My Own Personal Nerdy Disney and Animation Scrutinizing Analyses: "Moana 2" - The Surprising, But Mandatory Sequel To The Most Streamed Disney Movie To Date and The Third Revival Princess Hit Movie From Disney

Hi folks! Welcome to my My Own Personal Nerdy Disney and Animation Scrutinizing Analysis blog. A blog where I'm analyzing several Disney films, Disney or Animation in general! These entries are just meant to be my analyses. Not reviews or statements. Just fun analyses! Though I'll make some personal remarks now and then, the content of these entries are meant to be depicted objectively. They're made for entertainment purpose only and the pictures/clips are copyright Disney or other companies.

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This is what happens when you let a woman steer :)

This is the new Power Pose :)

As the old Greek statement once said: Desperate times craves for desperate measures. With this new decade, it`s been clear that Disney has once again entered another Dark Age. It would be easy to call this cycle a sheer synergy, since the Disney Revival era followed the 20th year cycle (and synergy) of the Renaissance. Both Raya and the Last Dragon and Encanto were downright flops, but were ufortunately hampered by the pandemic (despite how Encanto eventually found it`s audience on Disney Plus). Later on, we saw the release of the underrated and frankly forgotten Strange World. A male centered adventure movie who followed the footsteps of Atlantis The Lost Empire and Treasure Planet and also became an outright flop (which is a pity, since Strange World was a good movie). And last year came Wish, a female musical that was deeply steeped in Disney`s traditions. And while it did better than Strange World, it was still somewhat a flop (despite how all of them found their audience on Disney Plus). But still, regarding these new post-Revival movies, the truth is that they`re not as radically different from their Revival predecessors.

Enjoy our play while you can.
Afterwards you`ll become my
food :)

In fact, most of them seems like they`ve could`ve fit into that mold (despite how both Raya and Encanto were tweaking on the female musical formula. As Raya was daringly enough a Princess movie that wasn`t a musical. And Encanto was a female musical not starring a Princess. And sure, it would`ve been easy to also put Wish into the same category. But let`s face it, Wish is technically more a Princess movie than Encanto. As Wish had more of it`s elements). But regarding the new direction Disney is taking, they`ve now once again been stuck in a mold that they were five years ago: The sequel mode. And yes, it`s simply needless to say that this mold is thanks to how desperate times craves for desperate measures. And while it would`ve upset purists who`ve always loathed the idea of Disney being on a sequel mode, the truth is that we`ve gotten one now with Moana 2.

The Surprising Announcement and General Information About Moana 2

In fact, the announcement of Moana 2 was nothing but a sheer surprise. For the underperformances of Disney`s movies of this new decade, there were speculations if Disney were going to lay down their big release for 2024. But sure, they were just vague rumors. In fact, the expansion of the Moana franchise was to make it a Disney Plus series. Of course to give it a full-length, Theatrical sequel is very questionable. Since Moana was a modest hit and wasn`t the behemoth that was Frozen was. But still, Moana has gained it`s audience on home releases (being the most sold movie of 2017) and streaming devices (being the top-streamed film for kids and families in 2023, with 11.6 billion streams), Which answers the corporate decision to give it a sequel.

Released eight years after it`s predecessor (which makes it almost a decade between the two films, which was a bigger gap between the two Frozen movies). But at least Moana 2 is a first for a John Musker and Ron Clements-property: Being a movie that got a Theatrical sequel (and yes, let`s exclude the cheapquels to their Hand Drawns properties, shall we?). But also for being a Musker and Clements-sequel that wasn`t directed by them (despite how Clements came to Disney to attend the launch for the Moana series).

Directed by David Derrick Jr. (who came to Disney to work on Moana and storyboarded How Far I’ll Go and the reprise), Jason Hand (story artist for the first film) and Dana Ledoux Miller. But what`s also truly noteworthy is how Lin-Manuel Miranda, who helmed the original songs, was suprisingly enough not behind the songs (for being busy with Mufasa). As Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear (from The Unofficial Bridgeton Musical) made the songs (as they were approached before Miranda). But Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa'i returned to the score. Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Rachel House, and Alan Tudyk have returned to roles. But at least Moana 2 is noteworthy for being another Princess movie who`ve followed a previous movie about a heroine, Wish. Where there was a three year gap between the three Princess movies in the Revival era that were in CGI (Tangled, Frozen, Moana, Frozen II), at least this new Era haven`t truly followed that rut. And yes, Moana 2 was released on IMAX.

