In 2016, the world met Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho), a strong, independent, non-princess drawn to life on the sea. Her adventure led us to new horizons with amazing songs, and a cocky demigod named Maui (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson). Now, eight years later, she has grown up and a new adventure awaits her beyond the sea in Moana 2.
The announcement of a sequel to Moana came as a surprise, as it was simultaneous with the announcement of a live-action remake of the first film. Additionally, Disney Princess movie sequels are rare and very hard to follow in the first film’s success. However, it has exceeded all expectations.
This film follows Moana as she becomes Talu Tai. A call from the ancestors sends her on a life-risking mission across the ocean to find and lift the island of Motufetu, which is being hidden by a powerful storm created by the god Nalo (Tofiga Fepulea’i). This island is said to connect all the people of the ocean. This time, Moana has a full crew by her side. This introduces us to a handful of new characters including Moana’s little sister Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda). However, we are also reunited with many familiar faces.
The film is gorgeous visually, staying true to the original world the first film created but adding showing that years have gone by. This is evident in the new technology and developments made on the islands, as well as Moana’s more mature appearance and new outfit.
The only criticism that can be made is not of the film itself but in the anticipation, and interpretation of fans.
Those who believe there was romantic tension between Maui and Moana clearly need to stop forcing romance into every aspect of their lives—including this film! Romance is not always necessary, needed or wanted. The relationship between Maui and Moana is more developed within this sequel in a beautiful way: one of an older brother and his younger sister. Moana looks up to Maui in a way that is not romantic, but respectful. Similarly, Maui looks at Moana with great pride knowing how powerful, brave, and strong she is. However, that does not stop him from worrying about her safety and well-being. This strong, sibling-like friendship is most evident when Moana reaches Motufetu and gets hit by lightning.
To add on, there was much skepticism when it was announced that Lin-Manuel Miranda from the first film would not be returning to write the music in the sequel. He was praised for his musical contributions to Moana, winning multiple awards and creating hit songs “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome.” When it was announced he would not be returning for the sequel, many thought that the film would fail. I beg to differ. The composers for Moana 2, Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear are best known for creating The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical, an album that blew up on TikTok following the storyline of season 1 of the hit show.
That being said, Moana 2‘s music is superb. It holds aspects from the original film while making sure it was true to this film’s storyline, and gave Moana a more mature sound, as she is now older and wiser. My personal favorite has to be “Beyond,” sung by Moana. It has a powerful draw to the severity of the path she is about to embark on, yet stays true to Moana’s heart, which we have seen and loved since the first film’s release. However, I must say I have to agree with the haters about Maui’s solo number “Can I Get A Chee-Hoo?” Sorry Maui, you won’t be getting one from me.
Overall, Moana 2 is a beautiful continuation of Moana, showing growth in more ways than one. I am excited to see what the live-action adds to this amazing world, story, and woman.
