The original Moana (2016) blended Polynesian mythology with vibrant animation, thrilling adventures, and a strong female lead who was not a Disney princess, but a guide. The story was a moving journey of self-discovery, and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s songs were catchy, meaningful, and unforgettable. However, this sequel struggles to match that same spark, with a plot that often feels like a series of disconnected adventures rather than a cohesive narrative. Moana’s new quest to erase 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 once again bringing warmth and depth to Moana, and Johnson’s Maui still manages to charm, even if her character feels less important this time around. New additions like the sharp-tongued goddess Matangi (voiced by Avahimai Fraser) are amusing, but underutilized, making some characters feel one-dimensional. The new human companions – Lotto, Kel and Moony – are amusing but fail to leave a lasting impression.
The animation is stunning, as expected from a Disney film, with stunning scenes such as giant sea monsters and the climactic battle with the storm god Nalo. But though these moments are impressive in their scale, they can still feel like spectacle for spectacle’s sake. The heart of the film seems to be lost in its mix of gods, ghosts and imaginary creatures. The introduction of a possible sequel setup, with a post-credits tease of the villain’s return, further weakens the feeling that the film is a complete and satisfying story in its own right. It is said that the sequel was actually made as a series and hence the description seems to be episodic in nature.
Perhaps the biggest disappointment comes from the music. While Barlow and Bear’s contributions are solid, Beyond is an uplifting song, 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 glitz of its predecessor, it feels more like a fast-food version of the original. It doesn’t live up to the high standards set by Moana, and is actually a bit of a disappointment for those expecting something truly spectacular.