The eagerly anticipated Disney sequel struggles to captivate, drawing comparisons to a spin-off television series rather than a standalone film.

The highly anticipated Moana 2, Disney’s sequel to the beloved 2016 animated adventure, has left critics underwhelmed, failing to match the magical impact of its predecessor. While the original Moana won hearts with its vibrant Polynesian setting, empowering story, and memorable music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the new instalment, which picks up three years later, has not been received with the same enthusiasm.

Returning for the sequel are Auli’i Cravalho as the strong-willed Moana and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as the mischievous demigod Maui. The film also introduces fresh music by Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, known for their work on the Unofficial Bridgerton Musical. Despite these returning talents and new additions, the film has struggled to capture the magic that made the first film a cultural phenomenon.

Critics have largely pointed to the film’s origins as a planned spin-off television series, a fact that seems evident in its episodic structure and lack of narrative cohesion. William Bibbiani of The Wrap was one of the more vocal critics, labelling the film as “more of an episode of a mediocre Moana television series” rather than a feature film worthy of its predecessor. He noted that while nothing in the film was overtly terrible, the fact that such a distinction was needed suggested the movie had not quite delivered on its promise.

“There’s nothing particularly terrible about Moana 2,” Bibbiani wrote, “but the fact that it’s necessary to write ‘there’s nothing particularly terrible about Moana 2’ means something still went wrong.” The film’s lack of a compelling, overarching plot and its reliance on episodic storylines left many feeling that the sequel did not live up to the grand adventure fans expected.

Kevin Maher from The Times echoed this sentiment, criticising the film’s fragmented narrative. “The narrative stumbles forward in episodic fits and starts through self-contained story bites that have little impact on the wider, regrettably flabby, arc,” Maher observed in his two-star review. He also called out an adventure sequence featuring the character Matangi, likening it to a filler episode that would likely have been scrapped had the film been made for a streaming series. Maher concluded that, unlike the first Moana, the sequel struggled to find its direction.

While the film has faced significant criticism, there have been some bright spots. India Block from the Evening Standard was far more positive, awarding the film five stars and praising the work of the new songwriters. “Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear prove adept and emotional songwriters that can channel Lin-Manuel Miranda’s style to keep continuity without veering into pastiche,” Block wrote, referencing Miranda’s absence from the sequel. The songwriting duo managed to capture the heart of the original film’s music while introducing their own flair, a refreshing aspect that has been widely appreciated.

Block also praised the stunning animation, noting that the film’s visuals are more breathtaking than ever, with every grain of sand and drop of ocean spray rendered with incredible detail. This heightened artistry, Block argued, made it all the more perplexing why a live-action remake of Moana is planned for release in 2026. Given the film’s visual beauty, the necessity of a live-action version seems questionable.

Despite the mixed reviews, Moana 2 is still expected to find an audience, especially among younger viewers and loyal fans of the first film. Disney has been successful in creating franchises that continue to captivate multiple generations, and Moana’s themes of courage, identity, and adventure have already endeared it to millions. The sequel, though not as universally acclaimed, is likely to be enjoyed by those who are already invested in the characters and the world they inhabit.

The film’s box office performance will determine how much of an impact the sequel will ultimately have. However, with a live-action Moana on the horizon, Disney may be hoping that the sequel serves as a stepping stone for future adaptations, whether in animated or live-action form.

In the end, Moana 2 struggles to meet the high expectations set by its predecessor, with critics pointing to its origins as a television spin-off as a key factor in its uneven pacing and storytelling. While the stunning animation and strong musical moments help elevate the experience, the film ultimately falls short of recapturing the magic of the original.