Film Review - Moana 2
Images courtesy of The Walt Disney Company.
“What lies beyond” Moana 2’s eye-catching animation and lavish island and ocean scenes, is a celebration of culture and identity that Disney has somehow gotten right after so many ill-fated attempts at representation in recent times.
While the film starts off slowly, the pacing allows the story and characters to breathe and flourish. The main story being told from the beginning is one of connection, identity and history, while tying in cultural storytelling. This sequel isn’t really about the action, and while there is essentially no cinematic action-filled climax, or ‘boss fight’ like there is in its predecessor, Moana 2’s climax is found in the emotional voyage undertaken by Moana (Auli'i Cravalho) herself. The overall plot of the film is quite reminiscent of its predecessor, with a quest-style road movie feel which a lot of Disney films seem to follow nowadays. A mismatched, merry crew gives way to hilarious interactions, throwing together the different personality types of Moana 2; Moni (Hualālai Chung), a Maui superfan and one of the storytellers in the village; Loto (Rose Matafeo), a visionary engineer type; and Kele (David Fane), a grumpy old farmer who doesn’t want to be there. The film wouldn’t be complete, however, without the reemergence of Dwayne Johnson’s reckless, proud demigod figurehead – his reintroduction is met with fangirl moments from Moni and audience giggles, but his character doesn’t play as much of an integral role in the storyline as it did in the first film. The idolisation of Moana’s character as a humble chief and wayfinder, and by extension Maui’s character as well, almost leads to the aforementioned side characters being pretty forgettable - it lends itself to making those that live on the island more one-dimensional than perhaps was intended. Moana very much takes centre stage, and unfortunately doesn’t leave much room in the spotlight for others to come through, which despite having worked well in the first film, means that the second boasts a team dynamic that isn’t equal.
A cinematic viewing of the film is well worth a trip to the cinema, even just for the visuals alone. The bright and beautiful animations are a treat, with the water flowing through your vision as much as it would flow through your fingers. From the very first scenes, a battle between shape shifting gods and Moana’s trek through new islands in search of new people, we’re welcomed with colour and experimentation with shadows that amplify what we see in real life. The movements of the characters seem natural, and Disney even seems to have mastered the art of animating natural hair and curls (as first thoroughly researched for Merida’s character in Brave (2012)). Pua and Hei Hei, Moana’s trusty animal sidekicks make a welcomed return, with Hei Hei’s iconic stupidity having the desired comedic effect, while also giving Maui thoughts of how he could make a meal out of the both of them.
While Moana 2 may not do as well as Moana in the upcoming awards season - especially without an earworm song like “You’re Welcome”, “Shiny”, or “How Far I’ll Go” appearing on the soundtrack – it it has won the hearts of many and is a reminder that sharing culture, stories and journey’s is such an important part of so many people's lives, regardless of where they come from.
Moana 2 is screening in cinemas now. For tickets and more info, click here.