Why did it take so long for us to get a sequel to Moana (2016)? And why start with “Moana 2(November 2024) and the live-action version of the first part (July 2026) now two “Moana” blockbusters within just 20 months? The answer to both questions is the same: “Moana” was a hit in the cinema, but not a megahit. Only in the home cinema (the best-selling DVD/Blu-ray of 2017) and finally in the Disney+ streaming offer did the animated fantasy adventure develop into an absolute ratings monster: in 2023, a full seven years after its theatrical release, “Moana “Became the most streamed film in the USA, ahead of all new releases – across all platforms! So far, more than a billion (!) hours have been streamed on Disney+ alone.
Apparently there are quite a few kids (and probably a few adults too) who watch the film at least once almost every week for months and years. So it's no wonder that those in charge around Disney boss Bob Iger can't get enough of the titular pathfinder and her fish-hook-wielding demigod buddy Maui. When the live-action remake was already being planned, the animated sequel, originally intended as a series for Disney+, was promoted to a full-blown blockbuster production. And the decision seems to have been spot on, after all, “Moana 2” broke the first box office records even before its release! But you shouldn't set your expectations too high, because in contrast to the flagship sequel “Inside Out 2”, “Moana 2” plays it very safe in terms of narrative.
Moana is no longer alone on the ocean. Instead, this time she has a crew on board.
After reconnecting with her Wayfinder ancestors, Moana (voice: Auli'i Cravalho) regularly goes on expeditions to search for traces of other tribes on foreign islands. And in fact she finally comes across a painted clay jug that shows her the way to a certain star constellation. What Moana doesn't know, however, is that the angry storm god Nalo (Tofiga Fepulea'i) absolutely wants to prevent the tribes of the Pacific islands from uniting again – and so he has not only enveloped the central connecting island in electrical tornadoes, he has also brought them to the ground let the sea sink. Of course, Moana and her crew have no chance without superhuman support. But demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) finds himself in a particularly awkward situation…
Technically top, narratively so-so
“Moana 2” is perfectly timed with a cinema release at the beginning of Advent. And not only because it takes the promising slot in the annual animated Disney Christmas fairy tale this year, but also because we could all use a quick trip to tropical Oceania in the cold winter weather. The animations in the sequel also impress with sun-drenched colors that warm you right into the cinema. This is especially true of the azure waters of the sea, which regularly act as an ally to Moana when it divides itself for her or takes on almost human characteristics with a kind of watery tongue. As far as the technical side is concerned, “Moana 2” is beyond any doubt.
In terms of narrative, however, those responsible rely almost entirely on the tried and tested elements of the original: Pua the pig and Hei Hei the rooster are still among the better animal Disney sidekicks, but their running gags are almost identical to those of the predecessor. A Kakamora coconut warrior is a pleasant addition to the wordless sidekick squad, but is also given little to do. The punchlines in “Moana 2” that stick in your memory are those in which Maui breaks the fourth wall and directly relies on the audience’s meta-knowledge. For example, with a gag about cell phone “buttdials” that goes back 2,000 years or an allusion to Moana’s often incorrect classification as a Disney princess.
Maui (Dwayne Johnson) takes on the storm god Nalo (Tofiga Fepulea'i). But actually the demigod can only lose out in this unequal duel.
Meanwhile, the new Pacific expedition turns out to be a pretty random high-seas road trip, in which the huge action set pieces are convincing, but in which there is little excitement beyond that. This is also due to the new villain Nalo, who has hardly done anything yet – we'll have to wait until the already heavily hinted at “Moana 3”. Even emotionally, the sequel doesn't pack nearly as strong a punch as its predecessor, and that's not just due to the far less catchy songs. Moana's connection to her crew, which includes master gardener Kele (David Fane), marine engineer Loto (Rose Matafeo) and Maui superfan Moni (Hualalai Chung), remains very underdeveloped. She also has so few scenes with Maui this time that the emotions tend to simmer on the back burner. However, Moana's little sister Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda), who is somewhat reminiscent of Lilo from “Lilo & Stitch”, always steals the show from the others.
Conclusion: Visually breathtaking again, “Moana 2” delivers more of what we already know from its predecessor. Nothing or anyone in particular stands out from either the new songs or the new characters, which is why fans are finally getting the long-awaited “Moana” replenishment, but ambitious surprises like “Inside Out 2” unfortunately remain in short supply.