By Jessica Lynch
Moana (voice of Auli’i Cravalho) returns in “Moana 2.” (Disney)
Disney’s “Moana” took the world by storm in 2016, earning a 96% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and captivating audiences with its stunning animation, catchy songs, and a heroine unlike any other in Disney’s pantheon. When a sequel was announced, expectations were high, and many feared it couldn’t live up to the original. As of Dec.1, the sequel has a modest 65% critic score. I was skeptical as I settled in with my popcorn. As a longtime fan of “Moana,” I knew the Mouse had a lot to prove.
The movie begins with Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) setting off on a new voyage, hoping to find signs of other tribes in the lands surrounding the ocean. After a frustrating search, she stumbles upon a piece of pottery with an image of people painted on it. Returning home to her village, a classic Disney musical sequence kicks off, and we’re introduced to a new character: Moana’s younger sister, Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda). Initially, I worried this might be a distracting subplot, but Simea is actually featured sparingly, which keeps the focus on Moana’s journey.
The story takes a dramatic turn when, during a ceremony meant to crown Moana as chief, a violent storm rolls in, and lightning strikes her. In a trance, Moana dreams of her ancestors, who call her to follow the “fire in the sky” to mountain Motunui, where she will find other tribes. The message is clear: if she doesn’t lift the curse placed on the mountain by Nalo, a storm god, the islands will remain isolated, and her tribe will die out. When Moana wakes, she sees the “fire” pointing toward the vast ocean and feels compelled to set out on a quest to break the curse and unite the people of the ocean.
The next scenes are a montage of Moana assembling a crew, which includes the muscular Maui fan-boy Moni (Hualalai Chung), the clever raft engineer Loto (Rose Matafeo), and the elderly master gardener Kele (David Fane). These new characters are fantastic additions to the film. Their personalities complement Moana’s perfectly, creating funny and heartfelt moments as they navigate the dangers of the sea and the mountain. Moana is also joined by her faithful companions: the dim-witted chicken Hei Hei and the adorable pig Pua.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson returns as Maui, though not in the heroic light we’re accustomed to. The group finds Maui imprisoned by the goddess Mantangi (Awhimai Fraser), a villain in league with Nalo. Once freed, Maui joins the team, bringing his unique skills and brash personality to the fold.
“Moana 2” ups the ante with a darker, more action-packed tone than its predecessor. The stakes are higher, and Moana faces intense challenges. I questioned whether this movie was appropriate for younger audiences, as the characters face peril and brush with death on multiple occasions.
The musical sequences, though still integral to the film, are less catchy than those in the original “Moana.” The songs have a complex meaning, which makes them introspective but arguably less memorable. They aren’t bad—just different.
One of the standout features of both films is their celebration of Polynesian culture. Moana 2” is filled with cultural references, such as traditional dancing, ceremonies, and tattoos, which are important to the Polynesian identity. Disney continues its efforts to represent Pacific Islanders both in front of the camera (many of the main characters are voiced by Pacific Islander actors) and behind the scenes, with a production team that includes Pacific Islanders.
One of the boldest choices Disney makes is dispelling a long-held misconception about Moana: she is not a princess. In a playful moment, the movie directly addresses the idea that Moana doesn’t fit the traditional Disney princess mold. In a serious scene, it reaffirms that Moana is far more important than just a princess. This is a powerful message, reinforcing the idea that Moana is a leader, a warrior, and a hero in her own right.
One complaint about the movie is that it leaves some threads unresolved. Specifically, the character of Mantangi, initially presented as a villain, undergoes a quick transformation and has a change of heart. Yet, her storyline is left unfinished, which left me wondering what becomes of her. However, a post-credit scene offers a hint that her arc might be explored in a future film, so perhaps this will be addressed later.
“Moana 2” is a worthy sequel, and Disney did a commendable job expanding on the story. While the movie feels more intense than the first, it’s clear that the audience who fell in love with Moana in 2016 is older and ready for a mature adventure. It’s a story about the importance of human connection, the strength of family, and the courage to face the unknown—messages that resonate just as much today as they did in the first movie. Whether or not it surpasses the original is subjective, but there’s no denying that Moana’s journey is far from over, and I’m eager to see where she goes next.
