Moana 2 Movie review: “Should’ve Stay at the Shore”

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Written by Yongma Lee

Seen at Cinemark Olympia at November 29, 2024; Movie Released on November 27, 2024

 

             Ever since I hear that Disney is shifting Moana 2 from a streaming TV series to a feature film, I’m rather skeptical. Although I helped myself to a Popcorn bucket, but I feel like the movie the movie would be a repeat from the first film. The film also felt that they cleverly disguise in fresh paint, just different characters and same direction. It makes me wonder if Disney is running out of originality already. If that be the case then a younger story writer might help make the potential sequel better. Dwayne Johnson is still awesome portraying as Maui. The extra characters felt rather cramming the quality of the film. It could’ve gone a little longer just for the sake of quality and development.

All the same, it’s time to go beyond the reef and do a review of Moana’s latest adventure. There will be spoilers in this review and I apologize for that.

Plot Premise

             Three years after the events of the first film, Moana receives an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors and forms her own crew, reuniting with her friend, the demigod Maui. As they journey to the far seas of Oceania to break the god Nalo's curse on the hidden island of Motufetu, which once connected the people of the ocean, they confront old and new foes, including the Kakamora and underworld goddess Matangi. Will mankind’s destiny be forever change by undoing the curse? Will Nalo go after Moana? What is Nalo afraid of when humanity unites?

Pros and Cons of the film

             From what I have seen from the film, I have notice the film crew rehash the plot pattern from the original film. Afterwards, they try to add to make it a new story. As far as I’m concerned, extra props for Dwayne Johnson voicing the one and only Maui and the mid credit scene are the only things that I find redeemable. I also love the hand drawn animation for Mini Maui all the same. Maui’s still awesome though. It’s a nice effort in expanding the mythos of Moana’s world despite the story recycling. Also the expansion on the Kakamora’s story is also a nice pace. At the same time, there are a good amount of songs that might also keep me seated.

             I have seen this story pattern before. Moana’s home is in danger then she has to leave the island to save the day and comes back a heroine. I did notice that the Disney team purposely rehash the story and splash a fresh coat of paint to make it look like a new adventure. Plus they cram the 100 minute film with too many unneeded characters, including a cute little sister. If they expand the story a little longer to create development for Moana’s new crew, it might show a little interest. But there is no turning back from this wave crash. Disney really needs to pull itself together.

Final Thoughts

             I believe that Disney could do better than this. If Disney continues rehashing new movies with plot point and story flow from previous films, someone like me should step in. And it would be best to let a new set of creativity to step in when it comes to Disney’s form of storytelling. Dwayne Johnson and the Moana Franchise’s potential for continuation are the only saving graces. But not enough to get Moana 2 out of tight jam. Nevertheless, the movie still has plenty of fun.

             I’m giving Moana 2 6.5 out of 10 stars. Up next for my review subject will be Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim. Look forward to my review. Happy Holidays!

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