Moana 2 Review: Is the Sequel a Disappointment for Disney’s Modern Classic?

Disney’s Moana 2 brings back the familiar voices of Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui, but this sequel struggles to create the same excitement as its predecessor.

Established as a beloved classic upon its release in 2016, the original Moana captivated audiences with a compelling story of a determined young woman, her humorous sidekick, and a memorable soundtrack. Grossing an impressive $643 million globally and securing two Academy Award nominations, expectations for a follow-up were understandably high.

Unfortunately, Moana 2 seems to falter. It lacks the depth and engagement that made the first film shine, primarily due to a collection of unappealing side characters and a soundtrack that fails to resonate. At its core, however, the film suffers from a more significant deficiency: a distinct lack of purpose.

What is Moana 2 About?

Set three years after the original tale, the sequel opens with Moana now acting as a skilled wayfinder. After returning to her village with a new treasure, she becomes consumed by the desire to discover and reconnect with other communities. A haunting vision during a storm reveals that her community’s future hinges on this quest.

Determined, Moana assembles a diverse group of islanders to assist her in navigating the ocean to uncover Motufetu, an island safeguarded by the elusive god Nalo, who is notably absent throughout the film. Along their journey, they face a series of trivial challenges as they strive toward their goal.

A Lackluster Adventure

While the visual aesthetics of the movie—showcasing Moana’s vibrant islands and the stunning ocean—remain impressive, the storytelling falls flat. Originally conceived as a television series, the episodic nature of the plot detracts from a cohesive narrative. The situations faced by Moana and her crew often feel disconnected and do little to advance a larger storyline.

The moral of Moana’s journey, “find another way,” is overshadowed by a character arc that lacks significant growth. Many of her conflicts are resolved too easily, often relying on the antics of her unsatisfying supporting characters, which diminishes the strong, determined persona that originally endeared her to audiences.

Maui in Moana 2 holding a chicken and pig — Disney

One particular subplot involves a newly introduced character, Matangi, who teases a potential antagonist role, but ultimately serves little purpose. The anticipated threat from Nalo also turns out to be unsubstantial, resulting in a film lacking substantial conflict.

Moana 2 Does Less with a Lot More

Despite attempts to enhance the sequel with new characters and expanded musical numbers, none manage to leave a lasting impression. Moana’s younger sister, Simea, seems to exist mainly for providing unnecessary comic relief, while the new ensemble—a woodworker named Loto, a farmer named Kele, and a Maui enthusiast named Moni—fails to significantly enrich the narrative.

Several of these characters seem extraneous, contributing little beyond momentary assists to Moana, leading to a cluttered scene dynamic that distracts from the central quest.

Moana 2 review: Moana holds up her little sister to a wave — Disney

The musical aspect of Moana 2 also fails to soar as it did previously. There are no anthems that echo the popularity of tracks like How Far I’ll Go or You’re Welcome. Instead, while there are a couple of catchy moments, such as the upbeat What Could Be Better Than This?, others, like Maui’s disorganized Can I Get A Chee Hoo?, venture into confusion.

Dexerto Review Score: 2/5

It appears Moana 2 would have been better suited as a TV show format, though substantial revisions would still be necessary for its storyline. Reliance on random misadventures and the introduction of quirky characters fails to provide a compelling foundation for the plot.

While not wholly unwatchable, Moana 2 lacks the charm and depth to truly connect with audiences. The film’s conclusion, though filled with excitement, does not feel well-earned but rather comes across as a mere plot device. Unfortunately, what we are left with is a sequel that is largely forgettable and uninspired.

Moana 2 is set to hit theaters in the US on November 27 and in the UK on November 29.

For updates on Moana‘s live-action adaptation and other Disney projects, stay tuned.

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