Moana 2, the long-awaited sequel to Disney’s beloved Polynesian adventure is visually stunning and heartwarming but treads too familiar waters to fully captivate.
Moana Returns to the Open Ocean
In Moana 2, we rejoin our fearless Polynesian heroine three years after her triumphant journey to restore the heart of Te Fiti. Now a skilled navigator and leader, Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) faces a new challenge: a curse threatening her home and the broader Oceania region. Alongside her reluctant but endearing partner Maui (Dwayne Johnson) and a cast of quirky newcomers, Moana sets out on another high-stakes adventure across the seas.
The stakes are higher this time—literally involving gods and curses—but the film doesn’t quite manage to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. While Moana 2 offers plenty of charm, heartfelt moments, and a good dose of laughter, it doesn’t break as much new ground as we might have hoped.
Visuals That Dazzle and Characters that Delight
Disney’s animation team has truly outdone themselves with Moana 2. Every wave, palm frond, and cloud feels alive, drawing you into the lush, vibrant world of the South Pacific. It’s the kind of artistry that makes even mundane moments feel magical. The film pairs this visual splendor with characters who remain as endearing as ever. Moana continues to be a relatable protagonist, navigating not just oceans but the complex waters of leadership and identity.
Moana’s loyal companions shine brightly bringing humor and heart to the journey. Maui, voiced once again by Dwayne Johnson, is as charming and hilarious as ever, with his trademark bravado and sly humor providing plenty of comic relief. Heihei, the lovable but clueless rooster, continues to bumble his way into scenes with laugh-out-loud results. Meanwhile, Pua, Moana’s adorable pig companion, gets a bit more screen time this time around, delivering moments of sweetness that balance the film’s grander stakes. While the animal friends steal the show, Moana’s human travel buddies, especially David Fane’s slightly geriatric Kele are great, forming a dynamic ensemble that keeps the adventure lively and relatable.
A Heartfelt Story that Still Hits Home
At its core, Moana 2 is a coming-of-age story, and it handles this theme with a depth that resonates. The narrative explores Moana’s struggles to balance her responsibilities as a leader with her own sense of self. These moments feel authentic and heartfelt, providing a rich emotional undercurrent to the high-seas escapades.
That said, the plot itself feels too similar to the original. Moana and Maui go from point A to point B, solving problems and learning lessons along the way. It’s enjoyable, yes, but it lacks the fresh spark that made the first film feel so special.
Comedy Sails Smoothly, but the Music Hits Choppier Waters
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its humour. The dynamic between Moana, Maui, and the quirky supporting cast of characters remains tight, with their comedic timing and playful banter keeping the energy light and engaging throughout. The previously mentioned Heihei the chicken is a scene stealer with his ridiculous antics, proving once again that the film knows how to balance laughs with heart.
The soundtrack, while beautifully orchestrated and thematically rich, doesn’t quite achieve the instant memorability of songs from the first film like ‘How Far I’ll Go’ or ‘You’re Welcome’. The songs complement the narrative well, but they don’t linger in the way we’ve come to expect from Disney’s most iconic musical numbers.
Stakes Are High, but the Tension Feels Low
Although the premise involves gods, curses, and potentially devastating consequences for Moana’s world, the film never quite convinces us to worry. The narrative takes a safe and predictable path, which makes the stakes feel less urgent. The tension that should come with such epic challenges is softened by a sense of inevitability—Moana and her crew will triumph, but we never feel the threat fully looming over them.
Moana 2 Verdict
Moana 2 is a beautifully animated, often funny, and emotionally resonant sequel that fans of the original will undoubtedly enjoy. However, its reliance on a familiar formula and less memorable music make it feel more like a safe return to beloved waters than a bold new adventure. For all its flaws, it’s still a worthy addition to the Disney canon, reminding us why we fell in love with Moana in the first place.
Fun Fact:
Originally began as a television series in 2020, with plans for the series to air on Disney+. In February 2024, the series was transformed into a theatrical sequel.
COMMENTS