MOANA 2: A Half Step Back [REVIEW]

The sequel to Moana once again takes us on a picturesque and thrilling journey through the Polynesian world, but it lacks the spirit that made the first installment one of Disney’s most beautiful animations.

Moana 2 is a film eagerly awaited for years by both younger and older fans of the charismatic chief’s daughter from Motunui. The sequel is set several years after the events of the 2016 film. The titular heroine is no longer a teenager pondering her role and place in the world, but a responsible leader of her tribe, respected and adored by her people. When her ancestors call upon her to embark on another journey, she has no doubt that taking on the dangerous mission is her duty. This time, she is not alone; with a unique crew aboard her boat, she sets sail across the ocean once more to save her people and secure a better future for them. The stakes are even higher now—not just for the inhabitants of Motunui, but for all the Polynesian peoples. Helping her once again is her old ally, the demigod Maui.

The sequel is a classic mythological tale, almost step-by-step following Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey. It is also a traditional sequel in that the creators have amplified the tried-and-true formula to satisfy fans of the original. Did they succeed? Both yes and no. Directed by David G. Derrick Jr., the film undeniably captures the atmosphere of the first part. Moana remains as charming as ever, Maui amuses us with his antics, and the references to Polynesian myths and legends lend the story a mystical aura. The animation dazzles, allowing viewers to almost feel the wind in their hair and the vast majesty of the open ocean. Once again, we are transported to the enchanting realms of Oceania, with the passing of time subtly reflected in Moana’s appearance—it’s clear she has matured.

However, beyond aging the characters and adding a few new ones, the filmmakers relied on a “copy-paste” approach, missing the most crucial ingredient of the recipe for success.

As mentioned earlier, the formula has been amplified—faster action, higher stakes, a larger cast, and a more powerful antagonist. Yet, this doesn’t change much. We learn almost nothing about Moana’s new companions, and the main villain makes a single appearance—in a post-credits scene. The plot is nearly identical to the first movie: the protagonist embarks on a perilous journey despite opposition from a loved one, faces the vastness of the ocean, ventures into a terrifying cavern with eerie foes, and encounters allies, including the spirits of her ancestors. A sequence involving Matangi mirrors the crab Tamatoa’s scene from the original film, albeit with a different ending. Maui’s song sequence is animated in the exact same style as Shiny from 2016. While the repetition doesn’t feel overly jarring, what does disappoint is that only Moana’s journey takes a step forward; everything else takes a step back.

Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, replacing Lin-Manuel Miranda, fall short in the music department. The songs in Moana 2 are catchy but fail to leave a lasting impression like How Far I’ll Go, Shiny, or You’re Welcome. The new adventure is thrilling but lacks the extraordinary depth of introspection—both for Moana and Maui—that defined the first film.

New characters, like the crew accompanying Moana, are likable but underdeveloped, making it hard for the audience to connect with them. The sequel primarily focuses on Moana, whose role on the island has evolved, but her character faces the same crises at the same narrative beats as before. On the other hand, Maui’s arc shines. Unlike the self-absorbed demigod from the first movie, he has grown and changed, learning to express his warm feelings toward Moana openly. Their friendship remains one of the strongest aspects of the film.

The final showdown with the main villain is far less spectacular than the climactic confrontation with Te Kā/Te Fiti in the original. However, the resolution of Moana’s journey is touching, even if it isn’t particularly original. The moral of the story—“Teamwork pays off!”—is somewhat simplistic for adult viewers who found much more to ponder in the first film. It’s also too thin a message to spark meaningful discussions with children about life’s important values.

The original Moana was not just a stunning adventure film, a quintessential example of “girl power,” or a template for strong female role models for young viewers. It was a story about the courage to live true to oneself; about critical life dilemmas and choices; about personal goals that often conflict with the expectations of loved ones; about human motivations behind great deeds; and about the vulnerability beneath a macho exterior. The first film entertained, inspired, and conveyed a profound message for both children and adults.

You and your children will undoubtedly have fun watching Moana 2. However, you won’t take much away from it—perhaps not even a tune to hum for months afterward. The post-credits scene (a near carbon copy of Marvel’s) hints that this sequel won’t be the last. Hopefully, Disney will learn from the mixed reviews and restore the story’s heart in the next installment.