KSL MOVIE SHOW

KSL Movie Show review: Moana 2 maintains the charm of the original

Nov 27, 2024, 7:00 AM

...

Editor’s note: This is an editorial piece. An editorial, like a news article, is based on fact but also shares opinions. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and are not associated with our newsroom.

SALT LAKE CITY — Perhaps it’s the likelihood that massive amounts of snow are soon coming our way (at least here in Utah), that a side jaunt to a sunny, luscious Pacific island may be just what the witch doctor ordered. 

So for that reason, I was immediately drawn back into the story of Moana (voiced again by Auli’i Cravalho) now three years later, displaying a swagger and confidence of a young woman coming into her own. 

She is so revered and beloved by the people of Motunui that her chieftain father Tui (Temuera Morrison) bestows the title of “Tautai” on her as the most accomplished navigator and potential leader of her island nation, an honor that hasn’t been given out in a thousand years.  

Related: ‘Wicked’ is an epic adventure

In the process of the anointing ceremony, Moana envisions a future world where her people have all but disappeared due to a lack of connecting with other islanders in far-off lands.  She learns of a mysterious place called Motufetu, which was once the center hub of all the ocean civilizations, but has since sunken into the depths of the sea by a curse from a vengeful god Nalo. 

The great distance to Motufetu will require a bigger boat and a real crew that will include her worrisome pig Pua, the cockeyed chicken HeiHei and some newbies – including a problem-solving engineer Loto (Rose Matafeo), a cranky old farmer Kele (David Fane) and a Maui fanboy Moni (Hualālai Chung). 

And of course you’ll be asking where in the heck is Maui in all this? – (again voiced by Dwayne Johnson).  Well, he’s a bit tied up at the moment, dealing with Nalo’s henchwoman Matangi (Awhimai Fraser) and her assorted bat buddies and creepy fish friends.

Not to be left out are the feisty little coconut warriors, the Kakamora, who are also searching for their homeland and may see a benefit in working with Moana this time, rather than treating her and her crew like an all-you-can-eat smorgasbord.   

More from the KSL Movie Show: ‘Gladiator II’ is a massive spectacle

That’s the setup, which frankly doesn’t sound a whole lot different from the 2016 original, but there are a few notable exceptions.

Acclaimed songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda is out.  The Grammy-winning creators of “The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical” – Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear are in.  And not to say the new songs aren’t good, they just don’t have the same flair as Miranda’s.  

The animation certainly feels like it has a more adventurous energy to it, but the bad guy Nalo is pretty much a no-show, until a mid-credits scene where he chides underling Matangi for mishandling events, much like Thanos chewing Ronan a new one at the end of Guardians of the Galaxy.  

So “Moana 2” does show some growth, but never ventures to far away from its source material, yet that will probably be enough to draw in sizable crowds fresh from the recent joys of “Wicked” and “Gladiator II.” 

MOANA 2 (B+) Rated PG for action/peril. Featuring the voices of Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Temuera Morrison, Rose Matafeo and Awhimai Fraser. Directed by David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller in their feature film debut. Filmed at Walt Disney Animation Studios, Vancouver BC. Running time: 100 minutes. 

The KSL Movie Show with Andy Farnsworth and Steve Salles airs Fridays on KSL NewsRadio from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Follow the show on Facebook, and join The KSL Movie Show Club for exclusive perks by texting MOVIE to 57500. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Message frequency varies.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

KSL Movie Show

Bring them Down movie review...

Steve Salles

KSL Movie Show review: Beware ‘Bring Them Down’ may be a difficult watch

Steve Salles says the movie "Bring them Down" is well-made, well-acted, but be nothing but misery.

21 hours ago

KSL Movie Reviewer Steve Salles says he doesn't enjoy trashing movies, especially those that featur...

Steve Salles

KSL Movie Show review: ‘Love Hurts’ is painful to watch

The only saving grace of "Love Hurts," writes KSL Movie Reviewer Steve Salles, is that it's relatively short.

2 days ago

valiant one movie poster next to steve salles...

Steve Salles

KSL Movie Show review: ‘Valiant One’ is a silly movie that takes itself too seriously

"Valiant One" features a series of logistical mistakes with serious consequences — in a goofy movie that shouldn’t be mired by serious consequences. 

8 days ago

September 5 movie poster next to steve salles...

Steve Salles

KSL Movie Show review: Journalist or not, go see ‘September 5’

KSL Movie Show host Steve Salles says "September 5" is a must-watch for anyone wanting to go into news but journalist or not, go see this movie.

9 days ago

star trek section 31 poster next to host steve salles...

Steve Salles

KSL Movie Show review: ‘Star Trek: Section 31’ is pretty lackluster

"Star Trek: Section 31" features a collection of characters with unfortunately little to no charisma or spark.

15 days ago

brave the dark movie poster next to ksl host steve salles...

Steve Salles

KSL Movie Show review: ‘Brave the Dark’ leaves you scarred along the way

"Brave the Dark" puts the audience through the wringer of a series of very disturbing events.

16 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

KSL Movie Show review: Moana 2 maintains the charm of the original