A Sequel That Sails but Doesn’t Soar
On November 27, 2024, Disney unleashed Moana 2, the much-anticipated follow-up to the 2016 Polynesian-inspired hit, in theaters worldwide. Now streaming on Disney+ as of March 12, 2025, this animated musical, directed by David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, reunites Auliʻi Cravalho’s spirited Moana and Dwayne Johnson’s swaggering Maui for another oceanic odyssey. With a reported $150 million budget and a global box office haul exceeding $386 million, it’s a commercial win. But does it recapture the magic of its predecessor? Not quite. Moana 2 is a visually stunning, kid-friendly adventure that floats along pleasantly but lacks the soul-stirring depth and musical punch that made the original a modern classic.
The story picks up three years after Moana restored the heart of Te Fiti. Now a seasoned wayfinder, Moana hears a call from her ancestors to reconnect the scattered peoples of Oceania by finding the sunken island of Motufetu, cursed by the storm god Nalo. She sets sail with a new crew—Kele (David Fane), a gruff farmer; Loto (Rose Matafeo), a brainy engineer; and Moni (Hualālai Chung), a Maui fanboy—plus her trusty pig Pua and rooster Heihei. Meanwhile, Maui’s offscreen for the first hour, trapped by the bat goddess Matangi (Awhimai Fraser), leaving Moana to navigate storms, coconut pirates, and a giant clam before their reunion. Back home, her little sister Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda) pines for her return, adding a familial tug. It’s a quest about unity and legacy, but the execution feels like a stitched-together series of detours rather than a cohesive epic.
Let’s start with the visuals—Moana 2 is a feast for the eyes. The animation, handled by Disney’s Vancouver studio, dazzles with shimmering oceans, lush islands, and intricate details like Moana’s wind-whipped hair and the crew’s woven sails. The storm sequences, especially the climactic showdown, are jaw-dropping, proving why Disney bumped this from a Disney+ series (its original form until February 2024) to a theatrical release. The Kakamora pirates and Matangi’s bat swarm add quirky flair, though the designs don’t push boundaries beyond the original’s playbook. It’s gorgeous but safe—Disney flexing its technical muscle without risking a new stroke.
The cast keeps the ship afloat. Cravalho’s Moana remains a fierce, inspiring leader—her voice brims with conviction, especially in quieter moments with Simea. Johnson’s Maui delivers charm and chuckles, though his late entry dims their dynamic; their banter, a highlight of the first film, feels rationed here. The newbies—Kele, Loto, and Moni—are fine but forgettable, more plot devices than characters with arcs.
Now, the music—a sore spot. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s absence (replaced by Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, Opetaia Foaʻi, and Mark Mancina) is deafening. The original’s “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome” were instant anthems; Moana 2’s songs, like “Beyond” and “Can I Get a Chee Hoo?,” are pleasant but lack staying power. “Beyond” tries to echo Moana’s yearning but feels like a muted retread, while Maui’s tune leans on Johnson’s charisma without lyrical bite.The soundtrack’s fine for kids bopping along, but it won’t dominate playlists or Disney World speakers.
The story’s the real snag. Originally a Disney+ series, Moana 2 bears episodic scars—plot threads (Matangi, the clam, Nalo’s lightning) feel like weekly pitstops, not a unified arc. Nalo, the supposed villain, is a faceless threat until a post-credits tease, leaving stakes vague. Moana’s goal—uniting islands—lacks the urgency of saving Motunui, and her confidence (no growth needed) flattens her journey. The emotional core—Moana’s bond with Simea and her ancestors—lands in the final act, but the buildup meanders.
For kids, it’s a win. Common Sense Media highlights its teamwork and courage themes, and my screening had little ones giggling at Heihei and Pua. Parents won’t dread it either—no heavy content, just mild peril (storms, a clam swallowing the crew) and tame humor (“butt dial”).
So, worth a stream on Disney+ as of March 13, 2025? Sure, if you’re a Moana stan or need a family flick. The animation and cast carry it, and the ending ties a neat bow. But temper expectations—it’s not the cultural juggernaut of 2016. Disney’s playing it safe, banking on toy sales and franchise expansion (a live-action Moana looms in 2026). Moana 2 sails competently but doesn’t chart new waters—a sequel that’s fine, not fantastic.
Rating: 2.75/5
Streaming on Disney+.
Streaming on Disney+.