Here’s Why 'Moana 2' Is Hitting All The Right Notes With Critics

It was one of Disney’s biggest 2010s hits, and audiences will soon have a chance to witness the continuation of that story on the big screen. Earlier reports signaled that the “Moana” saga would proceed in the form of an animated TV series — but when the project received a green light to become a feature movie, critics and fans alike were overjoyed.

Hitting theaters today

You might be preoccupied with your Thanksgiving dinner plans, but if there’s a “Moana” fan in your house you probably already know that this is also the release date of the highly anticipated sequel “Moana 2.”

And critics have already begun weighing in with some positive reviews.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Old favorites: Familiar characters like Maui, Hei Hei, and Pua the Pig receive plenty of screentime to please fans of the original.
• New faces: A new supporting cast joins forces with Moana as she heads out on a mission to locate a sunken island.
• Broader horizons: Whereas the original film was focused on a tight-knit community, its sequel greatly expands the scope of the action.

Like its 2016 predecessor, “Moana 2” is chock full of catchy tunes, witty dialogue, and a story that packs plenty of heart.

The way it should be told

Given the grandiosity of the quest at the center of “Moana 2,” critics seem to agree that it deserves the big-screen treatment. A-list actors, top-tier animation, and an impressive production quality are all features that combine to create a compelling and enjoyable tale for audiences of all ages.

Some are already ranking it among other great cinematic sequels like “Paddington 2” and “The Empire Strikes Back.”

And if you still haven’t had enough of the Moana story, just wait until the live-action remake of the original finally hits theaters.

Chris Agee November 27th, 2024

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