Bring out your boats and shells, because we’re ready to set sail once again with Moana and Maui. Disney’s Moana 2 is finally hitting theatres this week, and it’s definitely a visual feast—or should we say, a ‘boat snack.’ This film’s colours pop, the ocean sparkles, and the islands are as lush as ever. But here’s the real question: does the sequel live up to the original’s unforgettable heart and charm? Let’s dive into the vibes, the plot, and everything in between to see if Moana 2 really floats.
Plot: Let’s Sail
In Moana 2, the story picks up with Moana (voiced by Auli‘i Cravalho) now fully embraced as the leader of her island, Motunui, having restored balance to the ocean in the first film. However, her journey of self-discovery isn’t over. Moana receives a lightning call from her ancestors to embark on a new mission that takes her far from home, testing her courage once again. At the same time, she feels a strong pull to stay with her family and community, especially her adorable younger sister Simea (voiced by Kallesi Lambert-Tsuda), who looks like a kid who bites people in her free time (cutely, of course), and is relying on her more than ever.
As Moana grapples with this internal conflict between duty and family, she is joined once again by the demigod Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock), whose larger-than-life persona and ‘bestie’ behaviour adds both humour and emotion to the story. Along the way, the duo encounters new mythical challenges and makes new friends. The sequel successfully ties in a beautiful storyline, something a lot of films struggle with these days.
The Visuals Are Stunning
As expected from any Moana or Disney fan, the animation is one of the film’s standout features. The details of the ocean? Impressive. The landscapes? Captivating. Disney has once again created a world that feels vivid and alive, with tropical scenery that draws you in. The sunsets are beautifully rendered, and the ocean waves almost feel tangible, adding depth to the story’s setting. The visuals are certainly a highlight of the film, providing a lush backdrop to Moana’s journey.
What The Cast Has To Say
When we spoke to Dwayne Johnson about his return as Maui in Moana 2, he shared that his character is an “open book,” adding, “With Maui, what you see is what you get. There’s not a lot of hiding his emotions.” He also reflected on the importance of authenticity, saying, “I always like to say that the most powerful thing we can be in life is ourselves. Now, that’s way easier said than done. It took me a long time to realise that. I try to be as authentic and real as I can be.”
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For Johnson, what makes Maui so fun is his larger-than-life presence, but also the surprising emotional depth he brings to the role: “He is a barrel of a demigod—bombastic and egotistical. As larger than life as he is, he is also deeply sentimental and can be deeply emotional.”
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Auli‘i Cravalho, who returns as the titular lead in Moana 2, spoke about the theme of growth central to the film. “Growth is a big part of the film,” she explained. “Moana feels so much inner turmoil when she gets the call from the ancestors to go on a mission far away, while at the same time feeling a pull from her family, her younger sister, her community, to stay home.” She went on to explain how this internal conflict shapes Moana’s journey: “That theme of growth—how far you can go, how far you’ll push yourself despite and because of those forces—is central to the story.”
The Music: Some Good Tunes
If there’s one thing we loved about the first film, it was the iconic songs. This time around? The soundtrack is fun, but not exactly a showstopper. There are some catchy tracks, but none that you’ll be humming for days like How Far I’ll Go or You’re Welcome. It’s more like a solid beach playlist—nice and breezy, with the potential to slowly grow on you. You know, the ones that make you want to belt them out in the car with your friends.
The Verdict: Visuals Crush It
So, here’s the deal: Moana 2 is a gorgeous, visually stunning film that’ll totally capture your attention. The animation is great, and the characters are still as lovable as ever. But when it comes to the story, it’s not quite serving what we hoped for. The plot feels a little predictable, and while there’s some growth for Moana and Maui, it doesn’t pack the same emotional punch. Bottom line: if you loved the first Moana, this is still a fun ride. But if you’re expecting a sequel that knocks it out of the park in terms of heart and excitement, you might leave feeling like it didn’t quite reach the same heights.
Images Courtesy: Disney India
