As a long-time Disney enthusiast who has grown up watching their classics and cherishing every new addition to the ever-expanding universe, I must say that the recent sequels of “Moana” and “Frozen” have left me feeling slightly underwhelmed.
The highly anticipated film, titled “Moana 2“, has proven to be one of the most successful releases in 2024. This isn’t surprising given that the original “Moana” is currently the most streamed movie on Disney+. What is remarkable, however, is the rapid expansion of the franchise, as it appears to be holding its ground in terms of popularity and box office earnings, comparable to how “
As a passionate Disney enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the striking similarities between the highly anticipated sequels, “Frozen II” and the upcoming “Moana 2.” Both are follow-ups to recent blockbusters from Walt Disney Animation Studios that have significantly expanded Disney’s popular franchises. Interestingly, both stories unfold three years after their respective original films, and they adopt a role-playing game (RPG) structure, with characters embodying distinct archetypes. Furthermore, the intricate mythologies woven into “Moana 2” and “Frozen II” promise engaging narratives for future sequels.
Both “Moana 2” and “Frozen II” boast powerful anthems that challenge the norm of the traditional ‘I Want’ song, delving into themes of maturity and growth. These themes suggest that future instalments might delve deeper into the weight of responsibility and the risks associated with adulthood. However, it seems that these movies, while offering impressive songs, may not quite meet the expectations they set up, falling short compared to their more impactful original versions.
Moana 2 & Frozen II Deal With the Characters Growing Up
One captivating aspect shared by both “Moana 2” and “Frozen II” is that the primary characters have progressed into maturity. Since “Moana 2” and “Frozen II” are set three and six years respectively after their initial stories, these films’ characters have grown up. This aligns with our intended audience, who would have been young children when the original movies were released. By now, they are probably teenagers or young adults. Consequently, when Moana and Elsa receive a call to embark on an adventure, there is more reluctance evident compared to their youthful selves, as expressed in one crucial song from each movie.
In the movies Moana 2 and Frozen II, the songs “Beyond” and “Into the Unknown”, respectively, serve as the characters’ longing or desire songs, a type of musical number often found in Broadway plays that emerged as a significant element during the Disney Renaissance era. The songs “Let it Go” from Frozen and “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana were also longing or desire songs, with both titles incorporating the word ‘go’, which is why their successors have similar complementary tunes.
“What’s captivating about ‘Beyond’ and ‘Into the Unknown’ is that these songs challenge our preconceived notions about what ‘I Want’ songs should convey. In essence, these songs depict characters who are content with their lives but fear losing what makes them happy. These songs could almost be referred to as ‘I Resist’ songs because they portray heroes grappling with whether or not this is something they truly desire. The characters embody the mindset of their intended audience, which consists of children who have grown up with the original versions and are now confronted with more responsibilities. They are old enough to understand the magnitude of what they stand to lose.
The Songs Set Up Higher Dramatic Stakes
In both “Beyond” and “Into the Unknown”, the main character (either Moana or Elsa) responds to a cryptic summons from some enigmatic entities (The Ancestors or Spirits), embarking on a novel journey. Elsa, despite her reservations about wanting or needing more, acknowledges the call to adventure; she had already found the acceptance she yearned for in the initial movie. She is content with her life as it stands and risks losing it all:
“You’re not a voice, you’re just an echo in my mind, and even if I could hear you, I’m already committed, I’m scared it might interfere/Everyone I’ve ever cherished is here with me, within these walls/I apologize, mysterious melodies, but I’m shielding myself from your messages/I’ve had my journey, I don’t seek more, for fear of the risks that come with you
In a sense reminiscent of “Beyond,” where Moana is singing about the responsibility passed down from her ancestors, she is being summoned by fate and destiny, embarking on a journey that will lead her far from her loved ones. Earlier, young Moana yearned for adventure and longed to break free from the island. However, now she’s being pulled deeper into the ocean than ever before, potentially never returning to her family again.
Yet, this feels more immense than before, the winds have shifted, pulling me away from familiar shores. What lies ahead for me? A future forever distant from my roots, from everything and everyone I’ve known. Will I become lost between what I call home and the unknown? If I venture beyond, leaving all I cherish behind…My destiny is in motion, just starting out. Now, will the life I’ve striven for unravel? They beckon me, I must respond. But if I depart, how could I ever bid farewell?
In essence, both Moana’s and Elsa’s journeys have evolved significantly since their initial appearances, leading them to shoulder new responsibilities. Their stories culminated in satisfying conclusions, leaving us wondering about their futures. Interestingly, “Beyond” and “Into the Unknown” not only echo the sentiments of the ‘I Want’ song but also provide insights into the essence of sequels. They subtly acknowledge the transformative journeys these characters embarked on in the past, while hinting that a new adventure (a sequel) might bring greater perils and challenges.
Though both Moana and Elsa show initial reluctance, they are compelled towards the journey. Elsa yearns to uncover hidden aspects of herself and understand her true identity, driven by an inner feeling that she’s incomplete. Moana is motivated by a strong urge to aid others, despite potential personal risks. Initially resisting the call, they eventually embrace it as the story progresses. It seems that these films, Moana 2 and Frozen II, will delve into the consequences of their decisions to persist with the adventure. Regrettably, neither sequel has managed to meet the expectations set by this premise.
Neither ‘Moana 2’ nor ‘Frozen II’ Commit to the Promise Their Songs Set Up
The songs “Beyond” and “Into the Unknown” imply that the characters will embark on adventures involving greater risks than before, potentially leading to significant losses for them. However, neither film delivers on this promise; instead, they tend to conclude their stories in a tidy manner that doesn’t meet the expectations set by the songs.
In both movies, Moana 2 and Frozen II, a cherished secondary character undergoes a major loss. At the climax of Moana 2 and Frozen II, it appears that Maui loses his demigod powers, while Olaf experiences a “death” in a heart-wrenching sequence. However, these substantial events are reversed quickly: Maui regains his tattoos shortly after losing them, and the final scene of the movie brings Olaf back to life. Instead of allowing these characters’ actions to have lasting effects on the storyline, both films seem to return everything to normal by the end.
In the stories we follow, there are Moana and Elsa, who both experience significant power enhancements following their apparent deaths. Moana meets her end when struck by a bolt of lightning from the god Nalo, but she is miraculously revived by her ancestors, becoming a demigoddess in the process. In Frozen II, Elsa is encased in ice before eventually thawing to reveal herself as the fifth elemental spirit. She and her sister Anna act as intermediaries between spirits and humans.
This isn’t to say Frozen II and Moana 2 needed to be these big dramatic movies where major characters were killed off, but with animated sequels like How to Train Your Dragon 2, Toy Story 2, and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse raising the stakes for what an animated sequel can tackle and dramatic they can be, it does highlight where Disney’s most recent sequels have fallen short. Moana 2 and Frozen II set up fascinating new themes for their sequels that could make them on par with their predecessors. The final result feels half-measured to where both movies, while enjoyable, can’t surpass the originals. Moana 2 is currently in theaters, stream Frozen II on Disney+.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-12-17 01:32