The first Moana was a journey of self-discovery for the title character (Auliʻi Cravalho) who teamed up with the awesome fishhook-wielding and shapeshifting and sometimes self-centered demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) to restore the heart of Tefiti. Eight years later, audiences are reunited with the characters they love in Moana 2, a sequel that’s worthy of your time.

The film opens to Opetaia Foa’i’s “Tulou Tagaloa.” It’s a song that is not only familiar but bridges the gap between the two films. As the camera zooms in on the shores of a mysterious island, we see that Moana has arrived at her destination. She continues to be a Wayfinder, voyaging from island to island in hopes of finding other people of Oceania. And she isn’t alone. The lovable and sometimes helpful Heihei, the chicken is tagging along once more. Pua, the cute pig, is also there. Though Moana’s mission isn’t successful at first, she blows into a conch in hopes that someone will respond to the mighty sound. At first, she believes she gets a response, but it turns out it’s just the chicken choking on a rock. However, a mishap leads her into a jungle, where the chicken finds a clay bowl with markings indicating people lived on the island.

An excited Moana returns to her home island of Montouni, where everyone seems to be thriving now that they are back to being voyagers. Not only has the island grown, but her family has grown as well. Moana is now a big sister to Siema, who is the spitting image of Moana in almost every way, including her adventurous spirit. As the village celebrates Moana’s return with a title bestowal ceremony led by her father, Chief Tui (Temuera Morrison), she receives an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Taotai Vasa (Gerald Ramsey), who confirms that there are people out there on other islands separated by the angry storm god Nalo. It is up to Moana to reconnect the islands. For if they continue to live in isolation, they will all cease to exist.

The experienced wayfinder is still determining if she can accomplish the dangerous mission, but her Gramma Tala (Rachel House) says she was meant for more and encourages her to sail to new skies and beyond. Realizing what is at stake, Moana will take on this mission to reconnect the people of the ocean. However, she cannot do it alone. While Moana believes that Heihei and Pua are sufficient, her mother, Sina (Nicole Scherzinger), advises that she bring a crew. So Moana recruits Kala (David Fane), a man of few words who knows his plants and produce. Since they have an arduous journey ahead, he knows people must eat. Loto (Rose Matafeo), an engineer with a big heart and a desire to help, also joins. As a problem solver and very forward-thinking, Loto is very comfortable in chaos. Finally, Moana recruits Moni (Hualālai Chung), the island’s designated storyteller and huge Maui fanboy, to chronicle their journey. His knowledge of the history and myths of Oceania is impressive and proves vital to the mission.

Meanwhile, Maui, the awesome demigod wielding the magical fishhook that allows him to shapeshift into various animals as the situation demands, is on his own mission to open a magical portal hidden by Nalo and the mysterious Matangi (Awhimai Fraser). He sets out to defeat this terrible curse all by himself because he’s Maui.

However, Moana and Maui’s paths eventually cross, and their teamwork proves they have better luck working together than they do as individuals. Their reunion is charming and fun to watch, especially when they rely on each other during their lowest moments. So it will require Maui’s strength and bravery — he can lasso the sun and lift up an island — along with Moana’s selflessness and empathy to unite the people of the ocean.

Moana 2 works primarily because of its raised stakes while also having a concerted effort to celebrate Polynesian culture. We see much of that in how the people of Montouni honor Moana on her return home and send off a title endowment. The song and dance of the various hakas are a cultural expression of an underrepresented community’s pride, strength, and unity. It’s a beautiful sight to see, especially in an animated musical like this one.

Set three years after the first film’s events, both Moana and Maui have evolved. Moana’s experience shows that she is a better Wayfinder than she was when she first started and has greater physicality that proves beneficial while voyaging the ocean and traversing jungles. Meanwhile, Maui is no longer the self-centered demigod he was, and he sees himself as a big brother to Moana. He protects her from forces that seek to take advantage of her naivety. So, one can’t tell a Moana story without Maui, as these two characters push each other to be better versions of themselves. And the comedy that comes from their dynamic sparks so much laughter. They know how to push each other’s buttons and what they need to hear whenever they are at their lowest moments — like when Moana’s ambition gets the better of her which nearly kills Moni. Instead of returning home defeated, Maui encourages her to be the Wayfinder he knows her to be, and the crew rallies behind her because they believe in her.

The sequel falls into some familiar traps and feels like the conceived limited series being repurposed into a feature film. It never gives us the time to get acquainted with the new characters. As a result, Kele, Loto, and Moni are underdeveloped. Of course, when they first set course to find the long-lost isle of Motofitu, they are dysfunctional and constantly bump into each other. The “What Could Be Better Than This?” music number is a valiant effort to showcase their various talents while also trying to get the reclusive Kele to embrace the sun and ocean — two things he fears. Although this cheery song doesn’t resonate as well as Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear’s other compositions like the celebratory “We’re Back,” the signature Disney ‘I Want’ song “Beyond,” and the motivating “Can I Get A Chee-hoo.” Even “Get Lost,” a colorful musical number that takes Moana deeper into the belly of a giant clam, encourages the hero and the audience to get lost, cut loose, and lose their way because breaking the rules and not playing it safe will help her find her way out of her imprisonment.

Heihei and Pua play more significant roles, too. Some are for comic relief, while others find them inadvertently helping Moana on her quest. And if you loved the Kakamora, they return as well. Although they were seen as an adversarial group of sentient coconuts intent on murdering anything that comes across them, we find out that there is much more depth to them and that they have a tragic history. When it comes to them, expect plenty of goofs and gags involving paralyzing darts and bone knives. Then there’s the way they communicate by beating on their chest or colorful visuals that tell their story of how they ended up separated from their island by Nalo.

Perhaps Moana 2′s strengths are how it presents its universal story while also celebrating cultural specificity. The film is about a desire for human connection and how we are always growing and changing no matter what age or place we are in life. Not only that, but Walt Disney Animation Studios made a concerted effort to ensure the sequel celebrates the Polynesian culture with authenticity. More so than the first. Much of that comes through sonically in Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa’i’s composition and songwriting. The film captures the true essence of the Pacific Islands through song and dance and shows what it means to be seen. We also get to see that representation in other set pieces, from the canoes and tools to the islands and oceans. The epic shots of scenic horizons, oceans, and islands prove why the sequel should have been on the big screen in the first place. And the action sequences put you on the edge of your seat. One can’t help but be in awe of all the fantastic visuals that the artists have created to help bring these worlds to life.

Even though Moana 2′s flaws make it fall short of its amazing predecessor, the sequel is still a sonic and visual feast. It expands the story of the title Wayfinder and her mischievous demigod best friend while inviting audiences to go yet on another voyage, which also expands the film’s mythology. And the magical dynamic between Cravalho and Johnson also sings, literally and figuratively. It’s so much fun to watch them banter back and forth while also revealing their vulnerabilities and willingness to help each other. One thing is for sure, you’ll be wanting to get on board this new adventure that’s guaranteed to be entertaining and be very heartfelt.

8.5/10