Originally intended as a limited streaming series for Disney+ Moana 2 was eventually reworked for a theatrical release. Sadly with its clunky plot that feels pretty much like a rehash of the original and the introduction of a number of new characters who add nothing to the story, Moana 2 feels like a poor imitation of the original.
After receiving a spiritual message, from her wayfinding ancestors, telling her that no one is connected to the sea anymore. Moana (Auli'i Cravalho) takes to the seas, this time accompanied by an eclectic collection of villagers and her pet pig and rooster, Pua and Heihei, in order to find a sunken mystical island called Motufetu. This island being sunk by the evil storm God Nalo, who wants power over the mortals, and if not found will bring disaster to all the remaining islands.
Meanwhile, Maui (Dwayne Johnson) is seeking Motufetu himself and it’s not long before the pair reunite and join forces in order to defeat Motufeta and bring order back to the islands.
Moana 2 has a couple of nice songs, even if it does sound like a rehash of Frozen’s Let it Go, Beyond is still the films stand out number.
Small children will no doubt enjoy Moana 2 but for adults it doesn’t have that magic spark that made the original so memorable.
