The sequel to the blockbuster hit "Moana," initially intended only for Disney+, is finally coming to cinemas before arriving on streaming platforms in 2025. This was a wise decision for Disney, as the stunning visuals of this new chapter definitely deserve to be seen on the big screen. The movie is available to stream on Afdah free Movies.
When we think of direct-to-video movies, we rarely imagine a very sophisticated plot, but the lyrics of Moana 2 don't seem to have been written spontaneously, and we think the kids are going crazy (yes, others before him made this mistake). Although it has some shortcomings, such as a villain with no scope and abandoning some clues along the way, this new adventure proves to be particularly fascinating. We held our breath many times, hoping that Moana would manage to overcome the various challenges that stand in her way.
Moana is accompanied by her most faithful friends, the pig Pua and the chicken Heihei, on her journey across the new ocean. Along the way, the demigod Maui joins them. The Polynesian explorer and her followers must find a hidden island deep in the distant oceans of Oceania to reunite their people. This new mission, given to her by the elders, will not be easy to accomplish, because the place is guarded by an angry god who creates insurmountable storms to thwart the adventurers' quest.
Composer Lin-Manuel Miranda did not return to write the songs for this new version, but his replacements Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear did a great job. Not all of the films have the same scope, but some of them are so compelling that they make you want to set sail and explore the world (which is no small thing!). The drums that pound like the waves on the hull of Moana's ship resonate deep in the heart of the moviegoer.
If Dwayne Johnson makes a splashy return as the tattooed Maui from the original, we must also acknowledge Anthony Cavanagh's return in the dub. Once again, he manages to convey the humor of the demigod and does a very good job with the voice part.