The Grand REX Celebrates 70 Years of the Mythical Water Fairy Show with Disney’s New Animated Film, Moana 2

Embark on an adventure with Moana and explore the mysterious waters of Oceania.

The Premiere:

I had the privilege of attending the premiere of Moana 2, directed by Dana Ledoux, with Anthony Kavanagh (Maui) and Cerise Calixte (Moana) for the French voices. The settings are breathtaking, with paradisiacal beaches and turquoise oceans particularly shining in their realism. The ocean animations are impressive and make the film's environment feel more natural. A slight drawback is the choice of songs, which are less engaging than those in the original *Moana*. However, they support the story well. It’s often said that sequels are less interesting than the first films (I’m among those who believe so). Yet, *Moana 2* breaks the rule; the story is coherent and effortlessly captivating.

Moana 1:

Moana: The Legend of the Ocean, or Moana in Quebec (Moana), is the 56^th animated classic from Disney Studios. Released in 2016, it was directed by Ron Clements and John Musker. The film’s storyline is loosely inspired by figures from Polynesian mythology.

Synopsis of Moana 2: After the first film where she discovered her true self in a journey filled with challenges alongside her animal companions and an atypical Polynesian god, Moana sets off on another adventure. Called by her ancestors, she embarks on a new expedition that takes her to the far reaches of Oceania, meeting a lively crew along the way.

The French voice cast includes Cerise Calixte, a versatile artist, actress, singer, and dancer, known for performances in prestigious shows like *Fame* (remember the 80s series?), *Beauty and the Beast*, and *The Wizard of Oz*. Anthony Kavanagh voices “Maui”; he is a Canadian-Haitian comedian, singer, and actor, adeptly juggling his three talents through numerous performances.