Moana 2 Movie Review: A Visual Spectacle

Moana 2 continues the beloved story of the daring wayfinder Moana and her mischievous companion, Maui, as they embark on a thrilling new journey across the vast Polynesian seas. Picking up after the events of the first film, the sequel delves deeper into Polynesian culture and mythology, introducing new characters, epic challenges, and breathtaking landscapes. With the return of Moana’s courageous spirit and Maui’s larger-than-life personality, Moana 2 promises a visual spectacle that will captivate audiences young and old. But does it manage to recapture the magic of the original? Let’s set sail and find out.

Moana 2
Cast: Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Hualalai Chung, Rose Matafeo, David Fane, Awhimai Fraser, Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Rachel House, Gerald Ramsey, Alan Tudyk

Directors: David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller
Genre: Animation
Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes

Quick Take: Moana 2 is a sequel to the massive Disney hit Moana (2016). It continues to explore Polynesian culture and folklore like its predecessor.

Critic’s Rating: 3.5/5

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Moana 2 sets sail as a worthy follow-up to its predecessor but ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. While the voice acting, especially from Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui, continues to impress, the film struggles to recapture the magic and originality that made the first Moana a landmark in Disney animation.

The original Moana (2016) blended Polynesian mythology with vibrant animation, thrilling adventure, and a strong female lead who wasn’t a Disney princess but a wayfinder. The story was a dynamic journey of self-discovery, and the songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda were catchy, meaningful, and unforgettable. Unfortunately, this sequel doesn’t quite match the same spark, with a plot that often feels more like a series of disconnected adventures rather than a cohesive narrative. Moana’s new quest, to undo a curse and battle the mysterious god Nalo, lacks the emotional resonance and stakes that made the first film so compelling.

The voice acting remains top-notch, with Cravalho bringing warmth and depth to Moana once again, and Johnson’s Maui still manages to charm, even if his character feels less vital this time around. New additions, like the sharp-tongued goddess Matangi (voiced by Awhimai Fraser), are entertaining but underutilized, leaving some characters feeling one-dimensional. The new human sidekicks—Loto, Kele, and Moni—are amusing but fail to leave a lasting impact.

As expected from a Disney film, the animation is stunning, with jaw-dropping visuals like massive sea monsters and the climactic battle with the storm god Nalo. However, while these moments are impressive in scale, they can feel more like spectacle for spectacle’s sake. The heart of the film seems lost amidst the gods, ghosts, and fantastical creatures. The introduction of a possible sequel setup, with a post-credit tease of a villainous return, further undermines the feeling that this film is a complete and satisfying narrative on its own. It’s said that the sequel was actually intended as a series, which explains the episodic nature of the storytelling.

Perhaps the biggest disappointment is the music. While Barlow & Bear’s contributions are solid—Beyond is an uplifting ballad, and Get Lost is a jazzy, fun number—they don’t have the same addictive quality as Miranda’s songs.

In the end, Moana 2 is still a fun, high-energy ride that younger audiences will likely enjoy. But compared to the brilliance of its predecessor, it feels like a fast-food version of the original. It doesn’t quite live up to the high bar set by Moana and remains somewhat underwhelming for those hoping for something truly spectacular.