It has been a little while since we could attend a movie screening. I am incredibly excited to share, thanks to Disney Studios, that we had the opportunity to attend the screening of Moana 2. The last time we saw Moana on the big screen was 8 years ago. We were ready to see some of our favourite characters return. So many questions were running through our minds. The most prominent being “does it live up to the original?”.
SYNOPSIS
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical “Moana 2” reunites Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) and Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. 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’s ever faced. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, “Moana 2” features music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa‘i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina. The all-new feature film opens in theatres on Nov. 27, 2024.
WHAT WE LOVED ABOUT MOANA 2
Moana has grown to become a favourite in our household. It’s had 8 years of being played over and over, with the music being memorized. I was very nervous to see where a sequel was going to go.
The new supporting characters very quickly won our hearts. Moni is documenting the village’s history and stories. Loto is putting their skills to the test in creating the perfect outrigger. Kele is the perfect, grumpy, farmer that cannot swim who unwittingly ends up on the journey with everyone. Honestly, Kele was my favourite bringing much-needed comedic timing. You cannot miss his amazing coconut arm floaties.
The relationship with Moana and her little sis, Simea, is what brought me to tears. Having an age gap between my kids, captured my heart. There is something very special about an age gap and seeing that connection depicted in a Disney movie. Simea is your typical little sister, always wanting something given to them when her sister returns home from sailing. She gives Moana a gift to keep in her necklace when she is called to return to the ocean on another voyage.
This time the movie focused on how Moana knows what she is doing as a wayfinder. Though she is reminded that there is “always another way”.
The run time is 1 hour and 40 minutes. Which is the perfect length for younger audience members. Be sure to stay for the credits end scene, yet there is one. You don’t want to miss it. It’s important.
WHAT YOU ASKED ABOUT
You shared some questions about the movie and things you wondered about. So here are your answers.
Are the songs just as good as the original? I found myself wondering about a standout song when we were over halfway through the movie. By the end of the movie, none jumped out as an immediate favourite that would have my family and me singing. While the music is fun and catchy, the closest you get to something being the stand-out songs would be “Get lost” sung by Awhimai Fraser and “Can I get a chee hoo” sung by Dwayne Johnson. These are the two you will find stuck in your head.
Does Pua get his deserved time on the screen? Oh Pua. Setup to be the sidekick in the first, only to find a chicken take the spot on the boat. There is a reference made to this question at the start of the film. It was laughed at by the crowd in the theatre. We all know Heihei stole his spot. Pua does finally find himself on the adventure of his life time. Thankfully not as a boat snack upgrade to Maui.
Would my 4 year old enjoy it? If your child is very sensitive to situations that may come across as intense and frightening, some parts may be scary to them. This is going to really come down to how well you know your child and how they have done with other Disney films that have villains and intense moments. I do think my 4 year old is going to really enjoy seeing Moana 2. However, I will likely be waiting for her to see it when it is released to Disney+ only for the reason of their not being able to stay still in a theatre. Younger kids are going to love feisty Simea, the animals, and the comedic relief from other characters. You will likely be hearing them say “Chee hoo!” a ridiculous amount after the movie.
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