There is a core memory from every person’s childhood: watching the movie “Moana.” It portrayed perfectly the lives of children who hadn’t exactly discovered their purpose, but knew it was beyond whatever place they were limited to. Even more, the movie “Moana 2” explored
deeper into the concept of following your purpose in life, despite the many challenges that may arise because, as Gramma Tala said, “the journey may leave a scar, but the scars can heal and reveal just where you are.”
Based on the first movie that came out in 2016, which won an Annie Awards, Grammy Award, and Golden Reel Award, “Moana 2” was expected to have a sense of wholesomeness, female empowerment, and community, inspiring young children across the world to find their voice and purpose and use it to help those around them. But for me at least it just didn’t live up to those expectations.
“Moana 2” follows a young adult named Moana through a journey to fulfill a vision-like prophecy given to her by her ancestors: finding and restoring the lost island of Motufetū, which is the soul of the ocean’s connectedness. Throughout the movie she guides her canoe crew
through an expedition of obstacles, dangers, and threatening life-or-death situations all while being a wayfinder for her people back home. The ocean’s essence and her people’s lives rest in the fate of her journey to bring all the separate islands back together.
I could tell from the beginning that it wasn’t going to be as good. It bummed me out that Moana had a crew of people with her instead of going on the expedition alone with Maui like in “Moana,” and the crew honestly came across as a nuisance to me.
I also think that the movie was rushed and going from scene to scene so quickly kinda chopped the movie’s potential.
On the other hand, I did like the return of the little coconut tribe people, especially since it was fitting that the leader was a girl which matched the theme of female empowerment throughout the movie.
The music wasn’t as good as it was in the original, but the ending of the movie was sentimental and emotional, capturing the wholesome vibe of “Moana.” Overall, it was an okay movie that could use some fixing.
Common to my critique of “Moana 2,” other critics such as Kayleigh Donaldson and Nicholas Barber have shared ideas of their experience of “Moana 2.”
“Some scenes seem cut together ill-fittingly, while others build to nothing,” Donaldson wrote, expressing her dismay towards the content of the movie. “What we have is so derivative and
transparently corporate that it bums me out.”
Barber shared a similar perspective. “It’s a solid set-up for a quest adventure, but it’s obvious early on that Moana 2 isn’t going to be as exciting or as revelatory as Moana was. It won’t be near the top of any list of Disney’s finest.”
This movie was created and directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, two men who captured the reality of one’s journey through finding their purpose in life for the benefit of those around them, even when you’re unsure and doubtful towards your own capabilities. This was
perfectly explained through the perspective of a 19 year old woman named “Moana.”
From the movie, despite the commonly negative reviews from many people, “Moana 2” still had a lot to offer. It brought about the topic of empowerment and confidence for many young people, especially young women, teaching that it wasn’t until their moments of doubt and darkness would they shine at their brightest. It also showed an exemplary display of cooperation and teamwork between people to strive and achieve the same goal.
Overall “Moana 2” could benefit from a lot of workshopping. But with it being a sequel of an extraordinary, captivating movie such as “Moana,” I don’t think it was ever expected
to be able to match the original masterpiece. On the other hand, it has the potential to have an impact on the younger generation and plant a seed of faith, teamwork, bravery, and culture. All in all, “Moana 2” is a movie that leaves the conclusion of it in the hands of the viewer.
