Disney Animation's highly anticipated Moana 2 has finally seen the end of its review embargo, and the initial feedback is a mix of good and not-so-great. The sequel, which initially began as a Disney+ TV series before being transformed into a feature film, seems to have some shortcomings compared to its 2016 predecessor.

"Moana 2: A Sequel's Journey of Contrasts"

Trades and Reviews

In Variety's review, it is stated that Moana 2 "is an okay movie, an above-average kiddie roller-coaster, and a piece of pure product in a way that the first 'Moana,' at its best, transcended." This highlights the difference between the two films. The Hollywood Reporter explains that Moana 2 builds impressive action sequences on a relatively weak story. It further notes that the absence of Lin-Manuel Miranda is felt in the musical aspect.The songs not being as good as the first movie is a recurring theme throughout nearly every review. However, there are some catchy numbers that manage to stand out. The Wrap delivers a comprehensive summary, stating that while there is potential for future installments to build on what Moana 2 sets up, this particular sequel makes future installments less appealing. It is a generic and forgettable sequel with expensive blockbuster frills.

Overall Impressions

Empire calls Moana 2 "A touch less fresh than the original, but this is still bursting with energy, emotion, warmth and imagination. It knows the way." Total Film argues that there is plenty to admire in the animation and rich mythology of the tale, but it rehashes many of the themes and plot points of the original, resulting in a fun but less vital movie.Coming Soon's review reads, "While Moana 2 may not reach the unreachable heights of its predecessor, this movie offers enough laughs and visual spectacle for the whole family. The animation is astounding, and everyone on this project brings passion and life to a long-overdue sequel."The Iluminerdi states that Moana 2 is a breathtaking adventure with stunning visuals, powerful performances, and a magical world that expands the lore we love – get ready to go beyond! io9 was also a fan, stating that while we'll always wonder what Moana's future would've looked like as a streaming TV series, Moana 2 more than makes the case for its transformation into a big-screen feature.

Movie Details

Walt Disney Animation Studios' epic animated musical Moana 2 reunites Moana (voice of Auli’i Cravalho) and Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she's ever faced.The voice cast also includes Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Hualālai Chung, David Fane, Rose Matafeo, Awhimai Fraser, Gerald Ramsey, and Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, who lends her voice to Moana’s adoring and adorable little sister, Simea.Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, Moana 2 features music by Grammy winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa‘i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina. Jared Bush and Miller are writing the film, which is executive produced by Jennifer Lee, Bush and Johnson.Moana 2 opens in theaters on November 27, 2024. With these reviews counted, Moana 2 has a Rotten Tomatoes score: 72%. In comparison, Moana sits at 95%, making it one of Disney Animation's most critically acclaimed releases; as a result, it was always going to be a hard act for any sequel to follow.