2016: The year the movies took over the box office, with fan favorites such as Zootopia, La La Land, Finding Dory, the Jungle Book, and many more acclaimed and beloved films. But there’s just one that we believe everyone holds dear to their heart: Moana. With its popular songs like “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome,” its story depth and stunning visuals pay homage to the Polynesian culture and welcomed Moana as one of Disney’s youngest princesses. Even today, things like Moana-themed birthday parties or Moana dolls are just as popular, if not more, but why now? Well, if you didn’t know, it just came out with part two.
“I remember seeing the first Moana when I was nine, and I remember loving it so much,” senior Mckinley Funchess said. “I still hold the movie close to my heart.”

Moana 2 was announced back in February of this year, with its original plans to be released as a series, but eventually evolved into a theatrical film. After months of anticipation, its sequel came out just this past weekend on November 27th. I went on opening day to see what kind of crowds I would be with. I felt a ping of nostalgia, both for the little kids who were born after the original was released back in 2016, but also for those who were seeing it again almost nine years later.
“It really is a surreal moment for me, because obviously it’s nine years later but when you really take a step back and look at it, I feel like the directors really made this movie for us,” senior Emma O’Donnell said.
Almost everyone from the original cast made an appearance in the sequel- with returning protagonists Moana and Maui, voiced by Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson. While others returned to the film, we were introduced to a few new characters. Simea- voiced by Khaleesi Lambert-T suda, Moana’s little sister, plays a pivotal role in grounding Moana through her journey across the ocean. Set three years later, the now nineteen year old decides to bring a crew along with her, with three new characters and introducing more along the way. Even while Lin Manuel Miranda did not make a return, Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, otherwise known as Barlow & Bear- the youngest and first female composers for a Disney film made their big debut for the film, and the songs were upbeat, lyrically storytelling, and heartfelt.
“I think the music was really good,” freshman Mehreen Shaik said. “I do miss Lin- ManuelMiranda, but to continue on that genre of music really is a challenge, and I think they did that really well here.”

In my opinion, I thought it really captured Moana’s growth over the past three years and emphasized the importance of family and determination. There wasn’t one moment where I was bored; we can very clearly see how each character plays a principal role in helping Moana complete both her physical and internal journey to find herself and show her people that there