In the pantheon of Disney sequels, “Moana 2” emerges as a visually enchanting yet narratively cautious continuation of the 2016 original. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, the film revisits the spirited Polynesian heroine, Moana (Auli’i Cravalho), now 19 and a master wayfinder. Summoned by her ancestors, she embarks on a quest to lift a curse imposed by the storm god Nalo, reuniting with the demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) and assembling a diverse crew of seafarers.
Visually, “Moana 2” is a triumph. The animation vividly captures the vastness of the Pacific, with meticulous attention to the interplay of light on water and the lushness of tropical landscapes. The film’s aesthetic appeal is undeniable, offering a feast for the eyes that rivals, if not surpasses, its predecessor. The cultural homage is evident, with the premiere in Oahu, Hawaii, honoring Pacific Islander heritage through traditional performances and ceremonies.
However, when it comes to narrative depth, “Moana 2” treads familiar waters. The plot mirrors the original’s structure—a perilous voyage, mythical adversaries, and the central theme of self-discovery. This adherence to a proven formula results in a story that, while engaging, lacks the innovative spark that propelled the first film to critical acclaim. Some critics have noted that the sequel feels more like a “souped-up version” of Disney’s earlier direct-to-video sequels, missing the magic that made the original so special.
Musically, the sequel introduces compositions by Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, stepping in for Lin-Manuel Miranda. The soundtrack delivers pleasant melodies, yet none achieve the earworm status of “How Far I’ll Go” or “You’re Welcome.” Notably, Awhimai Fraser’s rendition of “Get Lost” stands out, infusing the film with a moment of genuine emotional resonance.
In comparison to other Disney sequels, “Moana 2” aligns more closely with the likes of “Frozen II”—a continuation that, while visually and musically competent, doesn’t quite capture the groundbreaking essence of its original. It avoids the pitfalls of some of Disney’s less successful follow-ups but stops short of the narrative innovation seen in sequels like “Toy Story 2” or “The Incredibles 2.”
Audience reception has been mixed. While some viewers appreciate the film’s visual splendor and the return of beloved characters, we though find the storyline lacking in originality and emotional depth and making it hard to engage or fall in love with this i lole the original. An eight-year-old reviewer rated the film 3.64 out of five, indicating that while it may resonate with younger audiences, it might not captivate all adults. The songs of this sequel do not have the same humming factor as the original no real catchy number spring to mind here.
In essence, “Moana 2” offers a journey that is as visually captivating as it is narratively safe. It provides a pleasant voyage for fans of the original but doesn’t venture far beyond the horizon set by its predecessor. As Disney continues to navigate the seas of sequeldom, one hopes for future adventures that balance visual prowess with storytelling that can at least match the original another mediocre entry to their library.
For those interested in experiencing the film firsthand, “Moana 2” is currently available in theaters, with a streaming release on Disney+ anticipated in early 2025.
