Eight years after the original Moana, Disney brings us the sequel to its critically and commercially successful film, aiming to rake in an ocean of box office revenue. But is it more than just a cash grab? Let’s find out.
The Story
Moana embarks on a new mission. Long ago, her ancestors tried to explore and unite with other peoples, but their efforts were thwarted by a power-hungry deity who, fearing that humanity united could become stronger than the gods, disrupted the ocean currents that could have brought mortals together. This time, Moana is joined not only by Hei Hei, the hilariously clueless chicken, but also by a small crew. Naturally, Maui also plays a key role, working alongside Moana to lift the curse.
What Works
Although the original Moana (2016) didn’t necessarily demand a sequel—it was a self-contained story about a courageous young girl teaming up with a self-absorbed demigod to save her people—it’s hard to deny the allure of revisiting the vibrant, exotic world created by legendary Disney duo Ron Clements and John Musker (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Hercules). While new writers and directors took the reins for this sequel, they revived and expanded the world with great care and boundless creativity.
The imaginative journey introduces Moana to flying space whales, goddesses who flirt with bats, and a mountain-sized shell monster—all presented with stunning visuals that meet the high standards of modern animation.
The music is another highlight, with songs that excel in both the original version and their translations. Emotional ballads sit alongside upbeat, lighthearted tracks, one of which features Maui delivering a saxophone solo—played on a seashell, of course. Even the most pop-style tunes are infused with Maori influences, lending authenticity and charm.
What Doesn’t Work
Beneath its dazzling surface, Moana 2 lacks the heart of its predecessor. Moana feels like she’s been dragged back to the ocean to tackle a bigger task with tougher challenges and a more formidable foe, but the story feels forced. The inclusion of a ragtag crew appears to compensate for Maui’s diminished role, as he spends much of the film sidelined. Unfortunately, the new characters are one-dimensional and quickly run out of steam, making their narrative arcs predictable.
While the world-building is visually impressive, the mythology that supports it feels improvised and disjointed, lacking the depth and cohesion of the first film. Even the film’s central message—"sometimes you have to lose your way to find your path"—comes across as shallow, reminiscent of a fortune cookie’s vague platitudes.
The humor also takes a step down. Instead of the clever pop-culture references that elevated the original, the sequel leans heavily on juvenile gags—fart jokes, shrieking antics, and a constant stream of characters being slimed with green or purple goo every five minutes. Even Hei Hei, the lovable comic relief from the first movie, is a disappointment this time around—a surprising letdown for such an iconic character.
Is It Worth Your Money?
Moana remains a strong character who can carry even a half-heartedly written and directed story. Her singing alone could melt the heart of the harshest critic. But you don’t need to be cynical to see that Moana 2, with its lazy reliance on the formula of the first film, exists primarily to ensure Disney ends the year on a high note after several animated misfires.
It’s a soulless sequel that lacks the magic of the original but will likely succeed at the box office nonetheless.
