'Moana 2' review: Disney sequel doesn’t make that much of a splash
Courtesy of Disney
Although “Moana” was a modest commercial hit domestically when it debuted in 2016, its impressive streaming numbers on Disney+ have transformed it into one of the most significant pieces of intellectual property in Disney's catalog over the last decade. Seeing its potential for a major box office run, Disney pivoted “Moana 2” from what was originally intended as a made-for-streaming TV series into a feature-length film. Because of this shift, it feels more like those low-stakes, direct-to-video sequels the studio churned out in the '90s.
That said, there’s nothing inherently wrong with that. I have no doubt kids will fall in love with “Moana 2,” if only because they’re already familiar with the characters and will likely enjoy watered-down imitations of earworms like “How Far I’ll Go.” But as they grow older and wiser, they’ll likely look back and see how much more substantial the first film was. While “Moana 2” isn't lacking in scale or spectacle, with major action sequences and a few scary monsters that had kids at my screening visibly on edge, the film doesn't quite capture the magic of its predecessor. Still, directors David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux have crafted a gorgeous, colorful animated feature, full of the “Moana” vibes that toddlers will undoubtedly crave.
However, the story itself feels severely lacking. At its core, “Moana 2” relies heavily on the familiarity of the first movie without charting its own path. The signs that this was originally conceived as a TV show are evident—characters and villains are introduced and then quickly forgotten. Furthermore, Disney’s intention to milk the “Moana” franchise is clear, as various characters repeatedly declare, “This is JUST the beginning.” Buckle up for “Moana 70.”
It's a bit of a letdown because the original “Moana” was a breezy, lighthearted film with a soundtrack packed with hits. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s songwriting talents gave us songs like “You’re Welcome,” “Shiny,” and, of course, “How Far I’ll Go,” all of which became instant classics. Thanks to the success of both the film and its music, Disney is currently working on a live-action remake.
With live-action remakes becoming the new norm, films like “Moana” stand out as exceptions. Here was a movie that authentically explored Pacific Island culture with a vibrant energy that, at one time, made Disney the gold standard in animated storytelling. It featured a demigod who could shape-shift into various animals—sharks, falcons, and pigs—while Jemaine Clement voiced a sassy, singing crab.
Capturing that magic a second time around proves to be a challenge, and “Moana 2” shows the cracks. The sequel centers on a grown-up Moana (Auli’i Cravalho, returning), who looks to the stars and the ocean to explore her ancestors and discover civilizations beyond her home island. In the wake of the first film’s events, she is now idolized by her community and seen as a local legend, particularly because of her budding friendship with the demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson, also returning).
The plot kicks into gear when Moana uncovers an ancient relic hinting at the long-lost island of Motufetu, which holds secrets about her ancestors. Soon, she’s packing her ship and setting sail. Alongside her trusty rooster Heihei and adorable pig Pau, Moana is joined by some new human companions: Loto (Rose Matefeo), an engineer; Moni (Hualalai Chung), a muscular adventurer; and Kele (David Fane), a cantankerous farmer.
Unfortunately, these characters are rather generic and feel as though they would have been better suited for an episodic format. With just 100 minutes to work with, they remain flat. One notable exception is the inclusion of Moana’s younger sister, voiced by Khalessi Lambert-Tsuda, who adds a bit of heart to the story.
Ultimately, “Moana” shines brightest when it focuses on its title character. While Maui provides some occasional comic relief, the best moments of the original were those where Moana chartered her own course solo, navigating the seas with the guidance of the stars. But when Moana and Maui reunite—let’s face it, the moment everyone was waiting for—it doesn’t manage to recapture the original film’s spark.
As the exposition piles up (there’s a significant backstory involving the villain Matangai, voiced by Awhimai Fraser) and the songs fail to ignite, it becomes clear that “Moana 2” is little more than a late-year cash grab. The best song in the movie is Maui’s “Can I Get a Chee Hoo?” and that’s only because it feels like a Lin-Manuel Miranda-lite number.
At this point, “Moana 2” reveals its true colors as a mere placeholder to pad Disney’s year-end box office numbers (for context, “Moana 2” wasn't even announced until March of this year). I have no doubt it will make a boatload of money, setting the stage for yet another wave of sequels. But don't mistake “Moana 2” for anything other than a temporary fill-in.
At least your kids won’t have to wait eight years for another “Moana” movie.
Grade: C+
MOANA 2 is now playing in theaters.