MOANA 2

 Still can’t believe this is the film that I’ve heard so much dislike for. It’s not bad and it’s not a dumpster fire. It’s good. For a film that started life as a Disney+ tv series, the animation is gorgeous . The animation is about on par with that found in the first Moana. It might well be essential to watch the first film before you seek out this sequel as, much like Inside Out 2, it helps if you already have an emotional investment to or connection with our leads.

The first 30 minutes and last 30 minutes are great! The 40 or so minutes in-between…eh, not so much. The set-up and story is fairly interesting, and I still got chills a good deal throughout. The new Island characters did not need to tag along on the journey, as they serve no purpose except to be mildly amusing comedic background characters. Only one does anything of use/import. Our main villain is only glimpsed during a mid-credits scene, and only ever appears as a gigantic angry storm (which looks very cool).

The songs aren’t bad either. They’re good as well. The lyrics could use some work, but the production on each is pleasing. The songs themselves aren’t exactly memorable, but they get the job done well-enough (although all the attempts at Lin Manuel-Miranda-esque rapping falls flat). This sequel even involves poignant, somewhat timely themes and messages about anthropology and the sharing of cultures that are important and relevant to what is going on today.

In the end, Moana 2 is far from a perfect product, but it’s still enjoyable, fun, and has some big stakes (though the stakes here aren't quite as big as those found in the first film). For families, it makes for a safe, entertaining watch. Despite what others may say, I recommend you chart a course to Moana 2.

3 STARS