Moana 2 Review

Moana 2 charts a new journey for its titular heroine, diving deeper into Polynesian mythology while maintaining the heart and vibrant visuals of the 2016 original. However, while the sequel has its fair share of charming moments, it struggles to justify its existence beyond the beautiful animation and nostalgic callbacks.

Set three years after Moana restored balance to the ocean, the sequel finds her embarking on another mission to unify neighboring islands by finding the legendary Motufetu. This time, Moana assembles a new crew: Kele, Loto, and Moni, representing agriculture, engineering, and warrior prowess. Their task is complicated by Nalo, a storm god who sank Motufetu beneath the ocean. While the premise promises grand adventure, the film’s execution feels surprisingly muted. Moana and her allies encounter colorful characters and perilous challenges, but the plot never builds the sense of urgency or stakes that made the original so engaging.

The highlight of Moana 2 is undoubtedly its visuals. Disney continues to push the boundaries of animation, with the ocean and landscapes rendered so vividly they feel almost tangible. From the flowing waves to Maui’s animated tattoos and the vivid designs of new mythical creatures, the film is a feast for the eyes. The Kakamora, with their drumbeat echoes of Mad Max: Fury Road, remain a delightful addition, now expanded with inventive storytelling techniques that reflect the series’ reverence for oral history and cultural lore.

Auli’i Cravalho reprises her role as Moana with her characteristic warmth and determination, while Dwayne Johnson’s Maui remains the larger-than-life demigod fans love. However, their chemistry is underutilized, as the duo spends much of the film apart. New characters like Kele and Loto have distinct personalities, but their presence feels more like filler than essential additions to Moana’s story. The villain, Nalo, is more of a looming force than a developed character, reducing the tension and emotional stakes.

The music, now led by Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, alongside returning contributors Opetaia Foa‘i and Mark Mancina, carries the Pacific Islander spirit but lacks the infectious charm of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s contributions. The central anthem, “Beyond,” echoes the aspirational tone of “How Far I’ll Go” but feels more like a pale imitation. Maui’s playful tune, “Can I Get a Chee Hoo?,” provides a moment of levity but fails to achieve the same cultural or emotional impact as “You’re Welcome.”

Despite its flaws, Moana 2 retains the franchise’s thematic depth, particularly in its focus on storytelling as a cultural and identity-preserving practice. Moana’s journey reflects the importance of forging connections and honoring tradition, even as the film struggles to forge a compelling narrative of its own.

Moana 2 is a mixed bag. While it captures the visual magic and cultural respect of the original, it lacks the emotional resonance and memorable songs that made its predecessor a standout. Fans of the first film may find joy in revisiting Moana’s world, but this sequel doesn’t chart bold new waters. Instead, it feels like a safe voyage, pleasant but unremarkable.