‘Moana 2’ Review: Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson in a Visually Dazzling but Narratively Uninspiring Sequel

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As a gamer who has sailed through countless virtual oceans, I can say that Moana 2, while visually stunning, fell short of the emotional depth and narrative cohesion that made the original so captivating. The new characters felt like window dressing, taking attention away from the heartfelt bond between Moana and Maui.

Approximately eight years ago, Moana (brilliantly voiced by Auli‘i Cravalho), a determined Polynesian navigator (not a princess), created a big impact with her self-titled Disney debut. Her extraordinary oceanic journey alongside the demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson delivering an outstanding performance) grossed over $665 million globally for the studio and was even nominated for the best animated film Oscar. However, it was Moana’s captivating personality and her unwavering resolve to prevent an ecological catastrophe from befalling her people that truly made Moana memorable.

Just like other profitable Disney franchises, Moana was destined for expansion. Four years after its initial success, Disney unveiled plans for an animated TV series. However, they later abandoned that concept in favor of a traditional cinematic sequel and revealed plans for a future live-action adaptation.

Instead of Moana 2, directed by Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller, and David G. Derrick Jr., potentially being a standalone film, it could have been more effectively presented as a series. Although the sequel boasts impressive animation, it seems to fall short in delivering the unified storyline and heartfelt intimacy that characterized its original counterpart.

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share that Cravalho and Johnson are set to reprise their iconic roles as Moana and Maui in an upcoming adventure. This time, they’ll journey through uncharted territories across Oceania. The animation, masterfully led by Byron Howard, brings the sea to life with a vibrant style, while Kevin Webb and Amy Lawson Smeed guide the animation team. The visual effects, under the watchful eye of Carlos Cabral and Kyle Odermatt, are truly stunning. In awe-inspiring scenes, Moana, Maui, and their motley crew that includes the quirky chicken Heihei (voiced by Alan Tudyk), navigate towering waves and enigmatic creatures, reminding us why 95% of the ocean remains unexplored. Disney’s animation prowess is on full display in these grand action sequences.

However, unlike the first film, the storyline of this sequel seems less focused and deeper, spreading its attention across multiple characters instead of primarily Moana and her demigod companion as seen in Moana. The new cast members, including fellow Motunui residents and fresh antagonists, are present but often serve more as decoration rather than receiving sufficient development given the limited runtime.

In the sequel to “Moana,” three years have passed since Moana successfully averted an environmental catastrophe on her island. Now, this young explorer has been voyaging across various societies, and at the beginning of the movie, she returns home to Motunui with evidence of inhabited islands scattered throughout the region. The heartwarming homecoming brings new characters into the story such as Moni (Hualalai Chung), a fervent island balladeer; Loto (Rose Matafeo), an eccentric shipbuilder; Kele (David Fane), a cranky farmer; and Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda), Moana’s determined little sister.

Apart from Simea, these islanders accompany Moana on her voyage to complete another ancestral task. At a ceremony where Moana receives the highest honor for navigators, her ancestors appear to her in a vision to explain why the last recipient of this award, who never returned from their final expedition, embarked on such a perilous journey initially. They urge Moana to embark on a similar journey, as if the task of healing Te Fiti’s heart wasn’t already risky enough. Moana discovers that the fate of her community hinges on finding an island concealed by the vengeful deity Nalo (Tofiga Fepulea’i), which links Motonui to its wider Oceanic archipelago.

Before setting sail, Moana takes some time to be with Simea. Known affectionately as Big Sis and Little Sis, they secretly wander different parts of the island, sharing tales and confidences. With enthusiasm reminiscent of Gramma Tala from the 2016 film, Moana educates Simea about their tribe’s history. The sisters’ bond is emphasized in close-up shots, making their curly hair appear even more lively on IMAX screens. Their scenes together are a significant part of the movie, offering an emotional foundation and depicting Moana’s personal growth since the last story. Now older, Moana is more mindful of what she could potentially lose if these journeys don’t succeed.

Following some persuasion, Moana listens to the call from her ancestors and embarks beyond the reef with her diverse team in search of the missing island. An unruly run-in with the Kakamora, who are armored with coconuts, and a colossal clam ensues, eventually leading them to reunite with Maui. He’s been captured by Matangai, an astute villainess who shares a likeness with classic Disney antagonists like Ursula and enjoys dark corners and bats. Her song “Get Lost” is one of the standout melodies in this musical, but the lack of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s presence is noticeable.

Starting from when Moana and her group rescue Maui from Matangai’s cell, the sequel, titled Moana 2, delivers thrilling action scenes despite having a storyline that is less robust compared to its original. The screenplay by Bush and Ledoux Miller offers more humor but falls short in terms of the cohesive narrative structure found in the first film, with Moana’s talented crew receiving less attention than deserved. It’s hard not to wonder if a bit more time (the movie is swift at just 1 hour and 40 minutes) or a more segmented storytelling approach might have made a difference. However, a post-credits sequence suggests there could be more adventures for Moana in the future.

Enlarging the production certainly brings an ominous allure to the ocean’s depiction. As Moana and her companions venture further into its unknown expanse, the environment grows increasingly perilous. Violent whirlpools tower menacingly over the water, posing a constant danger. Giant, luminescent eels, resembling leviathans, leap from the waves, attempting to devour their small vessel. Confronted by these colossal obstacles, the group learns to collaborate in innovative ways. Despite moments when Moana 2 may struggle, their resilience continues to serve as a beacon of inspiration.

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2024-11-26 20:25