the story and themes, which is more important. Some fans expressed disappointment regarding the replacement of Lin-Manuel Miranda with Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, but I didn't mind it... well, except that a few of the songs outright preach the messages side characters share with Moana (theme numbers work better when the protagonist sings them).
I also appreciated the theme of bringing people together. It stands out that Moana (Auli'i Cravalho) sails with a few people from her island this time, rather than alone. Her relationship with Maui continues and her relationship with her ancestors (which requires discernment for sensitive Christian viewers) expands. Most touching, though, is Simea's attachment to Moana alongside the island's popularity of Moana's story (three girls even dressed like Moana).
Moana still had depth, but much less than she did in the first film. Her desire to find other islands and bring people together was remarkable, and a prophecy of isolation pushed her to sail out again. The problem here is that Moana's fear could have revealed itself during or before the opening song (which was all-happy), and her motive to protect Simea's future made much clearer.
As enjoyable as it was to watching Moana bring a few islanders, it is not clear why she brought Moni Hualālai Chung), Loto (Rose Matafeo), and Kele (David Fane) and not others (except they, maybe, couldn't come).
Maui (Dwayne Johnson) and his relationship with Moana remained enjoyable with their wit and banters. Some of his situations, though, were unpleasant. For instance, the scene involving a spitting monster failed to make me laugh. Plus, the one song Maui sings to Moana, though pleasant to listen to alone, preached the message of "remember who you are" (which is a callback to the first film).
I laughed at most jokes and teared up a few times throughout Moana 2 (especially at the moments involving Moana and Simea). Of course, the scenery, including the intense action, is about as breathtaking as it was in the first film. The chants opening the film and the score were other highlights.
Moana 2 is no perfect sequel, but it remains an enjoyable watch, especially for fans of the first film.
SCORE: Good (8/10)
AGE RATING: 6+
Have you seen Moana 2? What do you think about it?
No comments:
Post a Comment