By J1 Reporter Eliana Mulkey

Disney’s riding the waves after their famous movie, “Moana,” turns into a series on Nov. 27.

“Moana” first came out in fall of 2016, sweeping the floor with multiple awards such as the 2017 Nominee for “Best Animated Picture,” “Outstanding Achievement in Animated Effects in an Animated Production,” and many more. It was obvious from day one “Moana” would receive these awards because even when it was streamable, my house would echo with the voice of Moana singing “How Far I’ll Go.” 

What made the cherry on top for this Family/Adventure movie entertainment wise for my 7-year-old self was the familiar actors in “Moana.” Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson played Maui. Johnson was featured in well-known movies like “Jumanji” or The Fast and Furious productions and has a recognizable voice that even animation can’t hide. With Johnson back for “Moana 2” it was amazing to see a reunion with Maui and Moana in the second movie, after having more than a six year age gap in between each film. Maui’s one liners throughout “Moana 2” make the movie even more enjoyable for a teenager and put a smile on my face frequently throughout watching. 

Written by Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa’i, this action-adventure animated film captures Moana journeying to the far seas of Oceania after an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors to save her village from a curse. “Moana 2” was inspired by Polynesian mythology about a chief’s daughter who is called to be connected with the ocean, and go on adventures with demigods. You can watch this mythological picture on Disney + close to March 7, due to the movie still being in theaters. The movie is around an hour and 40 minutes long and features original songs sung by the actors to make the adventure more entertaining and fun. 

According to IMDb, “Moana 2” is rated 3.5 out of 5 stars with 62% rotten tomatoes. Even though this adventurous movie is not liked upon many people or is not worth it for some, it was for me. I loved how it kept the Samoan culture around throughout the movie while still tying into the main plot, with the fictional characteristics. When Moana would not give up on saving her village gave me a sense of hope for my life to keep trying and really was an emotional piece to the movie. I would rate the movie a 4 out of 5 stars. Even though I’m not much of a musical girl, the songs in “Moana 2” were the best touch to any scene to make it more entertaining. 

Overall, “Moana 2” is the perfect movie to see with your little ones to get a good laugh from Maui or even get away from the gloomy winter and into the tropical Samoan lifestyle.