After an eight-year wait, “Moana 2” arrived in theaters on Nov. 27, 2024, offering a visually stunning continuation of the beloved 2016 film. Directed by Walt Disney Animation Studios, the sequel deepens the exploration of Polynesian culture through vibrant depictions of farming, cooking, singing and dancing while also navigating the open sea.
The narrative follows Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) as she leads a new crew on a journey to reconnect her people and lift a curse, all while confronting the formidable storm god, Nalo. The film’s lush animation and immersive world building invites viewers to experience the story as though they’re sailing alongside the characters.
Central to the plot is Moana’s quest to save her island and its heritage with the return of familiar characters such as Maui (Dwayne Johnson) and the mischievous Kakamora. Alongside them, new characters enrich the narrative: Simea, Moana’s younger sister, serves as a grounding emotional anchor for Moana. Despite heavy promotion, many viewers felt her role was underdeveloped. Meanwhile, Kele, a dedicated farmer, Moni, a passionate scribe, and Loto, a genius carpenter, each bring unique skills to the adventure, contributing to the team’s survival during the perilous journey.
While the film excels in its cultural and character driven elements, the soundtrack has sparked mixed reactions among fans on social media. The absence of Lin Manuel Miranda, who contributed to the chart-topping success of the first film’s songs, is noticeable. Although the new tracks were thematically fitting, they lacked the same punch and memorability, leaving some fans disappointed.
Despite these criticisms, “Moana 2” succeeds in delivering a strong emotional core and a compelling adventure. It explores themes of heritage, legacy and self discovery with stunning visuals that transport the audience to the heart of Polynesian culture.
However, while the story and characters are engaging, the film doesn’t quite capture the same magic that made its predecessor a cultural phenomenon, particularly when it comes to its music and the underutilization of key characters. Ultimately, “Moana 2” is a 6 out of 10 because although it was a solid follow up, it may not resonate with all fans in the same way the original did.
