Film Review: MOANA 2 (2024): Disney’s Entertaining Animated Sequel is a Bright, Fun and Touching Adventure Film

Moana 2 Review

Moana 2 (2024) Film Review, a movie directed by David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, written by Jared Bush, Bek Smith and Dana Ledoux Miller and starring Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Hualalai Chung, Rose Matafeo, David Fane, Awhimai Fraser, Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Rachel House, Alan Tudyk, Jemaine Clement and Tofiga Fepulea’i.

Moana 2 is a fun and energetic sequel which will be perfect for fans of the first movie. It’s about a girl named Moana (voice of the perfectly selected Auli’i Cravalho) who must travel the seas in order to break a curse and rescue her family from harm. Of course, Moana is reunited with the heroic and endearing larger than life, Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson), and these two characters will once again assist each other and save each other both in the physical sense and the spiritual sense. What makes the sequel work so well is its sense of humor and colorful supporting characters who add significant entertainment value to a pretty basic story line.

Moana’s cute family includes her endearing little sister, Simea (voice of Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda), who has big eyes and a big heart. Moana sets out to maintain her family’s happiness as a unit and save the day. The seas are filled with obstacles to her mission. She’s joined by ordinary folks with big hearts: Kele (David Fane), Loto (Rose Matafeo) and Moni (Hualalai Chung). Besides the two lead characters, the movie develops the supporting cast just enough for the viewer to enjoy their presence but certainly not enough to detract attention away from Moana and Maui who pretty much keep this adventure sailing.

There are a bunch of supporting good guys and a few bad ones along the way. The pig (referred to by Maui as “bacon” at one point) and the chicken are cute standouts as per the norm for Disney movies such as this one. Coconut pirates also enter the mix and it’s quite enjoyable watching these little guys in action. I especially liked the witch featured in the movie (Awhimai Fraser) who teaches Moana that getting lost is the only way to truly find what one is looking for. When the tattooed and hilarious Maui appears in the movie, audiences won’t be disappointed by the character’s signature one-liners and commanding screen presence. The movie will play with the viewer’s emotions as a key plot development enlightens the story line towards the end of the picture, setting the stage for a future sequel or two.

There are also scenes where our crew of heroes must fight against the elements which stand in their way which includes the way the sea ferociously deals out immense challenges. Moana, as a character, is strong and charismatic which makes her one of the most successful recent Disney characters. She can carry the film without the weight of Maui if it came down to it, but who would want that? Moana does what she does for her family and for a better future and her inspirations and ambitions are entertaining to see portrayed on-screen.

Dwayne Johnson is super fun to listen to as Maui. He’s got this role down pat and the character, itself, is so commendable for being enthusiastic and energetic. The directors (in no particular order), Dana Ledoux Miller, David G. Derrick, Jr. and Jason Hand, keep the action moving at a brisk pace which will enlighten the movie’s viewers and keep them from ever becoming bored. Stay put as the end credits roll for a surprise appearance by a character who will, much like Maui, put a smile on any audience member’s face. Cravalho’s voice matches the mannerisms of Moana to a tee and it’s easy to see her as just as strong as a heroine as Elsa, Anna or any other recent Disney “princess.”

Moana 2 does have its minor shortcomings. There is some time-filler with characters reaching for weapons and losing them and a song or two that moves the action along without progressing the plot much. But, overall, the film is a successful one overall. One can’t help but wipe a tear away towards the ending as our main characters are tested with a very emotional plot development that is resolved in a satisfying manner.

While fans of the first film may compare it to the original and find it a little less substantial than the first movie in terms of plot, whatever the new movie lacks in terms of its overall story line is made up for by the sweet nature of the movie, the fun factor of it and the characterizations which make it all worthwhile in the end. You’ll want to sail away with Moana and company this holiday season and join them on their journey to discover a better life. The visuals are stunning and the music complements them quite well. Dwayne Johnson steals the show whenever his character appears, though, and rightfully so.

Rating: 7.5/10

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