‘Moana 2’ Review: Missing The Depth of The Ocean

Moana 2 is finally here and whilst it has failed to make a splash in people’s hearts, it has definitely made a dent in the box office. Read our Moana 2 review.

Disney’s Moana 2 hit theaters with the weight of high expectations, and while it doesn’t quite surpass the original, it delivers an underwhelming, though at times satisfying, sequel. Once again, Auliʻi Cravalho shines as Moana, whose journey into uncharted waters brings her closer to her wayfinding ancestors. Dwayne Johnson’s Maui returns with his trademark charm and humor, bolstered by breathtaking visuals that capture the magic of Oceania. The story, however, feels less tightly woven than its predecessor, occasionally losing momentum in its attempt to balance humor, action, and emotional resonance.

The musical numbers, crafted by Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, and others, are undeniably catchy, though they don’t quite reach the iconic status of “How Far I’ll Go” or “You’re Welcome”. Still, the film’s heartfelt exploration of legacy and identity resonates, particularly in moments where Moana’s personal growth takes center stage. While Moana 2 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it offers plenty of adventure and heart on the surface, making it a worthy return if you don’t expect much from your Disney movies. It is a simple, depth-lacking, emotionally manipulative bland sequel.

As a musical, it falls short of expectations. Without the signature touch of Lin Manuel Mirando whom, despite the internet loving to make fun of him and some of his antics, is clearly one of the best modern musical songwriters. The sequel’s music feels generic and lacks the spark that made the original so memorable. While the melodies are serviceable, they fail to capture the emotional depth or cultural resonance of their predecessors, leaving fans yearning for the magic they had come to expect.

This misstep is particularly damaging because, in a musical, the songs are integral to the storytelling and emotional impact. The absence of a standout anthem undermines key moments in the narrative, making certain scenes feel flat or rushed. Considering that Moana became a cultural phenomenon in part because of its powerful soundtrack, the sequel’s inability to replicate that success significantly diminishes its overall impact. For a film that aspires to honor its legacy, Moana 2 struggles to find its voice—literally—without the creative brilliance of Miranda’s influence.

One notable thing about Moana 2 is the downgrade in the animation, which doesn’t look as polished or neat as the first movie. Almost all of this film’s issues become clear when you learn that it was originally developed as a TV show. The story doesn’t flow fluidly and feels as if stories are often shortened or barely touched upon. This is perhaps most visible in the villains of the movie, who appear for a brief two scenes and get no more than 30 lines, which is insane to say about a Disney villain, especially when the antagonists of the first Moana have become so iconic. The inclusion of a roster of characters that join Moana on her journey also fails, considering that they are never fully developed or done anything interesting with. Director Jared Bush has since spoken about how when the movie was originally a series, each character was going to get their own episode and be developed fully with their own backstories and arc payoffs but when it was condensed into a movie, a lot of that was lost as they have to fit it into a 100 minute runtime, and shape everyone’s stories to benefit Moana and give more time to Maui, as you don’t pay Dwayne Johnson just to have him stand around.

It doesn’t break new ground in the same way as Frozen 2 or Encanto, which pushed the limits of animation technology. As well as this, the sequel’s themes—such as identity and legacy—are familiar, but it doesn’t tackle them with the same resonance or depth. Encanto explored family dynamics in a way that connected deeply with audiences, while Moana 2 doesn’t quite hit the same emotional highs. It is clear that whilst Moana 2 offers a fun adventure, it struggles to live up to the cultural impact and narrative power of its Disney contemporaries.

This is unfortunate in guiding Disney in the wrong way and sending messages that this is what audiences want – half-baked rushed animations that serve as a simple 90-minute fix that is boring and slow at times but at least continues the story from the first – the straight-to-DVD Disney sequel is alive and well, but just in a new form.

Moana 2 is directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller. It stars Auli‘i Cravalho as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui and features music by Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, Opetaia Foaʻi, and Mark Mancina. The film releases in theatres on November 27, 2024

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