MOANA might be the greatest and my personal all-time favorite non-Pixar Disney movie. That might be a hot take and sound like super hyperbole, but it is 100% true. A female hero without “love” being a driving force or even a thought was a concept that had not been displayed on screen in Disney animation. Plus, the entire soundtrack of original music written by Lin Manuel Miranda is an absolute killer that I rock out to regularly. As a father with a daughter just able to watch movies, MOANA was a welcomed repeat musical to listen and sing-along to. Eight years later, I was ecstatic to take my eager children to see MOANA 2. As always, the review that counts, my kids absolutely loved it.
Three years after their first adventure, MOANA 2 opens with our title character searching different islands for proof of other communities inhabiting the vast world. Now looked upon as a role model and leader, Moana is loved by her community, parents, and cutesy baby sister. After an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestor, Moana enlists a diverse crew to journey across the Oceania seas and into dangerous, long lost waters in this new epic voyage.
MOANA 2 doesn’t venture too far from the original’s formula. Moana is on the island, she is inspired to cross the sea, runs across some Kakamora, rescues Maui, meets a quirky villain with a song number, Moana and Maui must use their brain, skill, and heart to discover something more within and overcome the obstacle. This is a basic formula for many stories, but MOANA 2 hits them all fairly similarly. However, that’s not really a knock, because MOANA 2 does it exceptionally well. TOP GUN sequel MAVERICK fits neatly into a generic formula and it still crushes. Likewise, MOANA 2 rocks the fun for the entirety of this playfully brisk animated sequel.
The biggest difference is the added team members who bring some extra entertainment and laughs in a different perspective. And on another super positive note, the idea, mention, or even alluding to the tired trope of relationships is completely obsolete. The absence of Lin Manuel Miranda in the music is definitely noticeable, but not as much as you might think. Honestly the music is still better or equal to nearly all other Disney movies other than the original MOANA. “What Could Be Better Than This?”, “Get Lost”, “Can I Get A Chee Hoo?”, and “Beyond” will all be songs the kids listen to over and over and over again. I know that doesn’t always sound appealing, but I think these are all pretty solid.
Watching my kids excitement, worry, and laughter over all the familiar antics, adventure, and characters in MOANA 2 was an absolutely thrilling and joyful experience in which I hope all can share.
