Moana 2 Struggles to Match the Magic of the Original: Criticized for Storyline but Loved by Loyal Fans
The 2016 Disney film Moana became a massive hit, earning over $665 million worldwide and securing an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature. The film was praised for its groundbreaking animation, strong storytelling, and its empowering portrayal of Moana, a determined Polynesian Wayfinder. The film's blend of adventure, music, and cultural exploration captivated audiences globally, making it one of Disney's most memorable animated features.
Moana 2, the long-awaited sequel, returns with Moana and Maui on a new adventure, but the reception has been more mixed. While the film features stunning animation and some action-packed moments, it struggles with a less cohesive narrative and lacks the emotional depth that made the original so beloved. Despite a solid fan base, critics have labelled the sequel as a somewhat uninspired follow-up, pointing out issues with music, character development, and an overall weaker plot.
Moana 2 is directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller. Set three years after the events of the first film, the sequel follows Moana as she embarks on a new journey to find a hidden island that could save her community. She assembles a new team of characters, including her younger sister Simea, and several quirky islanders. However, the film struggles with pacing, as it juggles too many characters without fully developing their stories.
Moana 2 is full of stunning visual effects and fun sea adventures, but it is a film that does not have the emotional depth or charm that the first film had. According to Asher Luberto in LA Weekly, the film is confusing and full of one-dimensional characters, where the vibrant personality of Moana is often overshadowed by the new, less compelling crew. The inclusion of new characters, such as the cranky farmer Kele and the passionate island bard Moni, does not improve the film's pacing, and many believe that these characters take away from the heart of the story.
Moana 2's Music and Plot Under Fire from Critics
Moana 2 music is also criticized. As pointed out by Radheyan Simonpillai of the Globe and Mail, flat musical numbers fail to recreate that energy and joy from the songs in the original. Although some members of the original team return, like composer Mark Mancina, the new musical numbers composed by Barlow & Bear are not as catchy as those in the original film. Critics feel that they seem more like plot tools than expressions of emotions through characters.
Adds Alison Willmore from Vulture: the film lacks tension, because there is no proper antagonist or conflict that might bring some excitement to the storyline. She also states that in new films by Disney, they prefer avoiding the classic villains and using ambiguous sources of conflict that, in this case, make the audience feel rather bored.
Despite all criticism, Moana 2 won over loyal fans
Despite all this, the film still finds some appreciation from viewers. Brian Eggert for Deep Focus Review appreciates this film's positive message and hard-hitting female lead, while according to Owen Gleiberman from Variety, Moana 2 doesn't hold up the same heights compared to the original but has still remained an enjoyable kiddie film.
Finally, Moana 2 is going to do all right in the box office, riding the fanbase of the original movie. Still, the film doesn't bring enough narrative depth and appealing music to make it look like a magical sequel at all.