Moana 2 review: Moana returns to sea with ambition but less magic

Eight years after the original. Moana 2 will finally hit theaters. A beloved Disney film over the past decade, it has become one of the greatest modern classics from the House of Mouse. Its success among little ones and its impressive performance on Disney+ (it’s one of the most-watched films each week) make it the studio’s new flagship. It’s no wonder that the company is also preparing a game remake, which will appear in theaters very soon. But first, it’s time for the long-awaited sequel.

IN Moana 2young Moana grew up. She is no longer a teenager, but has reached the first years of adulthood. Moreover, the people of her Motunui village consider her a great leader, a living legend. But after she got her heart back Tefiti and demonstrate that you can take to the high seas, your new adventure will be even greater. Now the main character receives a call from his ancestors to find the lost island of Motufetu. Once upon a time this place connected all the sea cities, but the formidable god Nalo He hid it in a monstrous storm, isolating all of humanity. Only Moana You can find it and reconnect with your neighbors.

An ambitious adventure

Moana 2 It was born as a series destined for Disney+. However, a few months ago, the company confirmed a change in direction to turn it into a theatrical release. This has caused a lot of skepticism, especially due to its structure. Luckily, the creatives managed to perfectly sculpt the story so that this episodic origin is barely noticeable. The plot is coherent throughout, and these seams are very well disguised during the hour and a half of filming.

In short, Disney wanted to offer a nautical adventure far more ambitious than the first film, albeit one that followed its narrative structure point by point. Now Moana She is already an experienced sailor, so the film can focus on the various dangers she will have to face at sea. Wild coconuts, giant clams, trickster witches, terrifying monsters, deadly storms… According to the plot Moana 2 moves forward, the journey becomes more treacherous and exciting.

It should be noted, however, that the rhythm is much more irregular than one might think. Everything is very stormy and comes to a crescendo, so it’s never boring. But the logical unoriginality in relation to the first is noticeable and easy to turn off at certain moments. And the new characters are not as charismatic as the old friends (except for the little girl). Simea), and it’s an indestructible chemistry Moana And Maui that saves the whole. Either way, the final climax is great. Moana 2 It has a powerful ending that will leave you leaving the theater with a good taste in your mouth. But his great sin concerns more the emotional sphere.

Moana 2 doesn’t connect

The first part of the intrepid sailor offered deep and precise reflections on finding yourself and accepting your destiny. Disney then came out with a classic but effective universal message that resonated very deeply and turned the film into a myth. Now they needed to reinvent themselves. and with Moana 2 They decided to add maturity to their story. From the change in the design of the main character itself, it is clear that the company is looking for a slightly more complex meditation.

On this occasion, Moana 2 This tells us the need to always move on. Moana He became a navigator and saved his people in the first film. But his life could not reach its peak so soon. There are always new goals, new paths. The whole message of the tape is contained in its song Outside (What’s beyond in Spanish). It’s an interesting idea, but unfortunately the script isn’t as strong as its predecessor.

Moana 2 It’s a very ambitious adventure, but it lacks the enormous emotional connection that the first one offered. His morality is interpreted much more superficially and in general terms. The message is there, it is tangible, and it is not that it does not exist at all. But it doesn’t go that far or that far. And after the perfection that was assumed in the previous one, the “simplicity” of this sequel is a striking downgrade.

It must be made clear that this is not a mistake at all. Again, I insist, this is a very interesting film with some brilliant moments. Actually, Moana 2 This is probably one of Disney’s best animated sequels. Although this doesn’t mean much, since the studio traditionally has an inexplicably low quality of sequels. But again, the project is light years away from the magic and solidity of the original.

Notable Absences

Where he triumphs again Moana 2 It’s in the visual section. The first film surprised the world with a vast and rich universe, full of color and extreme care for the ocean. The animation standard doesn’t drop one iota here, and while there’s no surprise factor, you’re bound to be surprised by the film’s impressive stills. It’s a stunning visual spectacle.

The other side of the coin is the songs. For Moana 2Disney refused Lin Manuel Miranda and its absence is more than obvious. Mentioned Outside This is a beautiful topic, heir How far will I go. But the rest completely lack the strength and determination needed to overcome. There are a couple of numbers Matangi and new Mauifun and memorable, based on the patterns of the above creative that were so successful in the previous one. But this time they go no further, and in a few weeks their lyrics will make it difficult for children to hum them, leaving them in sad oblivion.

To sum it up, Moana 2 It is a continuation of the Disney classic, although it is far from the original. The lack of magic in its songs and a much less deep and successful moral hamper the film, which is by any means a most interesting and enjoyable film, with some memorable moments and a sensational climax. If everything goes as expected, this will be a new success for Disney.