Moana 2 poster- Thailand
When Disney green-lit a sequel for Moana, fans of the original were ecstatic for the return of the Polynesian princess. Moana was (get this) originally planned to be a TV series but the studio decided to make it a film. This saw Disney produce it as a family-friendly classic animation in 2016. In 2024, they released an anti-thesis to that. They made a screen-time padding product that screams AI-written and that remains soul-less where the original had high appeal.
Auli’i Cravalho reprised her role as the voice of Moana who is again the young heroine of her Polynesian island. Her ancestors and the unseen yet powerful forces of the ocean chose the Disney princess to guide her people back to harmony with nature. Maui, a demi-god voiced by Dwayne Johnson, repeatedly tried to thwart her efforts, complicating her mission. The sequel takes place years later, with Moana now a revered role model, admired and emulated by many.
Moana embarks on another “heroic” mission to find scattered oceanic islands and oppressed people, victims of the evil god Nalo. She returns triumphantly, bringing earth-shattering news: Nalo’s curse has swallowed the island of Motufetu. If they can raise it from the depths, she will “restore” her kin to their rightful united state. It’s a monumental task, certainly one worthy of the grandest adventures.
Naturally, Moana must once again embark on another tiresome, never-ending quest. This time she’s accompanied by the ever-so-“trustworthy” Maui, who parades around his animated tattoos. It is like they’re the ultimate symbol of his untouchable superiority. Joining this motley crew of misfits is her “reliable” friend Loto, voiced by Rose Matafeo.. There is also the grumpy, ancient farmer Kele (David Fane), whose vast knowledge of gardening will, of course, be absolutely essential in saving the day—because what’s an epic adventure without some agricultural know-how? Then there’s Moni (Hualalai Chung), a hulking, bumbling oaf who, let’s be honest, might just have a completely innocent, totally non-creepy “friend crush” on Moana.
The group soon stumbles upon the Kakamora—ridiculous, coconut-shaped marauders who somehow are now cast as allies. Why? Well, why not? And of course, there’s the villainous “bat lady” Matangi (voiced by Awhimai Fraser), who flutters in and out of the plot with the grace of a villain who’s really not sure if she even wants to be there.
The entire adventure, while harmless enough, somehow feels completely void of any real emotional weight or depth. They crafted it all with such clinical precision that it runs smoother than a well-oiled machine—but that’s the problem. The film’s polished, efficient narrative execution leaves little room for the kind of raw passion or heartfelt moments that would make it truly memorable. Instead, it feels like a story produced by an algorithm, hitting all the right notes without ever leaving mediocrity.
Viewers can expect Moana 2 on the big screens at the following dates: 27 November in the US, 28 November in Australia and 29 November in the UK.
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