Half-baked adventure

This sequel to the memorable 2016 original looks gorgeous, but its convoluted plotting and distracted scripting don’t allow for any great attachment. Pacific Islander Moana (Auli‘i Cravalho) is an explorer who travels across the ocean — beyond just her tiny island of Motunui. Joined by islanders, Moana sets out to fulfil another one of her ancestors’ missions.

The future of her community depends on finding an island hidden by the vengeful god Nalo (Tofiga Fepulea’i) that connects Motonui to the rest of its oceanic archipelago.

The narrative feels scattered, the songs don’t have any hook and the adventure feels half-baked. ‘Moana’, the original film, focused on the relationship between the titular character and Maui (Dwayne Johnson), but this sequel isn’t able to create a similar entreating story arc. ‘Moana 2’ divides its attention among other characters who don’t have much to do in the scheme of things, and are therefore imminently forgettable.

Moana is an older sister now, and more aware of the high risk her mission involves. The first half of the narrative is devoted to establishing the newer characters and their place in Moana’s scheme of things. So, after an hour of establishing motive, Moana sets out on her journey.

The visual artistry here is phenomenal. ‘Moana 2’ has a bigger budget and richer animation. The oceanic settings are ominous. There’s a potential for terror in fearsome storms and visual enchantment in sunrises, sunsets, the night-time sky full of stars and stunning waterviews. The sea adventures have a vivid style and the visual effects are striking.

The film’s quest narrative isn’t much of a hook though. Moana meets different quirky characters, who add a certain amusement to the narrative. ‘Moana 2’ doesn’t have an effective emotional arc, neither is there much comedy to be had. Moana’s latest adventure feels rather cursory. Cravalho’s buoyancy doesn’t find free rein here. Johnson doesn’t have much to do either.

‘Moana 2’ doesn’t have Lin-Manual Miranda’s hit-making lyrics either. Written by Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, ‘Moana 2’s song collection is quite forgettable. This movie has technical flair, but lacks an entreating hook.