Moana 2 (2024)

Plot Summary: Moana, now a master wayfinder, sets sail with her new crew to restore the lost island Motufetu and reconnect ocean tribes.

Directors: David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller
Producers: Christina Chen, Yvett Merino (with Jennifer Lee credited on fandom)
Screenplay: Written by Jared Bush & Dana Ledoux Miller; story by Bush, Miller & Bek Smith

Starring (voice cast):
Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana
Dwayne Johnson as Maui
Hualālai Chung as Moni
Rose Matafeo as Loto
David Fane as Kele
Awhimai Fraser as Matangi
Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda as Simea
Alan Tudyk as Heihei
Temuera Morrison as Chief Tui
Nicole Scherzinger as Sina

 

***SPOILER ALERT***

Back to the Ocean, But With Cautious Toes

Saturday after lunch, full belly, and we hit play on Moana 2. If you’ve read my love letter to the first movie, you know it holds a sacred spot in my Disney shrine. Naturally, I went into this sequel a bit tense, afraid they’d mess with my ocean explorer. Spoiler: they didn’t. I actually loved it. Not as much as the first, but still very much in the “why-didn’t-I-watch-this-in-cinemas” camp. It’s full of laughs, charm, and of course that one song that breaks me every time. “Aue, aue We set a course to find...” it hits me like an emotional rogue wave again. It’s weird and magical and I’m not alone. That song is enchanted or something.

New Songs, Goofy Creatures, and Coconut Swagger

There’s been some grumbling online about the music, mainly because Lin-Manuel Miranda didn’t return. I get it, but also… give the new stuff a chance. "Beyond" is a fantastic theme song—unexpected, catchy, and slightly chaotic in a good way. It sneaks into your head and then refuses to hum itself correctly. Loved it. As for the comedy little sidekicks, the scene-stealers are all here. That stylish coconut warrior? Icon. The bat? Adorable. And Heihei continues to be the dumbest genius ever written. These little characters made me laugh out loud, and that’s not easy when I’m slouched in a post-lunch food coma.

Not Perfect, But Still a Worthy Voyage

Is the story as good as the first? No. But it doesn’t need to be. It’s a fun follow-up that avoids turning into a 10-season Disney+ series, so hallelujah. Sure, the plot repeats a few beats and some side characters could use more development, but it’s not a documentary. The pacing starts slow and slightly mushy (yes, I almost rolled my eyes), but it picks up and turns into a solid adventure. What I missed was a big, memorable villain. There is one, technically, but it shows up after the credits, so don’t rush out of the cinema next time, folks. Moana 2 didn’t blow me away like the first, and it has fewer “wow” animation moments, but it’s still beautiful, charming, and didn’t ruin the legacy. I’m already saving my seat for part three.

🎥 Cinematography (8/10):

Beautiful visuals as expected from Disney, but lacked the jaw-dropping "wow" moments of the first film.

📖 Story (6/10):

A bit repetitive, slower start, and missing a strong villain, but still enjoyable and well-paced once it picks up.

🎬 Direction (8/10):

Solid work keeping the spirit of the original alive, even without Lin-Manuel. Respect for not turning it into a series.

👥 Characters (7/10):

Moana still shines, side characters were fun, but some felt underdeveloped.

💥 Visual Effects (7/10):

Slick and polished, just missing those surprising "eye candy" scenes like the crab and Maui songs from the first movie.

🎭 Acting (8/10):

Strong voice performances all around, and the new cast holds their own. The emotion still hits in all the right places.

💬 Dialogue (7/10):

Natural and funny, even if nothing stood out as particularly deep or quotable.

🌍 Setting/Atmosphere (9/10):

Still a stunning world full of oceanic beauty, culture, and magical creatures. The vibe is strong.

🎵 Music (8/10):

New songs are catchy and memorable, despite the Lin-Manuel-sized hole. “Beyond” is a sneaky earworm.

😄 Entertainment Value (9/10):

Made you laugh, made you cry (again), and kept your interest. Not a masterpiece, but a good time.