Moana 2 Review

Making sequels is a tough business but, by hook or by crook, every studio wants one. A coveted follow-up that could easily outgross its first and provide the basis for a franchise – or, of course, derail a once-promising original whose impact has been diminished by a sub-par, money-grabbing sibling. Disney, despite their links to Pixar and Marvel, don’t always make sequels to their famous animations, especially in the cinema space: many of their earlier ones were made specifically for home video and mostly with little in the way of real ties to their predecessors. Recently, though, money talks, and with Frozen 2 and Ralph Breaks The Internet both out-grossing their originals, it was perhaps inevitable that their other big 21st-century sensation would get another adventure.

Over the pandemic, and in the lead-up to the release of the sequel, Moana was one of the most streamed films on the planet, and last year broke all records across the US as the most-watched film. With stats like that, it was always going to have another spin on the merry-go-round but, thankfully, the sequel is a hugely worthy addition. You’d hardly know it was several years later, such is the infectious nature of the characters and their journeys and the same care and thoughtfulness that flowed through the original remains intact, just like those gloriously realised ocean landscapes.

Credit to the creatives, then, for another showstopper on all fronts: the visuals are rich and intoxicating, showcasing the power of animation right now and why it has become so much more engaging than the awful CGI in many films. The songs may be minus Lin-Manuel Miranda but have Emily Bear and Abigail Barlow to keep the spirit alive while infusing them with their own style and themes – and many of their new tunes are set for countless Spotify repeats around the globe. Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foaʻi return with their luscious, soaring themes in the score while the story still probes deep into themes of culture, society, global warming, reconnection, leaving those we love behind, growing up, and everybody’s fears for how the world could soon look. Taxing stuff on paper, but its lightness of touch and engaging nature make it a blast for all ages. Take note, Hollywood. This is how you do a sequel.

And, of course, let’s not forget its incredible vocal cast, led by the irrepressible Dwayne Johnson’s charisma and charm offensive as Maui, the film again proves how perfect the casting is (he is playing the role in the live-action version currently shooting) and he revels in the role once more. Whisper it, but it’s still The Rock’s best performance of his career. We’re all welcome.

★★★★

In cinemas now / Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Nicole Scherzinger, Alan Tudyk, Temura Morrison, Rose Matafeo, Hualalai Chung / Dir: Dana Ledoux Miller, Jason Hand, David Derrick Jr. / Walt Disney Animation Studios / PG