“Moana 2”

In a world where a majority of animated movies feel like cheap corporate cash grabs, “Moana 2” may be among the worst offenders. On the surface, the movie has all the ingredients for another mega hit: quirky characters, rich cultural elements, captivating mythical references, and lush animation that has become the hallmark of Disney films (and rightfully so). Unfortunately, the paint-by-numbers narrative lacks the heart, soul, and originality of its predecessor, taking what could’ve been a new adventure in Moana’s continuing journey and squandering it away. 

The wayfinder Moana (voice of Auli’i Cravalho) has spent the last three years exploring new islands with the hope of finding other people. One day, she has a vision from an ancestor and is called to embark on an expansive new voyage to the far (and dangerous) seas of Oceania with the mission of reviving an island that has plunged into the depths of the sea. Moana recruits a group of unlikely companions to serve as her crew, including craftswoman Loto (voice of Rose Matafeo), the strong Moni (voice of Hualalai Chung), grumpy farmer Kele (voice of David Fane), her beloved pet pig Pua, and dim-witted rooster Heihei. Of course, Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) shows up along the way.

The story really falls short here, with a thin plot and very lazy writing. Not much happens until the film’s final act, with the majority of the narrative feeling like stretched filler with strange creatures who like to vomit and burp and drool (at one point, a character makes a reference to a “snot cave”). There are a few bright spots, though. By drawing inspiration from the rich cultural traditions of the Pacific Islands, the film weaves in mythology and folklore which infuses it with a sense of magic. Elements of ancient legends, ancestors, and magical beings provide an interesting backdrop for Moana’s new journey, bringing the diverse heritage of Oceania to life. 

The animation is absolutely gorgeous, as Disney continues to be the gold standard for the art form. The visuals are realistic with a richness and depth that conveys the vibrant colors of the ocean, and the intricate designs of mythical creatures and lush landscapes allow the whimsy to shine. This is a world that feels alive and immersive, and the attention to detail is exceptional.  

Unfortunately, the movie’s soundtrack doesn’t live up to the same level. The absence of Lin-Manuel Miranda, who was responsible for the iconic songs in the first film, is glaring and sorely missed. From the first song onward, it becomes painfully obvious that none of the new tracks are going to be instant classics. There’s no “How Far I’ll Go” or “You’re Welcome” here. Instead, the songs are forgettable and in some cases, downright cringe-worthy. Several numbers are instant certified stinkers and others border on the unredeemable. The soundtrack is so bad, it’s hard to imagine anyone wanting to hear any of these tunes ever again. 

Audiences will still flock to the film simply because of its pedigree and the fact that it’s a passable family-friendly adventure. The fact that it’s just okay makes it all the more disappointing, especially when you consider the studio’s track record. We all know that Disney is capable of producing a product far better than this, and “Moana 2” sorely lacks the magic, heart, and cherished original songs that made the original film so memorable.

By: Louisa Moore