REVIEW: MOANA 2

3.5/5

With A Paddle

100 Mins. Starring: Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Temuera Morrison, Rachel House, Nicole Scherzinger & Alan Tudyk. Screenplay: Jared Bush & Dana Ledoux Miller. Directors: Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller & David Derrick Jr. On: Disney +.

Setting sail on Disney Plus finally, after last fall's fond reception at the box office, 'Moana 2' makes its way to your streaming shores. Originally, you might have found the super sequel to the 2016 smash hit here. As the follow-up to the original movie, that is so good it will already have its own live-action feature film version next year, was originally conceived as a Disney + miniseries, like the 'Gone Fishing' short. But alas and aloha, 'Moana' is just too massive a franchise for Walt Disney's Animated Studios, without the Pixar lamplight shone upon it. You only have to watch the shorts (and we're talking like less than a minute short) on Disney Plus of 'A Fan Celebration Of Moana'. Serving as everything from better looks at pets than YouTube videos and make-up tutorials. Look at us, like Paul Rudd. Or should I say, "look at them!" Because look at this writer who waits for Disney films (aside from Marvel and Star Wars ones) to hit a Plus before he writes his reviews. But, hey, I live in Japan, we get all the films late.

I watched 'Moana' the day before yesterday to get ready for the March 26th streaming release of 'Moana 2'...shamefully, for the first time. WHAT?! It's been almost a decade. I know, I know. Ditto for the 'Fan Celebration Of Moana' (it's not hard to binge a series like that), the morning of. Setting everything up for the perfect mid-week Disney day, sorry 'Daredevil'...two episodes this week is just too much these days for someone heading to the bay of 40. 'Moana 2' directed by Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller and David Derrick Jr., with a screenplay from Jared Bush and Miller brings all your favourites back on song, dancing for this wicked musical. The absolutely amazing Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson (with The Rock reprising his role in the live-action...hey, he's demi-God big enough), Boba Fett himself Temuera Morrison, the grandmother spirit of Rachel House, Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger and the great, screaming Alan Tudyk as your favourite boat snack.

Grossing a billi after one hundred and fifty milli (who am I? Lil' Wayne? I didn't even buy a ticket), this refreshing reunion is anything but waterlogged. This boat rocks too, with a new wayfinding crew that reconnects all sorts of people, for all of those looking out to sea for the ones they've lost along the way. And if you miss the cuteness of the head-tilting, like the ocean, baby 'Moana', then rest assured, she has a little sister who is just as kawaii to the button. The songwriting of 'Hamilton's' very own Lin-Manuel Miranda may be missed, but Abigial Barlow and Emily Bear still hit the high-notes with earworms that will make your "keep the kids happy" car playlists. No need to let it go. The third-highest cinematic journey of last calendar also received a Golden Globe animation nomination, despite the critical water being mixed. But where was the Oscar love? No matter. The coconut pirates knocking together are still a hit, and a vivid post credits scene promises more. 'Moana 2' is a lovely movie that fits with the first one perfectly. A beautiful story about family and coming of age. The very definition of "aloha". TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Moana', 'Encanto', 'Raya And The Last Dragon'.