Moana 2 movie review: Disney’s highly anticipated sequel, Moana 2, set sail eight years after the beloved original. While the new installment continues to showcase vibrant visuals and exhilarating action, it struggles to recapture the emotional depth and musical magic that defined the 2016 classic. Directed by a trio of newcomers—David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller—the film offers a mix of adventurous highs and lackluster lows, leaving fans with a sequel that’s entertaining yet falls short of its predecessor’s brilliance.
Moana 2 movie review
At the conclusion of the first Moana, our heroine restored balance to her island, defeated the fiery Te Kā, and rediscovered her people’s legacy as voyagers. Moana 2 picks up from this triumphant moment but shifts its focus to a broader narrative. The film wastes no time thrusting Moana, now a seasoned leader voiced by the talented Auli’i Cravalho, into a new quest to save the interconnected oceans.
Motunui, Moana’s home, thrives under her leadership, but Moana is restless. She yearns to reconnect her island with others in Oceania. A desolate vision of Motunui’s future pushes her to journey to the legendary island of Motufetu, cursed by the god Nalo. Here lies the crux of her new adventure: a fight against isolation and division, symbolized by Nalo’s attempts to sever human connections.
One of the strongest aspects of Moana 2 is its portrayal of Moana as a mature and confident leader. The film’s opening sequence immediately reestablishes her as a dynamic character, showcasing her physical prowess and determination. From climbing a steep rock face with her loyal pig Pua in tow to confronting her fears of failure, Moana proves why she remains one of Disney’s most compelling protagonists.
However, the sequel emphasizes her external challenges more than her internal growth. Unlike the original, where Moana’s journey of self-discovery and belief in her destiny were pivotal, this film focuses on her established confidence and leadership. While inspiring, this shift sacrifices some of the emotional resonance that made the first Moana so memorable.
Joining Moana on her journey is a trio of quirky sidekicks who bring humor and charm to the narrative. These include:
- Loto (Rose Matafeo): A spirited inventor whose enthusiasm often leads to chaotic but endearing results.
- Kele (David Fane): A grumpy farmer whose constant complaints contrast humorously with the group’s optimism.
- Moni (Hualālai Chung): A Maui superfan who adds a touch of hilarity with his hero-worship and fanfiction about the demigod.
While these new additions enliven the story, their development feels shallow compared to the rich dynamics of the original film’s characters. Maui (Dwayne Johnson), the larger-than-life demigod, is notably absent for much of the movie, trapped by the vampiric goddess Matangi (Awhimai Fraser). This subplot provides some intriguing moments, but Maui’s reduced role diminishes the comedic and emotional core that his partnership with Moana brought to the first film.
Visually, Moana 2 maintains Disney’s standard of excellence. The animation is breathtaking, with intricate details bringing the ocean, landscapes, and creatures to life. The sequence involving a massive, island-sized clam and the Kakamora coconut pirates showcases the film’s flair for thrilling action.
Nalo, the film’s primary antagonist, is portrayed as a menacing force of nature, manifesting through ocean tornadoes charged with destructive energy. While visually impressive, his character lacks depth and personality, especially when compared to the iconic Te Kā. This weak villainy detracts from the emotional stakes of the final battle, making it feel more like a technical display than a climactic showdown.
The music in Moana 2, composed by Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, offers a serviceable yet underwhelming soundtrack. The absence of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s creative genius is palpable, as the songs lack the unforgettable hooks and emotional gravity of the original hits like How Far I’ll Go and You’re Welcome.
Some standout tracks, such as “Beyond” and “Get Lost,” capture a glimpse of the rhythmic island charm, but others, like “What Could Be Better Than This?” rely on formulaic structures and faux-rap verses that feel like imitations of Miranda’s style. While pleasant, the music ultimately fails to leave a lasting impression.
At its heart, Moana 2 explores themes of connection, family, and legacy. Moana’s relationship with her little sister Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda) provides touching moments, underscoring the emotional stakes of her journey. Additionally, the return of Gramma Tala (Rachel House) as a spiritual guide offers nostalgic callbacks and heartfelt wisdom.
The film also emphasizes the power of unity, contrasting Moana’s unwavering belief in bringing people together with Nalo’s isolationist motives. While these themes are timely and uplifting, their execution often feels didactic, lacking the nuanced storytelling of the original.
Conclusion
Moana 2 is a visually dazzling and action-packed sequel that continues the story of one of Disney’s most beloved heroines. While it captures the spirit of adventure and delivers some entertaining moments, it struggles to achieve the emotional resonance and musical brilliance of its predecessor.
Despite its shortcomings, the film’s themes of connection and perseverance, coupled with Moana’s indomitable spirit, make it a worthy addition to Disney’s animated canon. Fans of the original will enjoy revisiting the world of Moana, even if this sequel doesn’t quite reach the same shores of greatness.
Top Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
The current it follows, however basic it may be, still results in an enjoyable effort that families will happily lap up across the upcoming festive season – Peter Gray, The AU Review
The problem with this film is that it fails to live up to the original in every single category. You can safely save this one for the small screen – Collin Garbarino, WORLD
Moana 2 is a convoluted mess when it tries to tell a new story and a bland forgettable retread when it leans on the original – Rachel Wagner, rachelsreviews.net
I kept wishing for a better balance between story and action. Also, it takes much too long to reunite Maui and Moana. So, this is not top-level Disney, but if Moana gets a bit lost in this chapter, we will wait for her to find her way – Nell Minow, Movie Mom
Moana remains a great character, resourceful and self-reliant but still prone to trip, and her dynamic with Maui is again a joy, even if it’s softened from the snarky interplay of the first film – Philip De Semlyen, Time Out
Top Movie Ratings
| Rotten Tomatoes | 70% |
| Metacritic | 57% |
| Imdb | 7/10 |
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