Moana Returns for a Lush, Though Less Enchanting, Underwater Adventure
“Moana 2” dives back into the world of the Polynesian voyager, Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho), who is now a leader navigating the intricate tapestry of her island community. The film delivers stunning visuals, particularly its masterful rendering of the ocean and its inhabitants. Yet, while visually breathtaking, the
sequel lacks the charm and narrative depth of the original.
Diverging From the Original’s Magic
The magic of the first “Moana” lay in its captivating storylines and relatable characters. The sequel, focused on Moana’s internal struggles and her quest for a lost island, feels a bit aimless. The addition of copious mythological details, while offering glimpses into a rich cultural tapestry, often feels like an overstuffed layer, obscuring the emotional core of the narrative.
“Moana 2” does hold onto the spirit of adventure, and the animation is simply breathtaking.
The film’s creators clearly poured their hearts into animating the very essence of the ocean. Waves crash with breathtaking realism; underwater scenes shimmer with ethereal light; and the marine life, vast and colorful, dances across the screen.
These visual presentations are stunningly immersive, drawing the audience into Moana’s world.
For most of the film, the focus shifts away from narrative to a vibrantly animated exploration of the sea. This
gives rise to some truly remarkable moments — especially the opening sequences which are both visually mesmerizing and emotionally charged.
The new songwriters, Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, expertly capture the mood, crafting soulful lyrics that delve into themes of reflection and personal growth. The new songs are emotionally resonating but don’t quite reach the infectious energy of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s work on the original soundtrack.
Gauge Maui’s Growth (And Dwayne Johnson’s)
Maui (Dwayne Johnson) remains a compelling presence, larger than life yet with a vulnerability that highlights his growth. His character arc feels natural — he’s matured alongside Moana. There are moments, however, where Maui’s humor overshadows the evolution he has undergone, instantly shattering any sincere emotional weight.
Overall, “Moana 2” is a feast for the eyes, a dazzling landscape of color and movement.
It’s a celebration of Pacific Islander culture and mythology. Unfortunately, while a visual marvel, it doesn’t create the same magical connection as its predecessor, oftenbecoming swept away by its own spectacle instead of anchoring itself in deeply emotional storytelling.
Rating: 2.5/5
Does “Moana 2” successfully expand upon the story and themes of the original, or does it feel like a rehash?
## Moana Sails Back: A Deeper Dive or Simply Treading Water?
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. We’re talking all things “Moana 2” today, which finally hit screens after much anticipation. To help us navigate these Polynesian waters, we have film critic Maya Flores joining us! Maya, thanks for being here.
**Maya:** It’s my pleasure! I’m always happy to discuss Disney’s latest offerings.
**Interviewer:** Let’s dive right in. How did “Moana 2” measure up to the original?
**Maya:** Visually, it’s stunning. The animation, especially the ocean scenes, are truly breathtaking, like watching a living, breathing tapestry. [1](https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20241126-moana-2-review). But while the original capture lightning in a bottle with its story and relatable characters, the sequel feels a bit lost.
**Interviewer:** What do you mean by “lost”?
**Maya:** The story centers on Moana as a leader now, facing internal struggles and searching for a lost island. While interesting on paper, it lacks the heart and drive of the original’s narrative.
The film throws in a lot of mythological details, which is impressive from a cultural perspective, but they ultimately overpower the emotional core of the story. It feels a bit like they tried to pack too much in.[1](https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20241126-moana-2-review)
**Interviewer:** So, is “Moana 2” worth watching?
**Maya:** I wouldn’t say it’s a bad film. If you’re a fan of the animation and just want to return to Moana’s world, you’ll likely find something to enjoy. But don’t expect to be as enchanted by this sequel as you were by the original. It’s a bit of a quieter sail.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Maya!
**Maya:** My pleasure.
