Picking up three years after Moana (2016), this sequel reunites Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) with demi-god Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) on a new adventure.
The first film was about Pacific Islander Moana finding her identity.
This one is about discovering and uniting different tribes in the islands to ensure the future of her people
In a dream, Moana is visited by an original Wayfinder (someone who navigates the ocean) who tells her about a long-lost island called Motufetu.
So it is that Moana undertakes a perilous journey. Dangers arise frequently.
In fact, Moana risks her life, tackling the god of storms, to try to find Motufetu, which is not visible to the naked eye.
With her is a motley crew of her fellow clan, including comic relief in the form of Heihei the chicken and Pua the pig.
Along the way, Moana is reunited with Maui, who always has Moana’s back, but finds himself in a pickle.
Threats remain ever present and reaching, or even finding Motufetu, is never a certainty.
Although, truth be told, this is a Disney movie and if Moana didn’t make good, it would be a major shock.
A great deal of mysticism is inherent in Moana 2. That relates to the importance of ancestors, family and tribe.
It is about respecting one’s elders, but also being bold and brave enough to find a way forward.
The relationship between Moana and her doting younger sister is delightful and potent.
I enjoyed the realisation of the key characters, particularly those two and the protective but trouble fraught Maui.
The latter comes complete with what I will call a conscience tattoo – a nice touch –
among the many that cover his body.
Another cute counterintuitive component of the work is the appearance of a coconut tribe. I am literally talking about coconuts with attitude and purpose.
I suppose we are in the right part of the world (one that bears no shortage of that fruit) for that kind of Disney magic to take place.
Another key component of the movie is a series of musical numbers that punctuate the piece and help propel it.
Visually, Moana 2 is colourful and the characters are attractive, well drawn and animated.
Notwithstanding the surprises along the way, the trajectory of the film remains obvious.
And even though it is only 100 minutes in length, from time to time I found my mind wandering.
While there are some scary elements as Moana et al’s ordeal unfolds (it has a PG rating for a reason), I dare say youngsters will, by and large, appreciate the offering.
It scores a 6 out of 10.
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