Moana 2 movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Moana 2

RATING: PG

LENGTH: 1 hour 40 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B

IN A NUTSHELL:

First, I need to say that I absolutely loved the first Moana movie. It was so fantastic and makes me cry every time I watch it! I rewatched it again last week in preparation for seeing the sequel. Is it as good as the original? Well…simply stated, I was underwhelmed and disappointed.

The film was directed by David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller. Too many cooks in the kitchen? Writing credits go to Dana Ledoux Miller and Jared Bush.

The animated movie was produced and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures and Animation Studios. Already, the movie has been nominated for “Best Original Song” (“Beyond”) and “Can I Get A Chee Ho?”. It has won an animation award by AAPI Cinema & Television.

With all of the hype that Wicked has been receiving, Moana 2 doubled box office sales the first week and dominated every other movie!

THINGS I LIKED:

The animation itself is incredible. The movie looks gorgeous. The water, textures, and details are so impressive. Everything has stunning colors, painted with magical florescents.
The talented voices come from Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson, Auli’I Cravalho, Alan Tudyk, and more. Temuera Morrison did his own singing as Tui in the sequel, replacing Chris Jackson.
The dance moments are always cute.
It’s sweet to see ceremonies and learn about the spiritual traditions of the island people.
All of the personalities in the village are so adorable and entertaining.
We see some of our favorite moments from the first movie repeated in cute, new ways.
Keep watching during the final rolling credits for another little scene.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

There’s a lot of humor, but unlike in the first movie, the humor in this one really appeals more to the kids. In fact, the entire movie feels more like a kids movie than a family-friendly movie.
There is a lot of exposition to explain the new plot.
The songs didn’t grab me this time for some reason. The reason: the brilliant Lin-Manuel Miranda didn’t rejoin the team this time around. His absense is greatly felt. The vocals sounded way softer than the background music. I was really looking forward to songs I could sink my teeth into and something different from all of the Wicked songs I’ve been singing, but not a single one of them grabbed me. Who did the music this time?
Not all of the humor lands.
Melu? Is such an annoying character
The first movie was on land and sea. In this movie, we’re in non-earth places that we don’t understand, watching Moana try to play by rules we don’t quite understand either. They’re under the water but not really under the water?
The first movie makes me cry every time, but I didn’t quite feel the emotional power in this one.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

People and creatures are in perilous situations
There’s a lot of talk of tattoos
Someone important dies

THEMES:

Who you’re meant to be
Isolation
Community
Connection
Home
Fear and Courage
Teamwork
Embrace the ocean
Choices

FUNNY LINES:

“Love this guy. Not creeping me out at all.” – Maui (Dwayne Johnson)
“The ancestors wouldn’t have called if we couldn’t do this.” – Moana (Auli’I Cravalho) “Unless it was a butt-dial. That’ll make sense in 2000 years.” – Maui (Dwayne Johnson)
“Bacon. Eggs” – Maui (pointing to the pig and chicken while giving them these new nicknames)

INTERESTING LINES:

“For some things, we never feel ready.” – Moana’s mom
“Our people will rise if you let them.” -Moana’s mom
“The ocean is my friend.” – Moana
“Together, we rise as one!” – Maui
“There’s always another way to get where you need to go. You just have to think a little different.” – Sina “Nicole Scherzinger)