This is a sequel from Disney that keeps the positivity going through its musical scenes. Moana 2 is a sequel that has a lot of joyful moments and is a continuation where the grandeur of Disney stays on track. With oceanography flowing through the fantasy settings, Moana 2 still holds loving moments for families across the world. The plot of the film is just rushed more than usual.
Moana (voiced by Auli’I Cravalho) has returned. Her mission requires her attention after a call to her comes from her ancestors. This means that Moana’s perilous adventures must continue. Her journey takes her to the many seas of Oceania where more restoration is at hand. With Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson) in his own trap of struggling to escape, it will not be long before Moana and Maui team together again for many voyages in Moana 2.
In this sequel, there are more water sequences. It does not disappoint with its captivating technological imagery. The film thrives on the ambiance of love and connection with both empathy and humor in the friendship of Moana and Maui. While the movie is only above average overall, it manages to fuel joy through positivity.
For the holiday season, Moana 2 is fun to sing-along to and makes an empathetic connection. I felt the same way with the first film in the franchise back in 2016. Overall, the moving parts of this sequel are skimmed over, and the presence of the central conflict tends to be clouded by the moments of fantasy and wonder. This is a Disney sequel that will make bank, based on its family values more than a plot construct. In the end, there may have been no real need to emphasize the plot because it is all about the musical moments.
The film has waves, love, and treasures. It has happy voices of dialogue from Cravalho and Johnson. Their voices are where Moana 2 finds its most soaring moments. It is a joyful holiday sequel that does not have to be taken seriously since the fun is simply continued from the first film.
Three out of four stars for Moana 2.
