Disney’s Moana 2 – Review

The recent decade has paved the way for a renaissance of musical films, with soundtracks proving as integral to the story as the visuals. When done right, as with Frozen’s Broadway-style anthems or the original Moana’s (2016) chart-topping hits, the music can outshine the film itself, becoming part of the cultural zeitgeist. But when it misses the mark, as seen with Wish (2023), the musical void sullies an otherwise enjoyable visual experience. 

With Moana, propelled by Broadway legend Lin-Manuel Miranda’s unforgettable compositions, the House of Mouse found a cultural touchstone in their possession, with music and lyrics that resonate far beyond the film’s runtime. Whether you agree with Moana star Dwayne Johnson’s assertion that it’s perfectly fine to belt out these songs in a theatre, or prefer a more subdued approach, there’s no denying that a Disney musical’s success rests heavily on its soundtrack.

Eight years later, Moana 2 is re-entering the fold while bearing the weight of its predecessor’s acclaim though several things have changed in the transition period, with the key one being that the award-winning Miranda, who stepped back from the project, has been replaced by TikTok-famous duo Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy winners for The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical Album (2021). On one hand, this swap brings a modern pop-like voice to the sequel’s soundtrack, though their inclusion doesn’t come without controversy, given their lawsuit with Netflix over copyright infringement. To bridge the gap, original composers Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa’i return to ensure continuity, and the sequel even reuses a few tracks from Miranda’s iconic score.

Then, there’s the change of hands on the directing front. Moana 2 marks the debut of directors David Derrick Jr. (Raya and the Last Dragon), Jason Hand (Encanto), and Dana Ledoux Miller (Designated Survivor), who have taken over the reins from Disney veterans Ron Clements (The Little Mermaid), John Musker (The Princess and the Frog), and Don Hall (Big Hero 6). Originally conceived as a Disney+ series, this sequel might have evolved into a feature-length production with grander visuals and bolder storytelling, but there’s no denying that Miranda’s absence looms large, and halfway through the first song and during the start of the second, the stark differences in songwriting quality looms large, leaving fans with the sense that the lyrical magic that made the original so unforgettable cannot be recaptured.

The movie opens with the anthem “We’re Back”, blending environmental, cultural, and personal themes into a rich harmony that reintroduces viewers to the now-evolved village of Motunui. It’s no “Where You Are”, but it sets a strong tone for the sequel. Moana herself, voiced once again by Auli’i Cravalho (Mean Girls), returns with greater maturity and confidence. Set three years after the first film, the titular character, now nineteen, is more grounded and assured, fully embracing her role as a way-finder and leader. Her growth is evident in how she mentors her younger sister, Simea, played with infectious energy by Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda in her feature debut.

Simea is a delightful addition to the story, bringing her own vibrant personality to the narrative. She’s feisty, energetic, and deeply caring, avoiding the trap of feeling like a simple rehash of Moana’s younger self. The sibling dynamic between Moana and Simea is one of the film’s emotional highlights, showcasing how Moana’s journey has shaped her into a strong, nurturing figure. Together, their bond enriches the sequel, offering a fresh perspective on family and responsibility without losing sight of the adventurous spirit that defined the first film.

The story takes a pivotal turn when Moana receives an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors to break the envious storm god Nalo’s curse on Motufetu, a hidden island that once united the ocean, a moment that transitions into the sequel’s answer to “How Far I’ll Go”. Titled “Beyond”, the track has Cravalho belting out an inspiring melody with her signature powerhouse vocals, but the song, with familiar modern pop music beats, struggles to match the emotional depth of its predecessor. While the music is polished and thematically fitting, it’s the lyrics, here and elsewhere throughout the film, that lacks the clever wordplay and resonance that went into Miranda’s memorable contributions. Instead, the song feels overly literal, hitting the right notes but failing to stir the same emotional depth. 

Moana’s journey takes on a new dynamic with the formation of her crew, featuring a mix of personalities that adds humour and heart to her voyage. Loto, the brainy but quirky thinker played by comedian Rose Matafeo (Funny Girls), Kele, the grumpy farmer voiced by David Fane (Next Goal Wins), and Moni, a Maui superfan portrayed by Hualālai Chung (NCIS: Hawai’i), bring fresh energy to the story. Their banter, combined with the return of Maui (Johnson, Red One) and Heihei (Alan Tudyk, Firefly), creates a livelier ensemble compared to the intimate partnership of the first film. 

Though the crew’s chemistry adds humour, the humour elements sometimes feel out of place. Modern references, including slang like “fanfic” and jokes about butt-dialling clash with the timeless quality of the first film, dulling the presence of organic storytelling during certain moments. Even an explanation of physics during the canoe-building sequence feels overly contemporary.

Tonal inconsistencies aside, the film’s narrative gains momentum as Moana and her crew embark on their perilous journey across the far seas of Oceania to break yet another curse. The Pacific Islands come alive with exquisite detail, from the glistening ocean waves to the lush islands teeming with marine life. These visuals not only honour the cultural roots of the story, but also expand on them, creating a richly detailed world that feels both familiar and newly invigorated.

The sassy and feisty antagonist Matangi, played by Kiwi actress Awhimai Fraser, steals the show with her dazzling villainous number, “Get Lost”. The song far surpasses the secondary antagonist Tamatoa’s (Jemaine Clement, Despicable Me) “Shiny” number from the first film, blending sass with substance in a way that elevates Matangi beyond the typical Disney antagonist. Much like Te Fiti/Te Kā in the original Moana, she’s portrayed as a layered character rather than a one-dimensional villain.

Maui, too, gets his own time to shine – particularly in the delivery of “Can I Get A Chee Hoo?”, a song that encourages Moana to reclaim her destiny. Unlike the boastful “You’re Welcome” from the first film, Johnson’s performance retains his charm and reveals a more grounded, heroic side, balancing humour with a newfound sense of responsibility.

But the film’s climax once again proves that Cravalho is the heart of Moana 2. Moana takes centrestage here, commanding attention with a heroic and deeply human performance. The high point arrives with the ensemble’s rendition of “Mana Vavau”, which channels the emotional weight of “I Am Moana (Song of the Ancestors)” and “Know Who You Are” from the first film. The lush, dynamic, and radiantly colourful visuals elevate the moment into a true cinematic spectacle, reminding audiences of their love for Moana.

While Moana 2 may not fully recapture the magic of its predecessor, especially with the uneven soundtrack, it still delivers a visually stunning and emotionally resonant adventure. The film expands upon the rich mythology of the original, introducing compelling new characters and showcasing the growth of its beloved protagonist. 

As Moana herself would say, “The ocean chose me for a reason.” And although the reason may not be entirely clear in this instalment, Moana 2 sets the stage for further exploration of this heroine’s journey, leaving audiences eager to see where the next wave takes her.

Natalie

Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Sylus from Love and Deepspace.