Moana 2 Review : A Must-see adventure you can’t wait for

Disney’s new movie, Moana 2, sticks with what made the first one great, taking viewers on another adventure with Moana. Directed by David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, the sequel brings back Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho) and Maui (Dwayne Johnson) for another fun story filled with ocean adventures, myths, and self-discovery.

A Return to Familiar Themes

The first Moana movie came out eight years ago and connected with audiences, especially with its message about exploring beyond limits and protecting the environment. Moana 2 doesn’t try to be as deep, but instead plays it safe by revisiting the same themes that made the first film so beloved.

Moana’s New Journey

The sequel starts with Moana, now an experienced voyager, wanting to connect with nearby islands. She receives a vision from her ancestors urging her to set out across the ocean again. With her father’s encouragement, she forms a crew that includes a grumpy farmer (David Fane), an excited marine engineer (Rose Matafeo), and a strong communications expert (Hualalai Chung). Although these new characters add variety to the team, they don’t get much focus. Moana’s true companion is still the ocean itself, which remains full of life and personality.

Moana and her crew set off to find Motufetu, an island that was once a major gathering place before it was sunk by Nalo, a powerful storm god. Their mission is to restore Motufetu and bring peace to the islands. The mythology in the movie is rich, though sometimes a bit confusing, but overall, it stays light and heartwarming, just as you’d expect from Disney.

Music and Magic

The music, composed by Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, Opetaia Foaʻi, and Mark Mancina, maintains the spirit of the original, though there are fewer standout songs. The new anthem, “Beyond,” is similar to How Far I’ll Go from the first movie and captures Moana’s desire to explore even further. It’s an empowering song that fits well with Disney’s modern princesses, who focus on growing up, finding themselves, and being independent. Just like in the first movie, there’s no prince in Moana’s story—she’s on her own adventure, with her loyal animal friends by her side.

Storytelling as a Central Theme

One of the things that makes the Moana series special is its focus on storytelling. Both movies begin with someone sharing a dramatic tale, and storytelling is an important part of Moana’s culture. Maui’s tattoos illustrate his adventures, and the people of Moana’s island paint their homes with their stories. In Moana 2, even the Kakamora—the little coconut-armored pirates—use their painted bodies to tell stories, adding more to their mythology.

A Franchise That Keeps Going

On a more critical note, Moana 2 could be seen as Disney’s way of keeping the franchise alive and making more money. When Moana shouts, “Nalo wants to end our story,” it almost feels like Disney is asking viewers to keep the story—and the franchise—alive. Moana remains an inspiring Disney heroine, but her story also reflects Disney’s desire to continue its popular narratives.

Final Thoughts

Moana 2 is rated PG and runs for 1 hour and 40 minutes. It’s a fun family movie that sticks to the original’s successful formula, offering adventure, music, and a positive message about community and resilience.