“Moana 2,” which opens in theaters on Wednesday, was originally developed as a streaming series before airing on the big screen. What’s interesting, though, is that there’s no shortage of scale or spectacle here. Directors David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana LeDoux Miller have created an often dazzling animated film that’s a step up from 2016’s “Moana.”

But in a story that brings in a literal boatload of new characters, it’s hard to shake the feeling that “Moana 2” is caught in the crossfire — too swept up between the studio’s changing imperatives to really find its way. .

It’s a shame because the original “Moana” is the lightest, most enjoyable animated film Disney has made in a decade — with the possible exception of “Encanto,” which was similarly based on the uptempo rhythm of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s songs. .

Photorealistic remakes have been a more prominent provision of the Magic Kingdom in recent years, a trend that has made more whimsical, fantasy-filled animations like “Moana” even more extravagant. It was a film that balanced Pacific Island cultural authenticity with the cartoony joy of a demigod casual shark and Jemaine Clement as a singing, giant crab. Talk about win win.

That kind of inventiveness is hard to come by, honestly, but not in a particularly inspired “Moana.” It begins with a clearly grown Moana searching for evidence of Pacific Islanders beyond her home island. By now he himself is a legendary figure to his people, worshiped by the youth for his courage and having “super-besties” with the god Maui.

When Moana finds an artifact containing evidence of Motuefetu, the twin-peaked island that was once thought to be the connecting hub of her ancestors, she sets out to find the cursed island and reunite the disparate peoples of Oceania. Comes out. However, this time, Moana is sailing with a more crowded boat.

Some old friends – the rooster Heihei and the pig Pua – are back. But Moana decides that this time she needs humanitarian help, and she brings with her a team of uber Maui fan Moni, engineer Lotto, and stubborn old farmer Bananas.

Each of these characters has a general tone to play off of, and while you can see the need for a series to add more personalities, in “Moana 2” they’re effectively dead.

For me, the iconic image of these films is of Moana as a solo adventurer, leaning against the wind in her kaimakau and charting an unknown path. Sure, Maui is essentially her buddy-comedy partner in the adventure, but Moana and her canoe should allow passengers no more than John Wayne is on his horse.

After an encounter with Kakamora’s Coconut Brigade, Moana and Maui eventually reunite via a giant clam, where Maui is trapped by a mysterious, bat-adorned Matangai, a villain of sorts for the film. . He’s more interesting than some of the recent Disney rivals and probably has the best song in a movie that misses Miranda’s touch.

That scene and the climax, with a sea of ​​whirlwinds swirling in stormy waters, are vividly portrayed – certainly, enough to delight young moviegoers. Coming hot on the heels of “Wicked,” one of the biggest selling points of “Moana 2” may be its comparatively quick running time. At 100 minutes, it’s a full hour shorter than “Wicked.”

Ironically, “Moana 2” – which is being spun off from a future series – has brevity in its favor. But expectations for “Moana 2” must go beyond mere placeholders. Only a few times does the banter between Moana and Maui really remind you of the fun that characterized the original. In one such moment, Moana corrects Maui when he calls her – perhaps confusing Moana for several other Disney heroes – a princess. His return? “Well, a lot of people think you are.”

The Walt Disney Company release “Moana 2” is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association for action/risk. Running time: 100 minutes. Two out of four stars.

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