“Moana 2” sets sail into the world of its predecessor with dazzling animation and standout voice performances, yet its narrative struggles to capture the magic and emotional depth of the original film. Despite its uneven story, the sequel remains a visual and auditory triumph, with a talented cast that brings the characters to life, especially Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, who reprise their beloved roles as Moana and Maui.
Auli’i Cravalho again lends her powerful voice to Moana, portraying a more mature and confident heroine. Cravalho’s vocal performance in the song “Beyond” highlights her ability to convey emotion. However, the song itself, while enjoyable, doesn’t reach the same level of heart-stirring impact as the iconic “How Far I’ll Go” from the first movie. Nevertheless, Cravalho’s voice remains one of the film’s standout features, imbuing Moana with growth and determination. While still rooted in adventure, her character’s journey feels less urgent compared to the first film’s high-stakes plot.
On the other hand, Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, the arrogant but lovable demigod, whose musical number in this sequel, “Can I Get a Chee-Hoo?” falls flat. While Johnson’s charm remains undeniable, his song fails to capture the infectious energy of his previous hit, “You’re Welcome.” Maui’s storyline also lacks the same depth, with his presence feeling more like a supporting role than a driving force of the narrative. Nonetheless, Johnson’s charisma still shines through, even if the sequel struggles to give Maui the same emotional arc that made his character memorable in the first film.
The real highlight of “Moana 2” lies in its stunning animation. Disney Animation continues to set a high bar with its ability to create lush, photorealistic worlds that feel alive and immersive. The ocean, as always, plays a central role in the film, its shimmering waves and vast expanses feeling tangible, almost as though you can reach out and touch them. The film’s visual moments, like the luminous whale shark and a massive clam that houses a variety of bizarre creatures, are breathtaking. These sequences testify to Disney’s ability to craft magical, otherworldly scenes that remain visually captivating.
The character design is equally impressive. Moana and Maui are as expressive and energetic as ever, with fluid animation that captures every nuance of their personalities. The addition of Moana’s younger sister, Simea, adds a playful element to the film, though her character at times veers into excessive cutesiness. While her presence provides some lighthearted moments, it also detracts from the more meaningful interactions between Moana and Maui.
However, despite the visual brilliance and the vocal talent on display, the story of “Moana 2” doesn’t quite live up to the epic journey that defined the first film. The plot feels episodic and meandering, lacking the same emotional stakes that made Moana’s initial adventure compelling. The filmmakers seem to struggle to find a new, equally urgent mission for Moana. Introducing a new antagonist and the revelation of a curse affecting the ocean’s people doesn’t feel as significant or personal as the threat Moana faced in the first film. Much of the tension in the movie dissipates as the characters’ goals become increasingly unclear, with the addition of several supporting characters who, while amusing, lack substantial development.
The iconic songwriting team behind the first film is a noticeable absence in the sequel, with Lin-Manuel Miranda not returning to provide the music. While the new songs by Mark Mancina, Opetaia Foa’i, and the Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear team are pleasant, none capture the same sense of wonder or emotional resonance as the original soundtrack. “Beyond,” while a strong showcase for Cravalho’s voice, doesn’t have the same anthem-like quality of the earlier songs, and Maui’s “Can I Get a Chee-Hoo?” feels more like a forced attempt at inspiration than an organic moment of triumph.
Despite its flaws, “Moana 2” does succeed in giving fans another chance to revisit the world of Motunui and the beloved characters of Moana and Maui. While the plot doesn’t pack the emotional punch of the first film, the stunning animation, impressive voice talent, and visually striking sequences make the movie enjoyable, especially for younger audiences. It’s clear that Disney Animation continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with CGI, and “Moana 2” is a visual delight that showcases the studio’s commitment to innovation.
Ultimately, “Moana 2” may not have the same lasting impact as its predecessor. However, its stunning visuals and strong voice performances make it an entertaining return to the beloved world of Moana and her companions. The film may not reach the same emotional heights, but it remains a solid brand extension, offering enough magic and charm to please audiences, young and old.