Both fans and critics are raising the same concern about Moana 2 after its release.
The original Moana movie, released in 2016, captivated audiences with its enchanting portrayal of Polynesian mythology and breathtaking oceanic vistas.
Fans have eagerly anticipated a sequel to the story of Moana Waialiki, the brave wayfinder, and her adventures with Maui, the demi-god voiced by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
Nearly a decade later, the sequel has finally made its way to the big screen. However, instead of the widespread praise many anticipated, the film has sparked a wave of mixed reactions – all centered around one unexpected critique.
The Disney sequel picks up several years after the events of the original film.
Moana has fully embraced her role as the leader of Motunui, dedicating herself to protecting her people and preserving their way of life. However, new challenges emerge in the form of environmental threats and long-dormant mythical forces.
Along the way, Moana reunites with old allies like Maui and encounters new characters who add fresh dynamics to the story.
With high expectations for Moana 2, fans were eager to see how the sequel would build on the beloved characters and world. While not all viewers are fully satisfied with the installment, it has certainly delivered in some areas. The visuals, in particular, have received praise for being as vibrant and captivating as ever.
Despite its strengths, the film has left many viewers feeling underwhelmed, with one particular complaint dominating online discussions.
Both critics and fans have found Moana 2 to be oddly disjointed, a critique linked to its unusual origin. According to Variety, the film’s story was originally developed for a Moana TV series. Many fans have shared their frustrations on social media, with one person commenting: “Disjointed, messy, low-stakes story; underwhelming songs that fail to capture the magic of the original’s tunes; forgettable new characters. It feels like a 2000s direct-to-video sequel. Would’ve worked much better as the Disney+ limited series it was initially planned to be.”
A second viewer agrees, saying: “It’s shallow, generic, poorly paced, and nearly as confusing as Frozen 2. It’s at its best when it references the original.”
A third viewer shares, “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 feels more like a direct-to-video sequel.”
Critics share similar sentiments, with CBC News’ Jackson Weaver commenting, “While it might have worked as a cable-TV spinoff, Moana 2 is, at best, sub-par escapism. At worst, it’s an anger-inducing waste of time.”
Similarly, Flick Feast’s Calum Cooper remarks, “Had it been its intended TV show, with more time to experiment, this could have turned into something decently entertaining.”
Despite the criticism, Moana 2 still has a lot to offer, including its celebration of Polynesian culture, breathtaking visuals, and heartfelt moments.
