Moana 2 Review - Now Available on Digital

A digital code was received for review purposes.  

In November of last year, Moana 2 debuted with much anticipation, especially in Hawaiʻi, where much of the movie, such as the cultural traditions and customs, resonate with the locals, and of course stars Auliʻi Cravalho (as Moana) and Dwayne Johnson (as Maui) grew up in Hawaiʻi.

Moana 2 is now available on digital (to be released on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD March 18), and below is our review, with input from one of my kids (spoiler alert!). 

Synopsis: Moana 2 reunites Moana and Maui three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers.  After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.

Review:
While out exploring an island, Moana, Hei Hei, and Pua stumbled upon an artifact, signifying human life on other islands. Excited, Moana returns home to tell her parents. Later than night, members from the village participate in a kava drinking ceremony, during which Moana has a vision and was given a mission to find the island of Motefetū. 

She soon sets off with a trusted crew, gets diverted to help other islanders, and stumbles upon Maui.  Reunited with Maui, Moana and the crew all set out to find Motefetū. 

On their journey, they face numerous environmental and otherworldly challenges, but they work as a team to complete their mission, which culminates in some "chicken skin" moments when other wayfarers find their way to Motefetū.  

Don't miss the post-credits scene, which sets up a third movie!

My son really enjoyed when the "coconut dudes," the Kakamora, were introduced.  He also loved the special appearance by Tamatoa. 

His favorite parts of the movie were when Moana talked to her ancestors, how she teamed up with the Kakamora, and when people from other islands appeared at Motefetū.

The lessons of perseverance and not giving up despite failures or getting off track were very important, and also of great importance were the lessons of respecting our ancestors and elders, and protecting our resources and passing on knowledge for future generations.

Moana 2 was full of adventure and humor, and is an empowering and inspirational movie.  It was wonderful to see Polynesian culture represented, as well as cultural aspects such as wayfinding, kava, dance, storytelling, and chanting.  I was very impressed with how the animation really captured the significance of the ocean, and how it connects us all.