‘Moana 2’ review: A heartfelt sequel that struggles to capture the spark of the original

Nearly a decade after Moana made waves in theaters with its captivating storytelling and unforgettable music, Disney has returned with a sequel that promises to take audiences on another adventure across the vast Pacific. Moana 2 reunites Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as the fearless wayfinder Moana and the larger-than-life demigod Maui. This time, they’re joined by a fresh cast of characters and a new journey that, while not without charm, struggles to capture the magic of the original.

Set three years after the events of the first film, Moana 2 follows our heroine as she embarks on an even greater quest to explore uncharted waters and find the mythical island of Motufetu. This time, she’s not alone: Moana is joined by a diverse crew: Motunui’s best naval architect Loto (Rose Matafeo), tapestry historian and Maui’s #1 fan, Moni (Hualalai Chung), and grumpy farmer Kele (David Fane). There’s also the clumsy chicken Heihei along with Pua the pig, adding some much-needed comic relief to their high-stakes journey

The Disney formula.

At its core, Moana 2 is a heartfelt, family-friendly adventure that touches on themes of bravery, responsibility, and self-discovery. It’s a worthy sequel that will likely resonate with fans of the original, especially younger audiences who are discovering Moana for the first time. But for those who fell in love with the original’s infectious music and its larger-than-life sense of adventure, the sequel may feel a bit more like a safe return to familiar waters, rather than the bold new journey that many were hoping for.

One of the central themes of the film is Moana’s internal struggle between her sense of duty to her island and family, and her burning desire for adventure. It’s a relatable conflict that adds emotional depth to the story. Or certainly fits Moana’s development as she grapples with her fears of not being able to return to her younger sister, Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda), who looks up to Moana as a hero.

A musical letdown.

While the narrative is solid, Moana 2 struggles a bit to reignite the spark of the original. The biggest change here is in the music. While Lin-Manuel Miranda’s genius penned “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome,” from the first movie, Moana 2 turned to Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear for the soundtrack. The duo, best known for their Unofficial Bridgerton Musical, inject a fresh energy into the score, but their songs—though pleasant—don’t quite carry the same punch or sense of wonder that Miranda’s did. There’s a noticeable shift in tone, with fewer instantly memorable anthems and more soft, whimsical ballads. It’s an admirable effort, but the musical numbers lack that distinctive flair that made the original Moana’s songs so beloved.

That said, Moana 2 still has plenty to offer. The animation continues to be a visual feast, with breathtaking depictions of the ocean and the Pacific islands. The world-building that Disney established in the first film is expanded here, and the vibrant, lush landscapes remain a joy to explore. The humor is as charming as ever, with Dwayne Johnson’s Maui delivering his signature wit and charisma, and the new supporting characters, particularly Loto and Moni, bring a delightful energy to the crew.

The bottom line.

Moana 2 may not quite capture the same magic as its predecessor, but it’s still a beautiful, entertaining ride that proves there’s plenty of ocean left for Moana to explore. And for fans of the first film, that’s more than enough reason to board the ship once again.

Moana 2 is now playing in theaters everywhere. You can watch the trailer here.

Images courtesy of Disney. You can read more articles by Alyshia Kelly here.