The much-anticipated sequel to Disney’s Moana has finally arrived, sailing onto the big screen with Moana 2. Set three years after the events of the original, the film reintroduces audiences to the beloved Polynesian heroine in a story filled with earnest intentions but lacking the charm and musical brilliance that defined its predecessor.
A Visual Marvel with a Crowded Cast
Originally conceived as a streaming series, Moana 2 found its way to theaters under the direction of David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller. The result is a visually dazzling film that surpasses the 2016 original in animation quality. From lush ocean vistas to stormy seas filled with tornadoes, the movie’s breathtaking visuals are sure to captivate younger viewers.
However, despite its striking animation, the narrative struggles under the weight of its expanded cast. Moana (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho) now sails with a larger crew, including Moni (Hualālai Chung), an enthusiastic Maui fan; Loto (Rose Matefeo), an engineer; and Kele (David Fane), a grumpy older farmer. These characters, while intended to bring variety, come across as one-dimensional and detract from the iconic image of Moana as a solo adventurer braving the unknown seas.
A New Adventure, Familiar Themes
The film follows Moana on a quest to discover Motufetu, a legendary two-peaked island said to hold the key to reuniting the people of Oceania. Alongside returning characters like Maui (Dwayne Johnson), Heihei the rooster, and Pua the pig, Moana faces new challenges, including Matangai (voiced by Awhimai Fraser), a mysterious bat-clad villain who offers one of the film’s few highlights with the song “Get Lost.”
While the story attempts to evoke the spirit of Polynesian mythology, the absence of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s songwriting magic is deeply felt. The new songs, composed by Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, fail to deliver the infectious energy and emotional resonance that made tracks like How Far I’ll Go so iconic.
Moments of Humor and Heart
The film occasionally captures the playful chemistry between Moana and Maui, with humorous exchanges that harken back to the original. In one memorable scene, Maui quips after mistakenly calling Moana a princess, “Well, a lot of people think you are.” These moments, however, are too few and far between.
A Brief Escape but a Missed Opportunity
At 100 minutes, Moana 2 benefits from a relatively brisk runtime compared to other recent blockbusters. Yet, the film feels like a placeholder rather than a fully realized continuation of Moana’s journey. While younger audiences may delight in the action-packed set pieces and colorful animation, fans of the original will likely find themselves longing for its humor, originality, and unforgettable music.
Moana 2 is rated PG for action and peril. It runs 100 minutes and receives two out of four stars. Though visually stunning, this sequel struggles to navigate the crosswinds of storytelling and studio expectations, ultimately falling short of its predecessor’s radiant charm.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