The Innovations of The First Moana

The thing behind us isn`t
actual water. Fortunately :)

In many ways, this entry is somewhat of a full circle for me. Since Moana was frankly the first entry that I wrote that was about an upcoming project. And which I`m now returning to. In fact, while Moana wasn`t particularly distinctive from it`s Revival Princess Counterparts, it still had a few innovations of it`s own. It was the first of these Princess movies that was not based on an existing fairy tale and was an original story. It was the first Princess movie starring a Princess who had no love subplot whatsoever (and while both Merida from Brave and Elsa from Frozen were preceeding Moana, let`s remember that Merida was rebelling against her suitors. And Elsa was a secondary character, after all). It was also the first of the CGI Princess movies that was centered around a non-White heroine (and yes, The Princess and the Frog doesn`t count, as it was a Hand Drawn property).


I`m dressed in leaves, to make Pocahontas proud :)

And sure, just as with it`s Revival predecessors, Moana had the trope of the sparring dynamic of a male and female lead. But for once with a male and female who weren`t love interests (despite how Zootopia was technically preceeding Moana). But what made Moana different from the previous Disney Princesses, is how she was allowed to have slightly more meat on her body than her predecessors (and yes, I`ll say slightly). And despite how Moana was pretty episodic in nature and structure, at least it was a Hero`s Journey-story. And despite how Moana wasn`t the first heroine to think about her duty to her people, she still was innovative enough to actually have her movie centered around it first and foremost. But while Moana was another movie with a Polynesian setting (after Lilo & Stitch), at least Moana was centered around the tribal aspects and the mythology of the culture. Not that Stitch wasn`t a valentine to the culture, but perhaps not in such a way as Moana was.

The Differences and Similarities Between the Two Movies

This is the way you raise kids,
parents :)

To analyze Moana 2 to it`s predecessor, what`s noteworthy is how Moana herself have been allowed to look different. As she definitively looks both older and a little more plumb. Which is essentially bold and daring, to age a Disney Princess a bit (and certainly something that Disney didn`t do with the sisters in Frozen, besides giving them new hairstyles). But what makes Moana 2 more unique is how Moana is given a little sister, in Simea (which was going to be in the series). Sure, it`s questionable and also mandatory. To wonder if the sister dynamic in Frozen is the reason for why Moana was given a little sister. And for the pure commercial reason to sell dolls of her (director Derrick Jr. based Simea on his own daughter by the same name. And the affection between his own kids and to give Moana a reason to return in Motonui). But at least it gives another synergy to Lilo & Stitch, who also had a sister dynamic. But what makes Moana 2 unique, is that for a rare time, a Disney feature is centered around an older sibling and not the younger one (as it`s usually is with Disney).

I know that you think my
necklace is candy, but I`ll give
ya one of candy afterwards :)

But what also makes

Moana 2 remarkable is it`s soundtrack. Despite having a different songwriting team, it manages to recreate the sound of the first soundtrack similar to it`s predecessor. And sure, both We`re Back and Beyond are structured in the same way as their stock songs in the first movie. The new songs serve the stock songs that from the original: The introductory song, the "I want"-song, the comedy song for Maui and ect. But what also makes both soundtracks similar, is how the songs are essentially variations and reprises of each other. But since the "I want"-songs from Disney have managed to become even bigger after Frozen`s Let it Go, it`s needless to say that Beyond will be the standout song from the movie. And what`s even more remarkable is how Cravalho herself recorded the end credit version of Beyond. But unlike Frozen II, Moana 2 reuses songs from it`s predecessor. Like Tulou Tagaloa, Innocent Warrior and We Know The Way. Cause it`s remarkable that Frozen II (with the exception of Reindeers are Better than People) didn`t.

Comparisons to Frozen II

I wanted to look cute in the
storm :)

In fact, since Moana 2 is the Second Official Disney Sequel to a Princess Movie (sorry for using that term, folks, but we know that that`s why they are), a comparison to the previous Princess sequel Frozen II is superfluous, but also inevitable. As known, Frozen II was a mandatory sequel for the enormous and surprising success that the first Frozen was. But what made Frozen II surprising is despite following the footspets of a behemoth, at least surprisingly enough tried to be it`s own movie. It didn`t rehashed the storyline of it`s predecessor, or reused the musical themes so much. Even the settings were modeled to look different to the first movie.

Don`t worry, this is just a
rehersal :) I`m not actually
being doped by the
injections :)

But Moana 2 happens to share many similarities and differences with Frozen II. Just like Frozen II, it takes place three years after it`s predecessor. And like Frozen II, it takes our friends on a new quest. And ike Frozen II, it introduces new characters to the franchise (a new squad to Moana and a semi-antagonist, Matangi). And like Frozen II, it gives our heroine a divine power. But unlike Frozen II, it doesn`t start showing the heroine as toddlers. And unlike Frozen II, Moana 2 feels essentially a rehash of it`s predecessor. And unlike Frozen II, Moana 2 didn`t seem to bother to fix all the scrutinies lobbed at the original (cause if you think about it, Frozen II was). And unlike Frozen II, the title wasn`t with Roman numbers. But unlike Frozen II, which was mostly received well critically (as somebody called it an improvement over it`s predecessor), the critical reception to Moana 2 has been inferior. As the overall reception of it have been mixed.

