The first Moana movie, released in 2016, won hearts with its captivating portrayal of Polynesian mythology and breathtaking ocean scenery.
For years, audiences eagerly anticipated a continuation of Moana Waialiki’s story, following her daring adventures as a Wayfinder, accompanied by Maui, the demi-god voiced by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
Now, nearly ten years later, the much-anticipated sequel has finally arrived in theaters.
However, instead of receiving the widespread praise many had hoped for, the movie has sparked a wave of mixed responses, all centered around one unexpected critique.
The Disney sequel takes place a few years after the events of the first film.
Moana has fully stepped into her role as the leader of Motunui and remains dedicated to safeguarding her people and preserving their traditions.
However, she soon faces new obstacles in the form of environmental dangers and ancient mythical forces that resurface.
As the story unfolds, Moana reunites with familiar allies like Maui and meets new characters who add fresh elements to the adventure.
It’s no surprise that expectations for Moana 2 were high, as fans were excited to see how the sequel would build upon the beloved characters and world.
While not everyone is fully satisfied with the new installment, it seems to have succeeded in certain areas.
Many viewers are praising the visuals, noting that they remain as colorful and mesmerizing as in the original film.
Despite these strengths, however, the movie has left a number of fans feeling disappointed, with one particular criticism taking center stage in online conversations.
Both critics and fans have pointed out that Moana 2 feels oddly disconnected, and this seems to stem from an unusual source: according to Variety, the story was originally developed as part of a planned Moana TV series.
Many fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment. One person commented, “Disjointed, messy, low stakes story; underwhelming songs that unsuccessfully imitate the first’s masterful tunes; forgettable new characters. Feels like a 2000s direct-to-video sequel. Would’ve worked far better as the Disney+ limited series it was originally planned as.”
Another echoed similar sentiments, saying, “It’s shallow, generic, poorly paced, and nearly as confusing as Frozen 2. It’s at its best when it references the original.”
“Originally conceived as a Disney+ series, the film never shakes off that streaming feel. The editing and pacing are rough, and while kids might enjoy it, Moana 2 will play more like a direct-to-video sequel,” remarks a third viewer.
Critics have echoed these thoughts. Jackson Weaver from CBC News commented, “While it may have worked as a cable-TV spinoff, as it is, Moana 2 is at best sub-par escapism. At worst, it’s an anger-inducing waste of time.”
Similarly, Calum Cooper from Flick Feast shared, “Had it been its intended TV show, with more time to experiment, this could have amounted to something decently entertaining.”
Despite the critiques, the film still has its merits, including its rich celebration of Polynesian culture, breathtaking visuals, and touching moments.
Watch the official trailer for Moana 2 below…
