Disney’s Moana 2 has finally arrived, eight years after the original film enchanted audiences worldwide. However, this sequel fails to live up to the high expectations set by its predecessor. While it has a few enjoyable moments, Moana 2 feels like a predictable rehash rather than a new and exciting adventure.
What’s the Story in Moana 2?
In Moana 2, Moana embarks on a new mission: reuniting scattered island communities that were torn apart by an angry ocean goddess. She is joined by Maui (Dwayne Johnson) and a crew of islanders as they set sail on a new oceanic journey. Meanwhile, back on the island, her younger sister Simea is waiting for her return, adding emotional weight to the adventure. Unfortunately, rather than exploring new territories or deepening the world, Moana 2 sticks closely to the original movie’s formula.
Moana leaves her home once again, faces a series of challenges, meets new allies, confronts a villain, and has an epic showdown at the end. The storyline feels so similar to the original film that it doesn’t offer much in the way of new experiences for the audience.
Where Moana 2 Went Wrong
One of the biggest letdowns in Moana 2 is the music. The original Moana gave us unforgettable songs like “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome,” but the sequel fails to deliver the same level of excitement or emotional impact. The main song, “Beyond,” is forgettable, and the film’s attempts to rekindle the magic of the first movie’s hits, including a reference to “You’re Welcome,” feel forced and uninspired.
Visually, Moana 2 does have a few stunning moments, such as an intense storm sequence and a brief, dreamlike vision that hints at darker elements. However, the animation lacks the innovative quality of the first movie and doesn’t offer the same groundbreaking visuals that made the original stand out.
New Characters and Missed Opportunities
While Moana’s cute pig Pua and Hei Hei, the goofy chicken, both make appearances, they don’t add much to the story. New supporting characters, like a builder, a farmer, and an artist, are fun but ultimately don’t contribute significantly to the plot.
The biggest missed opportunity, however, is Matangi, a potential villain with a fascinating backstory. She gets a musical number but disappears too quickly from the plot, leaving her character arc unexplored.
Is Moana 2 Worth Watching?
Moana 2 doesn’t completely fail, but it doesn’t capture the magic of the original film. Fans of the first movie may enjoy seeing the characters again, but the lack of originality, underwhelming music, and missed storytelling opportunities make the sequel feel like a letdown. If you’re hoping for the same excitement and charm from Moana, this sequel might leave you disappointed.