The Information About Moana 2 Revealed to The Public

Yes, we`re competing of
who`s the coolest of
us :)

Regarding the information of Moana 2 revealed to the public, Disney still has their policy of revealing most of the information at the very end, But the first hint of the sequel was during an short interview with Cravalho in 2019 at The Little Mermaid Live. Where she was surprisingly coy about a sequel. The show was announced during the Pandemic (as a part of the Investor Day 2020). But the sequel was suddenly announced on YouTube in February this year. And afterwards with a official picture of Moana`s new squad. In April, the first official still of Moana herself was released. And the official synopsis. A picture of our heroine was shown during the upcoming releases for 2024 at CinemaCon. Where We’re Back back shown, and Johnson presented the movie. And a group of Hawaiian dancers and percussionists performed. The teaser poster and trailer debuted in May (making the trailer the most viewed Disney trailer ever). In June, more clips were shown at Annecy International Animation Film Festival. Like We’re Back, Simea`s introduction, Moana getting her vision and a brief clip of Maui.

Don`t worry, ADX
will be way worse
than this :)

In July, some new promotional images were released. With Moana and
Maui. And Moana and Simea. And a interview with Cravalho, alongside with some book covers and a Japanese poster. In August, a TV spot was released. Moana 2 was presented at this year`s Disney D23 Expo (where Cravalho sang We`re Back), where the second trailer was released and a new poster. And a interview with Johnson and some new stills. The Japanese trailer was also released, alongside with a interview of the director, both on YouTube. A picture of a new Calendar was also revealed. More interviews with Cravalho were released, alongside with German book covers and a bag. Also revealed in August was a painting of Moana and Matangi and some French books, with some synopsises. And also some Spanish book covers and some cliparts. In September, more book covers were shown, both American and French ones. And some reveals of dolls and playsets. And a new article. An artwork about Moana and Simea was shown. As well as a Cover story from Entertainment Weekly and other articles from that site. As well as another trailer and a new poster. And a sneak peak of We`re Back. And a video of Cravalho unboxing some toys. And an article with a new still and the cover for the Art of-book. And some new links to more toys. And some funko pops.

Yes, a bat is the new
and cool villain
sidekick now :)

In October, a new look was released on YouTube, as well as a new poster. And some new stills of Matangi. A new Japanese trailer was released. Alongside with some new TV spots and a new article from Total Film Magazine. And some information about new books. The directors showed more scenes at Animation Is Film Festival in Hollywood, California (the same scenes shown at Annecy and the scene with Kakamora and Maui and Matangi). Where the directors answered questiona and signed posters. Disney EU revealed some dolls. A new TV spot was revealed, as was an article. An interview with Nicole Scherzinger on YouTube was posted. As well as character posters and a concept art drawing. And a new interview. And a "Moana is Back"-featurette. And Exhibitor-exclusive posters and related articles. In a press event in Burbank, Disney screened the first 30 minutes of the sequel. And more video interviews and more promos. And a Japanese video of Beyond. And another pre-screening. And an article how it setted records of first-day advance ticket sales. And even more articles.

In November, more articles arrived. And the maquettes arrived at Disney`s Hollywood Studios. And the end credit version of Beyond. And more TV spots and promo`s. And new character posters. Moana 2 was shown at the Brazilian D23 Expo. Johnson talked about his song on GMA and presented a short clip. A featurette about Beyond was released and a video of the composers playing it on the piano. And some more clips. Matangi's song Get Lost and Maui's Can I Get A Chee Hoo? were played by the composers on a video. And a new interview with Barlow and Bear from Access Daily. And a interview with Hualalai Chung (Moni) and producer Christina Chen. And some Japanese posters. Clips from We're Back and Beyond. Johnson shared a promo with Chee Hoo. And even more videos, with "Answer the Call"-featurette and "Boat Snack" pre-show to World of Color: Season of Light at Disney California Adventure. Some information at Disney Company’s website, as a 4.5 minute interview with crew. And more videos of music featurettes and a World Premiere recap were posted. And also new articles. And a picture of the sticker album. And a new clip, pictures and videos of the display at Hollywood Studios. And a NFL promo.

