Eight years after her debut, Moana (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho), returned to audiences in the cinematic sequel "Moana 2". The previous cinematic journey of the Polynesian wayfinder alongside the demigod, Maui (Dwayne Johnson), became a Disney sensation. Moana's charm and the commitment to saving her people earned widespread acclaim and robust box office success. Despite scrapping initial plans for an animated series, Disney decided to pursue a cinematic expansion of the Moana story.
Directed by Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller, and David G. Derrick Jr with screenplay by Jared Bush and Ledoux Miller, Moana 2 is treated with breathtaking animation but falls short in terms of the first installment's cohesive narrative and emotional intimacy. In the sequel, Moana and Maui embark on new, visually vibrant adventures in uncharted parts of Oceania, facing off against imposing waves and mysterious creatures.
However, the narrative lacks unity, appearing scattered and shallow compared to the first film. The sequel divides its attention among numerous new characters, losing the deep connection between Moana and Maui that captivated audiences in the original film.
The story unfolds three years after Moana saves her island. She returns home with evidence of other populated islands across the region, introducing a slew of new characters. While these fresh personalities add spirit to the movie, the narrative doesn't do justice to their potential, given the film’s limited runtime.
Moana’s interactions with her younger sister, Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda), are one of the few plot points offering an emotional anchor. These intimate moments serve as a crucial reminder of what is at stake for Moana and her community.
But the sequel tends to focus on action more than story continuity. After rescuing Maui, Moana’s new team embarks on an undeniably visually stunning adventure. While it’s evident that the sea’s menacing beauty and potential threats have been amplified, the thin plot fails to grip the audience. Various exciting encounters feel rushed due to the film's relatively short runtime leaving one to wonder if a more episodic approach might have worked better.
Despite its narrative shortcomings, Moana 2 remains a visual behemoth with Disney’s top-notch animation. The adventure is filled with menacing sea elements, epic challenges, and a collaborative spirit among Moana’s team. Yet, the sequel might leave the audience yearning for the depth and cultural significance offered by the original film.
