Moana 2 Is A Disappointing MESS...(But Disney Doesn't Care)

Summary

In this review of *Moana 2*, the reviewer reflects on the film's production challenges, transitioning from a Disney+ series to a theatrical release. While the animation and core characters remain strong, the film struggles with forgettable songs, underdeveloped new characters, and uneven pacing. Despite the shortcomings, the reviewer remains hopeful for a potential *Moana* trilogy, hoping for a more ambitious and well-executed future installment. The movie is described as 'functional' but ultimately underwhelming compared to the original, with the reviewer calling for a greater focus on mythology and a stronger narrative.

Takeaways

• 😀 Moana 2 was originally conceived as a Disney+ series but was pivoted into a theatrical release due to production and market challenges, including the 2023 labor and writer strikes.
• 😀 The movie struggles with pacing issues, rushed character development, and an overall feeling of being a salvaged project rather than a fully realized film.
• 😀 There are too many side characters in *Moana 2*, including the pig, chicken, coconut people, ocean, and the tattoo, which detracts from the main story and character development.
• 😀 The film's music, while not bad, is forgettable compared to the iconic soundtrack of the original *Moana*. The only standout is Maui’s ‘leveling up’ rap, but it’s not a compliment.
• 😀 The movie attempts to balance crowd-pleasing elements with a simple and familiar story, but it doesn't bring anything new or exceptional to the table, relying on nostalgic elements.
• 😀 Despite its flaws, *Moana 2* remains a functional film that will likely appeal to young audiences and parents, but it doesn’t have the same cultural impact as the original.
• 😀 The story centers around Moana and her team trying to raise a sunken island to reunite fragmented ocean communities, but it feels rushed and the stakes never feel fully realized.
• 😀 Maui returns to the story but his role and the villainous threat in the film are underdeveloped, with some fans feeling disappointed by the lack of a stronger antagonist.
• 😀 The production of the film was hampered by tight deadlines and a shift in direction, with major story beats and character arcs being scrapped or rewritten in favor of a quicker, more marketable narrative.
• 😀 The film hints at a larger story for the future, with a cliffhanger ending and potential for a Moana trilogy, raising hopes that a third movie will capitalize on the world-building and character development opportunities left unexplored in *Moana 2*.

Q & A

What was the original format of 'Moana 2' before it became a theatrical movie?

'Moana 2' was initially intended to be a Disney+ series but was later transformed into a theatrical film due to production challenges and shifts in Disney’s strategy.

What are the main reasons for the transition of 'Moana 2' from a series to a movie?

The shift from series to movie was largely driven by the need for Disney to secure a box office hit, compounded by the pandemic's impact on theatrical releases, labor strikes, and the growing popularity of streaming content. This decision allowed Disney to capitalize on the original film's success and create a big-screen spectacle.

What is the main plot of 'Moana 2'?

'Moana 2' follows Moana as she sets out on a quest to find a sunken island, with the goal of reconnecting the fragmented island nations of the Pacific. She is joined by a crew of familiar and new characters, including Maui, and faces various challenges along the way, including a storm and a mysterious villain.

How did the film's pacing and character development suffer due to the change from a series to a movie?

The film suffers from rushed pacing and lack of character development because the story was originally designed for a series with more space for exploration. In the movie format, many secondary characters were sidelined, and the development of new characters was limited due to the shorter runtime.

What are some examples of side characters in 'Moana 2', and why is their role seen as excessive?

The movie features five side characters (the pig, the chicken, the ocean, the coconut people, and the tattoo) which is considered excessive compared to other Disney films that typically have a maximum of two comedic side characters. This abundance of side characters detracts from the core narrative and limits meaningful character exploration.

How does the soundtrack of 'Moana 2' compare to the original movie?

The soundtrack of 'Moana 2' is considered less memorable than the original. While the songs are not bad, they lack the catchiness and iconic status of tracks like 'You're Welcome' and 'How Far I'll Go' from the first movie. Only a few songs, such as Maui’s 'leveling up' track, stood out.

What did the director say about the transition from series to movie for 'Moana 2'?

Director Derek Jr. explained that the focus of 'Moana 2' was on Moana’s drive and conflict, and new characters were integrated in a way that served the main story. The filmmakers had to streamline the narrative, often cutting or simplifying side stories and character arcs to fit the movie format.

What is the significance of the mid-credit scene in 'Moana 2'?

The mid-credit scene teases a possible larger conflict, featuring a bad god behind the storm Moana and her crew face. This sets up the potential for a third movie, which could delve deeper into the villain’s role and expand on the overarching storyline.

What are some of the production challenges faced during the making of 'Moana 2'?

One major challenge was the late production timeline, with the voice actor for Moana mentioning a 'Kill Your Darlings' approach, where many story beats and side characters were scrapped or altered. Additionally, the film underwent heavy rewrites, with many ideas initially conceived for a series being cut short for the movie format.

Why was 'Moana 2' described as a 'WellMed' movie?

The term 'WellMed' reflects the reviewer’s opinion that the film, while not exceptional, is a functional and serviceable movie. It met the basic criteria of being a film but didn’t exceed expectations or deliver something truly memorable, lacking the emotional and musical punch of the original.