Animated sequels to hit Disney movies have only recently become the stuff of mass theatrical spectacle. There was a time, not so long ago, when these things were shuffled off to the home video market as Disney tried to preserve the raw sense of awe that came with their big theatrical productions. Attempting to replicate that original awe is, for Disney at least, a relatively modern conceit.
Which brings us to “Moana 2,” the follow-up to the hit “Moana,” which quickly became one of the most popular things in the world to kids everywhere when it hit theaters in 2016. In the age of franchises, it’s a natural fit for a follow-up, and Disney originally intended to do so on the small screen, with a streaming series that would have continued the title character’s run as an ocean explorer. Then the dollar signs started adding up, and Disney decided “Moana 2” would be a better fit for a big holiday season theatrical rollout.
And indeed, the studio seems to have been right about that. Kids and families everywhere are stoked to return to Moana’s world, the film will make a ton of holiday season money, and of course the merchandise train is already full steam ahead as we head towards Christmas. The big-ness of “Moana 2,” and the noise it’ll make as it crashes into theaters, was never in doubt.
But does bigger equal better? With an expanded cast, new songs, and an even bigger mission for the title character, “Moana 2” is a film that talks a big game, but its oc.