(Rowan Atkinson clears his throat, in his best Mr. Bean manner) Ah, welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to another installment of… well, whatever it is we’re doing here today. (pauses for comedic effect) And that, my friends, is taking a gander at the reviews for the latest Disney behemoth: Moana 2! (excitedly gestures)
(Ricky Gervais’ voice chimes in, in a sarcastic tone) Oh, joy! Another sequel, because the world was just crying out for more of the same. Said no one ever. But, alas, ’tis the season for cinematic cash-ins, and who are we to complain? I mean, it’s not like we have anything better to do… like watching paint dry. (rolls his eyes)
(Jimmy Carr interrupts, with a cheeky grin) Ah, but come on, Ricky, you’ve got to admit – Moana 2 has got some cracking reviews! (smirking) I mean, who doesn’t love a bit of wishy-washy, Hollywood happy-clappy nonsense every now and then? It’s like a migraine in movie form. (chuckles)
(Lee Evans’ boisterous voice takes over) Alright, alright, alright, let’s get to the bloody reviews, shall we?! (excitedly) The Wrap says it’s “a generic, forgettable sequel” – well, that’s not exactly a ringing endorsement, is it? But don’t worry, folks, Empire Magazine has got its back, calling it “bursting with energy, emotion, warmth, and imagination.” (sarcastically) Oh, wow! That sounds like a right old riot. Not.
(Rowan Atkinson returns, adopting a posh accent) Now, let’s peruse some of the other reviews, shall we? Total Film says it rehashes many of the themes and plot points of the original. Oh, what a shock! Coming Soon, on the other hand, claims it’s “a safe, entertaining adventure.” Yay! (deadpan) And, of course, who can forget The Iluminerdi’s glowing review? (smirking) “A breathtaking adventure with stunning visuals” – well, I’m sold! Where’s my ticket? (chuckles)
(Jimmy Carr sums up) And there you have it, folks! Moana 2: a cinematic experience that’s been described as everything from “forgettable” to “breathtaking.” (laughing) Make up your own bloody minds, I say!
(Ricky Gervais’ voiceover, as the camera pans out) In conclusion, Moana 2 has received mixed reviews from critics. Who’s to say whether it’s a masterpiece or a disaster? (smirking) Well, you lot, that’s who. Get out there and waste your hard-earned cash on this potential trainwreck – or don’t. We really don’t care. (shrugs and smirks)
(The group chuckles, and the camera fades to black)
Initial Reviews for Moana 2 Are In
While the original Moana holds a special place in the hearts of many, the sequel has received a lukewarm response from critics, with some praising its energy and visuals, while others find it forgettable and lacking in originality. The Wrap’s review encapsulates this sentiment, stating that "Maybe a future installment can build on what ‘Moana 2’ sets up, but this set up makes future installments a lot less appealing. It’s a generic, forgettable sequel wearing expensive blockbuster frippery."
A Mixed Bag of Opinions
On the other hand, Empire’s review is more positive, calling Moana 2 "A touch less fresh than the original, but this is still bursting with energy, emotion, warmth and imagination. It knows the way." Total Film’s review strikes a middle ground, arguing that "There’s plenty to admire in the animation and rich mythology of the tale, but it rehashes many of the themes and plot points of the original leading to a fun but less vital movie."
Enough Laughs and Visual Spectacle
Coming Soon’s review notes that "While Moana 2 may not reach the unreachable heights of its predecessor, this movie offers enough laughs and visual spectacle for the whole family. The animation is astounding, and everyone on this project brings passion and life to a long-overdue sequel." The Iluminerdi’s review is also enthusiastic, stating that "Moana 2 is a breathtaking adventure with stunning visuals, powerful performances, and a magical world that expands the lore we love – get ready to go beyond!"
A Big-Screen Feature
io9’s review makes the case for Moana 2 as a big-screen feature, stating that "While we’ll always wonder what Moana‘s future would’ve looked like as a streaming TV series, Moana 2 more than makes the case for its transformation into a big-screen feature." With these reviews counted, Moana 2 has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 72%, a respectable but not outstanding score compared to the original’s 95%.
A Hard Act to Follow
It’s worth noting that the original Moana was a critical and commercial success, making it a hard act for any sequel to follow. Moana 2 opens in theaters on November 27, 2024, and while it may not live up to the original’s standard, it still promises to deliver an epic animated musical adventure.
The Voice Cast and Crew
The voice cast includes Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, and Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda. The film is directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino. The music is composed by Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, Opetaia Foa‘i, and Mark Mancina, with Jared Bush and Miller writing the film.
