Moana 2

January 3 – 12

7:00 pm nightly
1:30 Sunday Matinées
PG — 1 hr 40min
2024 ‧ Family / Adventure

Moana 2 rides a tidal wave of snappy tunes, eye-popping animation, and a celebration of Polynesian culture in an action-packed sequel that’s just as entertaining as the fantastic original. It’s a beautiful movie that rejoices in the power of unexpected friendships. Moana 2 picks up three years after the first movie, where Moana is still fully connected to the ocean she adores so much. When she receives an unexpected call from her ancestors, she assembles a crew as a wayfinder where she hopes to track down the hidden island of Motufetu, reconnecting the people of the ocean once again.

This time around, Moana (again voiced by Auli’i Cravalho) journeys with a small crew (and Dwayne Johnson’s Maui, of course!) to find a missing island that will unite all the peoples of Oceania. Like the original, the sequel has several scary moments, mostly courtesy of violent storms (huge lightning bolts, powerful downspouts, massive waves, etc.), a killer giant clam monster that swallows boats whole, and other environmental and god-created catastrophes. Characters are frequently in peril, and a couple of times get knocked unconscious and even seem dead (spoiler alert: they’re not). And there are plenty of laughs (including sight gags involving an elder’s bottom and Maui’s moving tattoos) and positive messages. Moana is a strong role model, demonstrating perseverance and courage; she’s also a loving older sister, devoted daughter, and inspiring leader.

The major appeal of Moana is its reverence for oral history. The movies, both of which open on an orator spinning a dramatic tale, hinge on storytelling and record-keeping as cultural practices crucial to identity. The film speeds along at an hour and 40 minutes like a jet ski in a swimming pool. It’s actually shorter than the first film. There’s barely time to catch your breath before the credits roll. The all killer, no filler approach works to keep youngsters hooked. Moana and Maui are still an infectious pair, delivering hilarious gags and heartfelt moments. Brilliant animation, a deeper dive into Polynesian lore, Moana 2 proves it’s worth sailing beyond the reef once again.