by Paloma Illanes ‘25

In 2016, the beloved Disney original movie Moana was released, and now the sequel is out eight years later. The beloved first movie was a unique film set on a Polynesian island in danger and Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) is the only one who can save her people with the help of demi-god Maui (Dwane Johnson). This movie attracted tons of popularity and praise, with people raving over the music, animation, and story-line. While Moana 2 is still a great watch and tries its best to match the energy and quality of its predecessor, it ultimately falls short in comparison.

Disney has a track record of making unsatisfying sequels to classic movies that typically end up diminishing the memories from the first film. With all the sequels, live action remakes, and spin-off series from previous franchises Disney has been producing lately, one would think the company is desperately trying to make more money even while running out of ideas.

One of the main reasons Moana was such a huge success was due to the several hit songs it produced such as “You’re Welcome” and “How Far I’ll Go,” written by Lin Manuel Miranda. The absence of Miranda’s lyricism in the second film is greatly noticeable as the songs are not as catchy or clever. While the new writers Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear do a great job matching the feeling of the new movie, their songs are not nearly as fun as Miranda’s. Throughout the soundtrack it seems as if the songs are trying to imitate the hits from the first one, or be the next best “You’re Welcome,” but to no avail. Maui’s solo song “Can I Get A Chee Hoo?” has lots of energy and enthusiasm, but leaves fans wishing Miranda wrote it instead as rhymes such as “Come on-a” and “Moana” make their way into the song.

The second film introduces many new characters such as Moana’s little sister Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda), a mini version of Moana, and their sisterly love adds new meanings and themes to the story. As Moana embarks on her next adventure to save her people yet again, she recruits a bigger team to help break a curse and reunite Polynesian villages across the ocean. Her new crew consists of story-teller and number one fan of Maui, Moni, stubborn farmer Kele, and clever engineer Loto. These new characters along with lovable animal sidekicks from the first film, Hei-hei the indestructible chicken and Pua the pig, help convey the moral and show the importance of collaboration and perseverance. The lessons each character learns on the treacherous journey are impactful and make the movie wholesome yet action-filled.

Regardless of the somewhat disappointing soundtrack and overly obvious hints to the first movie, Disney captures the rich Polynesian culture and gorgeous scenery through incorporating Maori language and traditions as well as top tier animation quality to encapsulate the vibrant colors of the ocean and beaches.

As far as Disney sequels go, Moana 2 is definitely worth the watch, but the first film will remain an unmatched classic.

Grade: B+