Best of 2024 Movies #11: Moana 2
Dwayne Johnson and Aulli Carvalho are seemingly in different places than 8 years earlier when they brought Moana of Motonui to life with that years second best film.
So for what originally began life as a Disney+ exclusive, that homages the past straight to video Disney movies that took 3 episodes of a series that was never ordered.
It is fulfilling.
3 years removed from becoming wayfinder, Moana now adjusts to life with a sibling (BTW, I like that her VA name is Danerys inspired) and her continued quests to bring the islands beyond her homeland together.
When in a vision she sees a possible future for her people, Moana gathers her pig, chicken, and a crew of three to journey out to save their way of life.
All the while Maui runs a foul of his own deeds trying to keep Moana out of the bigger picture.
Like the previous film, this delves into Polynesian lore with grace and civility needed.
Along with some gorgeous animation.
The only downside is like mentioned, this did fall under the Disney direct video series mandate trying to stretch what would’ve been a TV show concept into a singular narrative.
Smaller one with the boat snack upgrade scene not being included in the film.
At least the music is still good.
SUM 22: Moana and Maui are together on the ocean again as we get our first Disney+ version of the Disney classic direct to video three episode pilot.
