Walt Disney Animation Studios' Moana 2 (2024) is a sequel to the 2016 film Moana. The first film's heart-warming story and amazing songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda won hearts around the world. So, has this sequel lived up to those expectations? Let's find out in this review.
Plot
Set three years after the events of the first film, Moana 2 takes Moana (voiced by Auli Cravalho) on another adventure. Receiving an unexpected call from her ancestors, Moana must journey into the deep, dangerous waters of Oceania. She is joined by the demigod Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson), and a new crew—Kale (David Fane), Lotto (Rose Matafio), and Moni (Hualalai Chung)—on a quest to find the mysterious island of Motufetu. They are challenged by sea monsters, coconut warriors, and the evil god Nalo (in shadow form).
In the story, Moana once again shines with her courage and leadership qualities. However, critics felt that the story, with its predictable twists and turns, failed to reach the emotional depth of the first film.
Visual splendor
The biggest attraction of Moana 2 is its stunning animation. The beaches, lush islands, and colorful sea creatures are visually stunning to Telugu audiences. Disney's top-tier animation techniques are particularly evident in the scenes of ocean storms and Kakamora warriors. While watching the film, there are scenes that remind us of the beauty of the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which may seem close to the local audience.
Music: A bit of a disappointment
The first Moana had heart-wrenching songs like “How Far I’ll Go” written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. However, in Moana 2, Miranda was replaced by Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, Opetaia Fowai, and Mark Mancina. Songs like “Can I Get a Chee Who?” and “Beyond” are enjoyable, but they don’t live up to the level of the first film. While the songs are good in the Telugu dubbing, they don’t feel memorable.
Characters and acting
Auli Cravalho brings Mona to life with her voice once again. Her courage, ambivalence, and leadership qualities add depth to the character. Dwayne Johnson impressed with his humor and charm as Maui, but his character's limited screen time was a bit of a disappointment. New characters include Lotto, a brilliant engineer, voiced by Rose Matafio, but the other new characters are not very memorable.
Cultural Representation
Moana 2 worked with the Oceanic Story Trust to respectfully portray Polynesian culture. Dubbed in Hawaiian, Maori, Tahitian, and Samoan, the film is a fascinating portrayal of Polynesian traditions, navigational skills, and community values. However, some critics felt that the new characters and cultural elements in the sequel were superficial and did not create a deep emotional connection like the first film.
For Telugu audiences, the film is a reminder of our culture's ties to family, adventure, and connection to the ocean. There are some similarities with the way of life in coastal villages of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which could make the film more interesting for the local audience.
Plus Points
Visual Beauty: Amazing - Excellent animation and use of colors in every frame.
Mona's character: Auli Cravalho's voice and acting make Mona a strong, inspiring heroine.
Family Fun: Humor and adventure that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Cultural Respect: An attempt to respect Polynesian culture.
Minus Points
Lack of drama in the story: The story is predictable and lacks emotional depth compared to the first film.
Songs: Doesn't live up to the level of the iconic songs of the first film.
New Characters: Some of the new characters don't make much of an impact.
Sequel Feel: Fails to completely recreate the magic of the original film.
Rating: 3/5
Moana 2 stands out as a captivating animated adventure, but fails to live up to the grandeur of the first film. The film is worth watching for its visual beauty, Moana’s bravery, and family fun, but if you’re expecting a deep story or memorable songs, you’ll be in for some disappointment. Telugu families, especially those with kids, can enjoy this film in theaters or on Disney+.
Conclusion: Moana 2 is a good family film, but it lacks the magic of the first Moana. If you’re looking to spend a fun evening with your kids, this film is a good choice. However, if you’re looking for an emotional experience similar to the first film, it’s probably best to rewatch the original Moana!