Behind the Scenes Information

I`m so excited and I just can`t
hide it :)

As known, Moana 2 began as a Disney Plus show, just simply titled
Moana. With a massive budget of $150. It was originally slated for 2023. While there`s little information about the show, there was more room to play with the ensemble. And gave deeper, more involved arcs (and musical moments) to these characters. But unsurprisingly, the switch was set not long before the announcement. Disney kept the Thanksgiving 2024 date open, in case for other projects, like Zootopia 2. However, neither Johnson or Cravalho were involved on the picture until February. Bob Iger really had to announce Moana 2. Only problem was, Dwayne Johnson’s deal had to be redone to account for the change in format, a fact that Ari Emanuel and his WME team leveraged to get the star both a $15 million up-front fee and elevated box office bonuses, per one source. Animation was handled at Disney Vancouver studio when it was a series (the first feature film made there). While pre-production and storyboarding was done at Burbank.

I`ve been cursed by Snow
White and Elsa :)

Hand

was desperate to work on it for his love to the world. Mini Maui was once again animated by Eric Goldberg. Disney worked once again with Oceanic Cultural Trust, and Nainoa Thompson and Polynesian Voyaging Society to the trust (who`ve reclaimed the artistry of wayfinding). While one of the research trips was a localized one. The Hōkūleʻa (double-hull canoe) was actually in Marina Del Rey in California and we got to go down there and speak with Nainoa Thompson. But Derrick went to Samoa for research. As for the theme of the story, it came from when Derrick realized that you're always growing and changing. However, the entire third act of Moana 2 was still in storyboards in September and the movie has to be done in 16 weeks.

This is going to be the hip and
cool way of slaying fish :)

Simea`s personality and teeth was based on Derrick`s own Simea. And her movements was based on his own daughters clumsy movements. As for Matangi, the screenwriters deliberately wanted her reasons to be complex. To make the Kakamora more sympathetic at the time was a deliberate choice. Bear and Barlow are the youngest composers to work on a animated movie. A song was written just based on percussion loops from the first Moana as inspiration. Can I Get a Che-Hoo was hard to write. But it stayed the same from the day they wrote it. Barlow and Bear threw out a some songs before landing on it (including a number they loved). Chee-Hoo was the last song written, because it took them time to find the balance of heartfelt encouragement and Maui's personality. And every time they tried to write something motivational, it sounded cheesy. So the song took place when it was about Moana starting to believe in herself.

Every club is going to hire me
as their new bodyguard :)

Johnson admits that Che-Hoo? was difficult for him to get right, for going into a lot of different places. But he loved the challenge. Barlow and Bear chose to infuse the song with a Jawaiian beat, a sub-genre of music from Hawaii that combines reggae and hip-hop. That was part of their collaboration with the Oceanic Cultural Trust. Who would review each song the duo wrote them and offer feedback. As for the Oscars, the studio is submitting just two: Beyond and Chee Hoo? The release date of Wicked was moved up to avoid Moana 2 release date.

Epilogue

Yes, these numbers are
heavy :)

At the end,

Moana 2 is another entry into Disney`s evergrowing library of animated movies. But at least it`s notable for two twings: Of being another sequel to the previously non-sequel company Disney. And being a sequel to one of the modest hits of the Revival era. And sure, it`s also milking the formula that Disney are practically synonymous with: A Princess movie that`s a musical. But Moana 2 has been a huge, financial success so far. And while Moana 2 is a result of how desperate times craves for desperate measures (which may be upsetting to the purists who loathes sequels), we`ll have to remember that Hollywood is what it is: A place where finance and success talks and where money does mean everything in such a defining and cynical business. And sure, since Disney has entered another Dark Era financially, it would be tempting to wonder if the following movies of this decade will be as successful as Moana 2. Or if Moana 2 will be the lone huge hit during the dark era (despite how it`s going to be followed by two sequels that will sure become hits, Zootopia 2 and Frozen III).

Yes, we`re trying to make a
pig eat a rooster. It`s
delicious :)

But due to Moana 2 opened strongly, a third movie has been confirmed and it will follow the rut of Frozen. And sure, the success of Moana 2 confirms the stigma of Hollywood of how original properties don`t have any chance to stand on their own. But since Disney have been badly stuck last year (2023), they deserve to have a comeback, anyway. As for my experience of Moana 2, I did actually like it. Despite how it was mostly as expected, I found it to be better than it`s predecessor, due to how the soundtrack was better as a whole. And despite how the songs were from a new composing team, they still felt like they belonged in Moana`s universe. And while it was made by commercial intention, it was still an honorable product. However, whether Moana 2 will stand the test of time and manage to become a classic of it`s own right, there`s nothing left to welcome it to Disney`s evergrowing jungle of animated movies.