Moana 2 review: Struggles to reignite the magic of the original

Moana 2 revisits familiar waters, falling short of its predecessor's originality.

Moana 2, the sequel to Disney’s beloved 2016 animated film, has hit theaters but fails to deliver the innovation and charm that made its predecessor a classic. The sequel continues Moana's journey, this time as she embarks on a mission to unite scattered oceanic communities. While it brings back stars Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, the absence of the original directing and songwriting teams has left the film feeling more like a repetitive retelling than a fresh adventure.

Moana reunites with the demigod Maui and sets sail with a new group of companions. However, the characters, including Moana’s pet pig Pua and the comedic chicken Hei Hei, lack the impact they had in the original. New additions, like a muscly admirer of Maui and a builder, contribute little to the storyline. The sequel also struggles musically, as its songs fail to match the memorable hits of the original, such as How Far I’ll Go and You’re Welcome.

Visually, Moana 2 delivers a few standout moments, including a storm sequence and a fleeting dreamlike vision. However, the animation does not take bold steps to advance the artistry introduced in the first film. A new antagonist, Matangi, offers brief intrigue with a vibrant musical number but is quickly sidelined.

Originally planned as a Disney+ series, the movie’s lack of narrative focus suggests its theatrical release was an afterthought. Critics note the film’s reluctance to take creative risks, pointing to a broader trend in Hollywood’s reliance on sequels and reboots.

While Moana 2 entertains with glimpses of the original’s magic, it struggles to expand its world in meaningful ways, leaving audiences longing for the groundbreaking originality of its predecessor.