
MOANA 2
Starring: Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Hualālai Chung, Rose Matafeo, David Fane, Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Alan Tudyk, and Rachel House
Directors: Jason Hand, David G. Derrick Jr., and Dana Ledoux Miller

AMARÚ

Moana 2 is more than just a solid follow up to one of Disney’s best 21st century original animated features, it’s a natural continuation to one of their best hero’s story. With more heart than the first, if that’s even possible, this sequel keeps its themes rooted in family and culture, making even the most trope-ish of Disney plotlines emotional, funny, and magical. The story is pretty straightforward, with curses, omens, and signs we’ve all seen before, but the delightful new characters, especially “Lil Sis” Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda), great new music, and sincere themes make for a beautiful time for all to enjoy.

ADRIANO

Moana 2 is a fascinating one. Not because it's amazing or because it's awful, but because it's neither. It is just so aggressively nothing. This film was supposed to be a Disney+ series that was re-edited into a movie, and it shows since so much of the story and character development were seemingly left on the editing room floor. The adventure plot is serviceable enough, and Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson are great once again, but aside from Moana (Cravalho), none of the characters are given emotional weight. Plus, I couldn't hum any of the songs right now for the life of me. It's just so forgettable.