After saving her tribe’s world from a volcanic demon, Te Ka, and replacing the heart, stolen by a demi-god, back to the goddess of nature, Te Fiti, her life has changed drastically. Her people now flourish on her Polynesian island of Motunui. She is now a legend, and her story is told everyday by her people. Things seem to be perfect, but are they? Something is missing and this new hero must discover the future for them all. 
Wayfinding is an ancient Polynesian art that allowed their people to locate many islands by traveling across the ocean. They would use the stars, moon, sun, swells, and wildlife to navigate through the seas and come across many different lands. These changes would keep the many tribes together and also allow for survival for many generations to come.
Now a Wayfinder, Moana (voice Auliʻi Cravalho) receives a message from her ancestors that she must find a way to link their tribe with the other lost tribes scattered all over the ocean. Needing help from Maui (voice Dwayne Johnson) and a crew of non-seafaring tribal members they are off to seek the mysterious hidden island of Motufetu and defeat the curse set by the god Nalo (voice Tofiga Fepulea’i). Her quest, like before, requires her to find and locate her friend and the demi-god Maui that always seems to find himself in some sort of trouble.
Before they all set out on their expedition, they need to build a ship that would carry them to their destination and train a crew that can help her complete her quest. The group consisted of Loto (voice Rose Matafeo), friend and smart ship architect, Kele (voice David Fane), an aged local farmer, Moni (voice Hualālai Chung), a strong man and fan of Maui, Heihei (Alan Tudyk), a pet rooster, and Pua, a pet pig. These ragtag sailors are heading on an impossible cruise that will need the right leadership and teamwork to complete their mission.
With an excellent storyline that included outstanding animated scenes, directors David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, have successfully put together a fantastic sequel. They also establish the history of her people and how Moana must discover a way to return things the way they should be. As a Wayfinder it is important to connect all of the people of the ocean together to ensure survival of her race. The animated special effects similar to the first installment helps create the adventure and the obstacles she must endure to reach her needed goals.
This wonderful continuation of these island people’s tale helps show the roots and traditions that the Polynesian societies are formed from. A fun and entertaining experience that brings us all on an ocean voyage to uncover the real truths of Moana’s predecessors.
Final Comment: I based my grade on the remarkable narrative and the marvelous journey we all encounter.
Stars 4 out of 5
Additional Film Information
Cast: Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Temuera Morrison, Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, Rose Matafeo, David Fane, Hualālai Chung, and Rachel House.
Directed by: David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller.
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, and Musical.
MPAA Rating: Rated PG for action/peril.
Running Time: 1 hour and 4 minutes.
Release Date: November 27, 2024
Distributed By: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Release In: IMAX, Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, and Standard.