As a child of the ’90s who grew up enchanted by the magic of Disney Animation Studios, I can confidently say that my fondness for their movies runs as deep as the Mara Sea itself! The first time I saw Moana was like discovering a hidden island teeming with adventure and enchantment. So, when it was announced that Moana 2 would be joining the list of upcoming Disney movies, I was both excited and apprehensive – like a sailor setting sail on a voyage to uncharted waters.
The enchanting films produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios hold a unique, sentimental value for me as they played a significant role in shaping my cherished childhood memories. It was during the renaissance period at the House of Mouse that I found myself deeply immersed and captivated. Then, when Moana graced our screens in 2016, it evoked feelings of nostalgia for those magical times. The announcement of Moana 2 among Disney’s future releases filled me with excitement, albeit tempered by some apprehension following the release of the first trailer. However, after watching a 30-minute preview, my initial concerns have been significantly alleviated.
TopMob received an early preview invitation to Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California, during mid-September, where they screened the first half hour of Moana 2. Attendees were also given the chance to interact with the filmmakers, animators, and more. Now that I’m allowed to discuss my experience (I’ll keep spoilers minimal), I can’t help but share my thoughts on this eagerly awaited sequel: how do I feel about it?
OK, I’m Sold On The New Songwriters After Being Bummed Before
Initially, when the first “Moana” was released, I found myself deeply captivated by its soundtrack. Consequently, upon discovering that Lin-Manuel Miranda wouldn’t be involved in the sequel’s music, my enthusiasm waned a bit. Yet, I am starting to embrace the concept of Miranda handing over the mantle to Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear. Admittedly, I wasn’t very familiar with the composers of “The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical” earlier, but during the press day, I got a taste of their music within the context of the movie and even witnessed them perform some songs live.
In one aspect, the upcoming sequel, titled “Moana 2“, cleverly makes use of the melodies from the initial movie’s soundtrack. Numerous musical references to the critically-acclaimed production stirred emotions within me and demonstrated a deep respect for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s collaborative work with composers Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foaʻi. The film slated for release in 2024, once more sees music composed by these esteemed pair, but Barlow and Bear infuse the island of Motunui with a vibrant and modern spirit that aligns perfectly with the essence of the first movie.
In simpler terms, the filmmakers felt that the new songwriters were ideal because they understood Moana’s journey better, which was evident in their songs. Additionally, Bear and Barlow sang a song (not shown in the movie) that seemed connected to the enigmatic villain, and I couldn’t help but want to listen to it repeatedly after hearing it.
Moana’s More Mature Character Arc Excites Me
Initially, when I penned thoughts on Moana 2, I expressed my doubts about the necessity of a sequel, considering the original film was a flawless portrayal of Polynesian mythology and its adolescent protagonist discovering self-belief. However, as I gained insight into the movie’s plot from the creators and watched some footage, my perspective on requiring a continuation has undergone a complete transformation. Unlike the first film that focused on Moana at age 16, this sequel will unfold three years later, centering around her as a 19-year-old.
During a Q&A session following the release of the initial movie segment at Walt Disney Animation, the writers/directors shared that they felt motivated to explore themes involving the protagonist dealing with a duty that couldn’t be tackled in the first film. In the sequel, Moana is introduced as having a younger sister named Simea, who raises the tension as she doesn’t wish to disappoint her sibling. Furthermore, in this journey, Moana will lead a team and managing them promises to keep her quite busy.
Initially, Moana’s initial journey was about discovering how far she could travel, but now she is renowned and influential on her island, which brings considerable expectations. The creative team discussed the film centering around “continual personal development,” a concept that I wholeheartedly support.
In contrast to Moana, Maui in Moana 2 finds himself in predicaments he refuses to let Moana resolve for him. Dwayne Johnson has hinted at the sequel exploring themes of masculinity, suggesting that seeking help is a remarkable strength. This intriguing dynamic left me curious about their character arcs, although I’m uncertain if the storytelling during the second and third acts will meet my expectations.
The Fact That Moana 2 Was Initially Conceived As TV Show Doesn’t Bother Me Anymore
If you’re keeping up with the progress of “Moana 2”, you might be aware that it was initially planned as a series for Disney+, but later became a feature film intended for a cinematic release instead. As a fan, this news made me apprehensive because it suggested to me that the movie might be more of a hastily put-together sequel. However, after watching a part of the film and talking with some of the important people involved in its creation, I feel much more assured about its quality and believe that the way it was developed doesn’t warrant any concerns.
From the very start, it seemed that the project was handled with great attention, and the change in direction (or pivot) only enhanced the narrative the creative team aimed to convey. During our conversation at the press event, Daniel Arriaga, one of the film’s principal animators, shared this insight with me:
Instead of hurrying through each character, we now have ample time to delve deeper into their individual stories.
After discovering that Moana 2 has improved significantly due to the production switch, I’m all geared up to feel even more enthusiastic about it! Although I do have some lingering concerns about sequels in general from Disney, I believe Moana’s character could benefit from further development. The movie is slated for a theatrical release on November 27, 2024, so keep an eye out for that! In the meantime, you can catch up with the original film by streaming it through your Disney+ subscription.
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2024-10-28 20:09