Moana 2 sets sail as a worthy follow-up to its predecessor, but it ultimately feels like a lost opportunity. While the voice acting, especially from Auli’i Cravalho as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as Maui, continues to impress, the film falls short of capturing the magic and originality that made the first Moana a landmark in Disney animation.

The original Moana (2016) blended Polynesian mythology with vibrant animation, thrilling adventure, and a strong female lead who wasn’t a Disney princess, but a wayfinder. The story was a dynamic journey of self-discovery, and the songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda were catchy, meaningful, and unforgettable. This sequel, however, struggles to match the same spark, with a plot that often feels more like a series of disconnected adventures rather than a cohesive narrative. Moana’s new quest, to undo a curse and battle the mysterious god Nalo, lacks the emotional resonance and stakes that made the first film so compelling.

The voice acting remains top-notch, with Cravalho bringing warmth and depth to Moana once again, and Johnson’s Maui still manages to charm, even if his character feels less vital this time around. New additions, like the sharp-tongued goddess Matangi (voiced by Awhimai Fraser), are entertaining, but underutilised, leaving some characters feeling one-dimensional. The new human sidekicks—Loto, Kele, and Moni—are amusing but fail to leave a lasting impact.

The animation is stunning, as expected from a Disney film, with jaw-dropping visuals like massive sea monsters and the climactic battle with storm god Nalo. But while these moments are impressive in their scale, they can feel more like spectacle for spectacle’s sake. The heart of the film seems to have been lost in the shuffle of gods, ghosts, and fantastical creatures. The introduction of a possible sequel setup, with a post-credit tease of a villainous return, further undermines the feeling that this film is a complete and satisfying narrative in its own right. It’s said that the sequel was actually intended as a series and hence the narration feels episodic in nature.

Perhaps the biggest disappointment comes from the music. While Barlow & Bear’s contributions are solid, Beyond is an uplifting ballad, and Get lost is a jazzy, fun number, they don’t have the same addictive quality as Miranda’s songs.

In the end, Moana 2 is still a fun, high-energy ride that younger audiences will likely enjoy. But compared to the brilliance of its predecessor, it feels more like a fast-food version of the original. It doesn’t quite live up to the high bar set by Moana, and remains a bit underwhelming for those hoping for something truly spectacular.