After the memorable first film in 2016, fans excitedly waited to see more from the Disney princess, Moana. On Nov. 27, “Moana 2” opened and brought in $221 million, along with mixed reviews. Still living among her people in Motunui, Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) spends her days exploring nearby islands, searching for signs of life and people connected to the ocean. When she receives a cryptic message from her ancestors to find Motufetu — an island connecting all people of the sea — Moana sets off on another adventure. Despite some thrilling moments and beautiful animation, “Moana 2” lacks a strong soundtrack and plot to measure up to its predecessor in any way.
Visually, the movie is stunning. I enjoyed breathtaking views of crashing waves, creative costumes and lush, rolling valleys filling the islands. Like the first movie, the Disney animators deserve praise for their work here. My favorite scenes were underwater, where I could glimpse the vibrant life below the surface. Complete with vivid coral reefs and lively ocean life, “Moana 2” reflects Moana’s desire to explore the unknown and her ties to the sea. The animation is beautiful and an authentic tribute to the Polynesian culture and its traditions. Much attention is paid to the accurate costumes crafted for each person on Motunui, including their dress and intricate tattoos. There are many scenes in which the people of Montunui participate in traditional dance performances and communally contribute to the island’s wealth in resources, culture and spirituality. In this aspect of visual and cultural elements, “Moana 2” succeeds.
Once acknowledging the animation’s beauty, not much else is left to appreciate in “Moana 2.” One part of the movie I didn’t enjoy was the introduction but no development of multiple new characters that lacked development. Before she leaves, Moana decides to bring a larger team with her to adventure together. In comes the toddler Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda), grumpy Kele (David Fane), scholar Moni (Hualālai Chung) and engineer Loto (Rose Matafeo). All of these characters are incredibly one-dimensional, and are there to serve one purpose. They seem like filler, which is unfortunate because Moana had adventures with them for a substantial amount of time during the film. Their existence stemmed from an even more significant problem: Maui (Dwayne Johnson) being detached from most of the film’s plot. Maui is still fighting other gods, which causes him to be away from Moana. Johnson and Cravahlo’s chemistry was one of my favorite parts of the first film, and I missed that duo this time. Disney took away one of the best parts of the first movie from everyone, replacing it with much less fulfilling characters.
Arguably, the biggest issue of the film was its lackluster soundtrack. “Moana” became so impactful because of its memorable tunes, like “You’re Welcome,” “How Far I’ll Go” and “Shiny.” These songs became huge because of Lin Manuel Miranda’s contributions to the first film. His ability to create catchy and memorable lyrics deepens the characters and propels the movie onward. In “Moana 2,” Miranda didn’t write any of the soundtrack, and that absence is felt when listening. Every song feels bland in comparison to the first movie.s’. “Beyond” sounded like a failed attempt at remaking “How Far I’ll Go” because it lacked the unique lyricism that takes center stage in the latter, with lines like “if the wind on my sail in the sea stays behind me.” This soundtrack has no tongue twisters, complex rhythms or vivid imagery. For me, this is where “Moana 2” failed most. Recent Disney movies that have become long-lasting successes are not the same without their soundtracks. Take “Frozen,” “Tangled,” “Coco” or “The Princess and the Frog.” All of these films have at least one to two songs that come to mind when you think of them, contributing to their likeability and widespread success. When thinking of “Moana 2,” not even one song comes to my mind.
In the end, “Moana 2” succeeds in crafting a beautiful setting with deep cultural meaning to Polynesian heritage, but struggles with basic elements essential in making a movie memorable and worth seeing. Without solid character development, a compelling plot or a catchy soundtrack, it’s hard for “Moana 2” to merit any of the same praise that “Moana” received. While I appreciate the attempt to continue the journey of a beloved character, this film is, above all, a missed opportunity.
“Moana 2:” ★★★☆☆
