‘Moana 2’ is a solid movie on its own, but it doesn’t quite live up to the monumental legacy of its predecessor. While it features interesting characters, a meaningful continuation of the story, and an enjoyable plot, it falls short in key areas like music and suspense. The film is good, with strong character development, an engaging storyline, and a satisfying conclusion; However, some of the story arcs feel too easy, and there is a lack of the high-stakes drama that made the first film so memorable—in the original, Moana and Maui struggled in their quest, creating moments of true tension. In this sequel, the characters succeed more easily, which dampens the final conflict. Additionally, while the movie has its moments, the soundtrack doesn’t quite measure up to the unforgettable hits of the original.

One of the defining features of ‘Moana’ was its powerful and memorable soundtrack, which featured songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda. In ‘Moana 2’, the music simply isn’t as impactful. The score is less memorable, with fewer standout songs that resonate emotionally. While the music serves its purpose within the context of the film, it lacks the spark that made songs like “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome” so iconic. The absence of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s touch is evident, and fans of the original may find themselves disappointed at the music’s lack of depth. Meaningful music was a key element of ‘Moana’s success, and its absence in this sequel makes the film feel less engaging. When audiences expect an emotionally charged musical experience, this sequel’s less impactful songs can leave them underwhelmed.

One strength of ‘Moana 2’ is the introduction of new characters who allow for meaningful growth and development throughout the story. The film effectively uses these new characters to explore leadership, teamwork, and the flaws that come with both. These characters provide a refreshing change from the first film, where the focus was mainly on Moana and Maui. The new characters add complexity to the narrative, especially since they don’t start as strong or resilient as Moana. This imbalance gives the film its moments of tension and suspense, something that’s harder to generate when the protagonist is facing challenges alone. By incorporating new characters with flaws and room for growth, the film avoids being too predictable. Without these characters, the stakes would have felt lower, and the film’s emotional impact would have been less significant.

Unfortunately, ‘Moana 2’ fails in another key area: the villain. The antagonist lacks depth and development, serving more as a plot device than a fully realized character. The film provides very little backstory or motivation for the villain, which makes the final conflict less compelling. The heroes’ victory doesn’t feel as triumphant because the villain doesn’t feel like a true threat–more like a mere obstacle in the way. In contrast, the original “Moana’ featured a nuanced antagonist in the form of Te Kā, whose backstory adds emotional weight to the resolution. Without a strong villain to challenge the protagonists, the film’s climax lacks the emotional payoff that a truly great villain could have provided. This ultimately leaves the viewer feeling unsatisfied after the final battle.

Compared to the original “Moana”, the sequel doesn’t quite match up. The original film had a perfect balance of heart, music, and adventure, while “Moana 2” struggles with pacing and depth, especially in its final conflict. The music is nowhere near as memorable, and the villain fails to provide the emotional stakes necessary for a truly gripping resolution. While the new characters are a highlight, they don’t fully make up for the film’s overall lack of tension.

Compared to most other Disney animated sequels, “Moana 2” is a rare example of a sequel that successfully continues the story of its predecessor while building on the characters. Unlike many Disney sequels that feel like rushed cash grabs, “Moana 2” adds meaningful character development and continues the themes of leadership and identity. The story may not hit the same emotional highs as the first movie, but it is a worthy continuation of Moana’s journey.

“Moana 2” is a good sequel, with a strong cast of characters and a meaningful continuation of Moana’s story. However, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the original, especially when it comes to its music and villain. It’s an enjoyable movie for fans of the first film, but it may leave some wishing for a bit more depth and tension. Still, it stands out as one of the better Disney sequels, offering a satisfying narrative and growth for its characters. Overall, “Moana 2” is a film that is worth watching at least once, especially if you are a fan of the original. 4/5 stars.