"Discover the Sequel's Surprises and the Original's Enduring Charm"

Character Development in the Sequel

Three years after the original, Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) has become her island's premier wayfinder. The community is flourishing, and she's on a quest to find more islands. But a vision leads her to a dangerous adventure with a ragtag crew. Along the way, she meets old enemies like the Kakamora and a new villain, Matangi. The characters face various challenges and grow in different ways.

For instance, overeager builder Loto (Rose Matafeo) shows his determination, while grumpy farmer Kele (David Fane) learns to open up. Moana herself struggles with self-doubt, adding depth to her character.

Music in "Moana 2"

New songwriters Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear tried hard to create an anthem as powerful as "How Far I’ll Go," but "Beyond" didn't quite reach the same level. It's a bit of a letdown compared to the original's songs.

Similarly, "Get Lost" from Matangi isn't as memorable as "Shiny." The music in the sequel, while still enjoyable, doesn't have the same impact as the first movie.

Action and Adventure

The crew faces numerous obstacles on their journey. They battle the Kakamora, get swallowed by a giant clam, and race against an unhappy god's storm-conjuring powers. The action scenes are exciting, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

For example, the battle with the Kakamora showcases the crew's teamwork and determination. And the race to reach Motufetu adds a sense of urgency and excitement to the story.

Overall Impression

"Moana 2" still has its merits. Cravalho is excellent as always, and the new characters are engaging. The jokes hit at a good ratio, and the overall tone is agreeable.

Despite the downgrades from the first movie, it's not a complete disappointment. Moana's journey may have taken a step down, but it's clear that it's not over yet. We can only hope that the future installments don't lose any more of the original's magic.

Grade: B- "Moana 2" is rated PG for action/peril and has a running time of 100 minutes. Robert Garver holds a degree in Cinema Studies from New York University and has been a movie reviewer since 2006. More reviews can be found at www.bobatthemovies.com. Feedback is welcome at rrg251@nyu.edu.