After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she has ever faced.
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| Moana 2. (C) Walt Disney Animation Studios |
Making a good sequel to a beloved classic is a challenge not everyone can successfully achieve. Toy Story 2 and The Godfather 2 are exceptions rather than the rule. Walking into the cinema, there's already a huge shadow looming over this movie.
What works for Moana 2 is that the filmmakers know where to go next. This was a glaring problem with the last Walt Disney Animation sequel. Here, the story takes us to new places, even if some elements are admittedly familiar. By the end of the movie, things feel different. Moana, voiced by Auli'i Cravalho, is a changed person. This latest adventure allows her to grow and learn something meaningful.
Speaking of the adventure, Moana 2 also boasts a bright, imaginative world and well-crafted lore that is mesmerizing for all ages. That's a story worth watching for on the big screen.
However, one can't help but compare it to its predecessor. Songwriters Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear aimed to maintain a familiar tone with their songs, but at times, they feel more like a replication of Lin-Manuel Miranda's work. They shine when they experiment with new styles, such as the upbeat "Get Lost" and the fun "Can I Get A Chee Hoo," both of which are paired with amazing visuals.
It is also surprising that some interesting characters were given less screen time than expected, while the film took its time to make us root for the characters it focused on more. The reworking of the film is noticeable during these moments. While it was great catching up with these characters, it’s an even better feeling that, in Moana 2, the adventure is still worth joining. 3.5/5 ⭐
Moana 2 opens today, November 27 in PH cinemas.
