Walt Disney Animation Studio’s “Moana 2” was originally designed as a limited series that was supposed to stream on Disney+. However, producers discovered the eponymous voyager’s story had potential it had to be cinematic. Considering how “Wish” left critics unimpressed and underperformed at the box office, perhaps repurposing a reliable title from a streaming series into a feature length film would have been the best option. And to be honest, even with its predictable narrative trajectory and weaker songs, “Moana 2’s” strength comes from seeing the film’s title character explore uncharted waters while also celebrating Oceania’s culture in ways its predecessor couldn’t.
Set three years after the events of the first “Moana,” the title village chief has spent her days exploring the ocean in search of other voyagers. Her travels led her to a remote island that’s teeming with clay pottery. It’s a clear sign that the island was inhabited but they left for some reason. Excited, Moana returns home with her fellow animal companions Hei-Hei, a chicken, and Pua, a pig who was left behind in the first film.
The film informs audiences that the evil storm god Nalo cursed Oceana by sinking the island of Monotufetu to the bottom of the ocean for the sole purpose of seperating the islands from each other. The stakes couldn’t be more dire when Moana receives a warning from the gods that if she fails to reconnect these islands would lead to devestating outcomes.
Meanwhile, Maui is on an adventure of his own as he seeks to settle a score he has with the storm god. Unfortunately, the shapeshifting god who wields a magical fishhook is captured by Matangi, one of Nalo’s enforcers. So as Moana assembles a crew of her own – Moni (Hualalai Chung), a storyteller who helps the crew with his extenisve research on demi-gods and history and just so happens to have such a man-crush on Maui that he draws him into his artwork. The fast-talking engineer Loto (Rose Matafeo), who can be unhappy with her work even though it’s helped bring Moana back home safely countless times; and Kele (David Fane), an expert farmer who has no business being on a boat or out at sea and makes everyone know it. Together, they search for a way to break Nalo’s curse, all the while running into the sentitent coconuts Kakamora and Maui. Both of whom give Moana and her crew the assist they need to lift Nalo’s curse.
Part of what made “Moana 2” work so well as the dynamic between Moana and Maui. They are such a mismatched pair it makes for a some hilarious bantering and bickering. Of course, by the end of the first film, they would have put their differences aside for the greater good and learned that there’s no shame in asking for help. Since such a dynamic exists, they know how to push each other’s buttons and what they need to hear whenever they are at their lowest moments — like when Moana’s ambition gets the better of her which nearly kills Moni. Instead of returning home defeated, Maui encourages her to be the Wayfinder he knows her to be, and the crew rallies behind her because they believe in her.
Since it is a sequel, it means that it needs to give some screen time to the new characters like Moni, Loto, and Kele. Although, their inclusion expects to make things problematic given their lack of chemistry as a crew, the conflicts that were to exist are short-lived. They run into each other while on the ship, which makes ship operations rather difficult for Moana to manage. It may work for comic relief, but they all get used to each other. And while their ensemble song “What Could Be Beter Than This,” gives us a sense of how they work together, it doesn’t hold a candle to the sequel’s predecessor. Neither do songs like “We’re Back,” or “Can I Get a Chee-hoo.” Most don’t even help develop an of the character arcs or advance the plot. However, “Beyond” and “Get Lost” are just two of the songs that are perfect for the sequel.
The sequel continues the themes of connection and personal growth. For Moana, her desire to find other islands has not waivered. What’s more, her village also shares her beliefs. A sound difference considering that her father prohibited anyone from leaving the island in the first film. Not only is there a resonating story, but Moana 2 is also a celebration of an underrepresented culture. What’s more, directors David Derrick Jr. and Dana Ledoux Miller, who are of Samonan descent, join director Jason Hand to deliver a sequel that has strong cultural specificity.
So even though the sequel does fall into some familiar tropes, there are a few things to take note of that makes it worth watching. The celebration of Oceania shines through in the use of the Tokelauan language in the song, Mana Vavau; but we also get to see it come alive in the dance, tattoos, and visual imagery. Not only that, but the various islands are teeming with elements that stay true to the various island that make Oceania. Should Moana get another sequel, it would have to use what made the first film so great and the narrative groundwork laid out by “Moana 2.” There’s a after credit scene that assures us a third one is coming. So let’s just hope that the third Moana is less of a sequel that is repurposed from an undeveloped streaming series and more of something that deserves to close out a trilogy.
Now as for the bonus features, families can experience a full-length Sing-Along version of the film, deleted
scenes, featurettes and much more.
Bonus Features*
Full Length Sing-Along – Sing along with your favorite songs while watching the
movie with on-screen lyrics.
Call of the Wayfinder – Celebrate Pacific wayfinding with the Moana 2 filmmakers as
they meet real-life navigators from the Polynesian Voyaging Society. Hear from Nainoa
Thompson, CEO of PVS, and other crew members as they discuss the cultural
renaissance of wayfinding.
A New Voyage – Join the filmmakers and artistic leads for a deep dive as they reveal
the development of this sequel and discuss the impact that the first film had across the
globe. Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson talk about what it means to them to return.
Songs of the Sea – Sit down with songwriters Abigail Barlow & Emily Bear, Pacific
Islands music legend Opetaia Foa‘i, and composer Mark Mancina as they discuss
making the music. Get to know this talented team as they share insight into writing each
brand-new song.
Kakamora Chronicles – Ever wanted to know more about the Kakamora? Gather
’round while Moni, everyone’s favorite Motunui historian, tells the tales from real
Solomon Island folklore surrounding the mysterious and unforgettable beings known as
the Kakamora.
Fun in the Booth – Step inside the recording booth with the brilliant and talented actors
of Moana 2 for some creative fun as they bring their characters to life.
Deleted Scenes – Overall introduction to Deleted Scenes by directors David G. Derrick
Jr, Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller.
● Call to Motufetū
● Late to the Party
● Crew’s In for a Bruisin’
● Help Wanted
● Odd Birds
● Reunited
● Simea’s Chant
Song Selection:
● “We’re Back”
● “Beyond”
● “Finding the Way”
● “What Could Be Better Than This”
● “Get Lost”
● “Can I Get a Chee Hoo”
● “Mana Vavau”
● “Beyond” Reprise
● “Finding the Way” Reprise
8.5/10
“Moana 2” is available now on digital, and will be released on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on March 18, 2025
