Vaiana 2

Moana 2 returns to the enchanting world of Polynesian mythology, marking a return to the lush, colorful landscapes, heroic characters and cultural celebration that made its 2016 predecessor such an unforgettable animated film. While this sequel retains much of the heart and visual splendor of the original, it occasionally falters under the weight of trying to do too much while feeling safe and predictable. With stunning animation, strong characters and a few standout sequences, Moana 2 is an enjoyable film, though it doesn't achieve the emotional or narrative depth of its predecessor.

The story takes place three years after the events of the first film. Vaiana (Auli'i Cravalho) is flourishing as her island's leader and master scout. However, her impatience continues to drive her curiosity beyond her native land. A vision of his ancestor, Tautai Vasa, leads him on a perilous journey to the hidden island of Motufetu, a legendary land that once united the peoples of the Pacific, but is now cursed by the storm god Nalo. The stakes are higher this time: if Vaiana fails to lift the curse, the communities of the Pacific will remain divided, leading to their destruction.

Vaiana decides to assemble a crew of misfits: resourceful but eccentric engineer Loto (Rose Matafeo), grumpy elder Kele (David Fane) and wide-eyed fanboy Moni (Hualalai Chung), whose obsession with Maui adds comic moments. Familiar faces also return, including Hei hei, the hilariously clueless rooster, and Pua, the loyal pig. Together, they embark on a grand adventure that tests their determination, teamwork and Vaiana's growing leadership. Meanwhile, Maui (Dwayne Johnson) faces his own challenges, held captive by the enigmatic underworld goddess Matangi (Awhimai Fraser), whose motives remain shrouded in mystery. As Vaiana and Maui reunite, their dynamic once again becomes a focal point, balancing humor, heartfelt moments and occasional friction.

One of Moana 2's greatest achievements is its animation. The artists at The Walt Disney Company have raised their already high standards, creating a visually stunning world that immerses audiences in the beauty of the Pacific. The ocean, a character in its own right, is rendered with remarkable depth and fluidity, while the islands abound with vibrant greenery, intricate cultural patterns and rich textures. Every image is meticulously detailed, from the traditional carvings on pirogues to the shimmering bioluminescence of the sea at night. The film's action sequences take full advantage of this artistic talent. A thrilling journey through an enormous clam-shaped sea beast, reminiscent of Greek mythology's Odyssey, showcases the creativity and technical prowess of the animators. The depiction of the storm god Nalo, in the form of a vortex of purple light and thundering waves, is both hypnotic and intimidating. These moments of visual splendor make the film a pleasure to watch, even when the story occasionally drifts into shallower waters.

Vaiana remains the heart and soul of the story, and Auli'i Cravalho once again delivers an impeccable performance. Her performance shows that Vaiana has become a more mature leader, while retaining the curiosity, determination and warmth that endeared her to audiences in the first film. The bond between Vaiana and her younger sister Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda) adds emotional depth to her journey, as she faces the responsibility of protecting her people while wishing to return home to her family. Maui, the self-proclaimed super-chimed demigod, continues to impress, even if his role is a little less prominent than in the original film. 

Dwayne Johnson brings his charm and sense of comedy, but Maui's arc seems underdeveloped, relying more on humor than growth. His interactions with Matangi, a fascinating but underused antagonist, hint at a deeper story that never fully materializes. The supporting cast adds humor and heart, though some characters feel like missed opportunities. Loto, Kele and Moni bring personality and charm, but their development is often sidelined in favor of plot advancement. Hei hei and Pua provide comic relief, Hei hei's clumsiness regularly drawing laughs, but their roles are largely limited to reaction shots.

Lin-Manuel Miranda's absence is palpable, as the sequel's songs, composed by newcomers Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, lack the infectious energy and lyrical brio of the original. While there are highlights, such as Vaiana Beyond's stirring ballad and Matangi Get Lost's wicked number, the soundtrack as a whole seems less coherent and memorable. Maui's comic song Can I Get a Chee Hoo? is entertaining, but fails to capture the charm of You're Welcome. That said, the music succeeds in reflecting Vaiana's evolution and the story's themes of unity and perseverance. The mix of Polynesian rhythms and contemporary pop elements remains a defining feature, allowing the soundtrack to resonate with audiences, even if it doesn't achieve the iconic status of the first film.

While Moana 2 offers plenty of emotion and humor, its narrative is rather uneven. The film's origins as a Disney+ series are evident in its episodic structure, with some subplots feeling rushed or underdeveloped. Matangi, in particular, is an intriguing character whose potential as a morally complex antagonist is largely wasted. His presence is limited and his motivations remain vague, leaving the film without a strong central villain. The pacing is also sometimes hard to follow, with the first act too slow and the climax somewhat predictable. However, the emotional moments, particularly Vaiana's internal conflict and her bond with Simea, help to anchor the narrative, ensuring that the film remains interesting despite its flaws.

Moana 2 explores themes of unity, leadership and self-discovery. Vaiana's journey reflects her growth as a leader who values collaboration and empathy, qualities that set her apart from traditional Disney protagonists. The film's emphasis on connecting with others, both culturally and emotionally, seems timely and relevant, offering a subtle commentary on the importance of community in an increasingly divided world.

Moana 2 may not surpass its predecessor, but it offers an entertaining and visually stunning adventure that will delight fans of the original. Its breathtaking animation, heartfelt performances and moments of humor and excitement make it a worthwhile addition to Disney's catalog, even if its uneven narrative and lackluster songs prevent it from being a great film. For viewers eager to return to the world of Vaiana, this sequel offers enough magic and wonder to justify the journey, leaving the door open to even more adventures in Oceania. After all, as Vaiana herself might say, The ocean calls - and this time, we're happy to answer the call.

Moana 2
Directed by David Derrick Jr, Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller
Write by Jared Bush, Dana Ledoux Miller
Produced by Christina Chen, Yvett Merino
Starring Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, Rose Matafeo, David Fane, Hualālai Chung, Rachel House, Awhimai Fraser, Gerald Ramsey, Alan Tudyk, Cerise Calixte, Anthony Kavanagh, Mareva Galanter
Music by Mark Mancina (score and songs), Opetaia Foaʻi (score and songs), Abigail Barlow (songs), Emily Bear (songs)
Production company: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures (U.S.),
Release date: November 27, 2024 (U.S., France)
Running time : 100 minutes

Seen November 22, 2024 at Paris Grand Rex

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