Moana 2 (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Disney’s much-anticipated sequel, Moana 2, sets sail on another adventure, bringing back our beloved wayfinder for a new journey across the seas of Oceania. Directed by David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, the film continues Moana’s story as she embarks on a daring mission after receiving an unexpected call from her ancestors. With breathtaking animation and heartfelt moments, Moana 2 aims to recapture the magic of its predecessor—but does it succeed? Let’s dive into an in-depth review.
Plot Overview
After receiving a vision from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho) sets out on a new voyage across the Pacific. This time, her journey takes her to long-lost waters, where she must navigate through dangerous challenges and uncover hidden truths about her people’s past. Alongside familiar faces like Maui (Dwayne Johnson), she meets new allies and faces a mysterious force threatening the balance of the ocean.
While the adventure sounds grand, Moana 2 struggles to find the emotional depth and narrative strength of the original film. Unlike the first movie, where Moana’s personal growth was the heart of the story, this sequel leans more into expanding the lore of her world. The stakes feel less urgent, and the pacing at times is uneven, making it clear that this film was originally planned as a Disney+ series before being reworked into a theatrical release.
Animation & Visuals – A Stunning Masterpiece
If there’s one aspect where Moana 2 undeniably shines, it’s in its animation. The water effects are so beautifully rendered that they almost deserve their own award. Every ripple, wave, and splash is meticulously crafted, making the ocean feel like a living, breathing character. The landscapes are equally mesmerizing, with lush islands, vibrant coral reefs, and dazzling starry skies.
Disney’s animation team has once again proven why they are at the top of the industry, elevating the visual experience to new heights. However, as stunning as the film looks, visuals alone cannot carry a movie.
Music – A Mixed Bag
One of the biggest disappointments in Moana 2 is its soundtrack. The original Moana (2016) featured unforgettable songs like How Far I’ll Go and You’re Welcome, composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda. However, Miranda did not return for this sequel, and it shows. The new songs, composed by Abigail Barlow, Emily Bear, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina, lack the same emotional punch and memorability.
While some tracks are pleasant and fit the film’s themes, none stand out as future Disney classics. Maui’s new song, Can I Get a Chee Hoo?, feels forced and lacks the charm of You’re Welcome. Overall, the music does its job but fails to elevate the film the way it did in the first installment.
Characters & Storytelling – Lacking Depth
One of the main criticisms of Moana 2 is its character development—or rather, the lack of it. While Moana remains a strong and determined protagonist, her growth in this film feels minimal compared to her transformative journey in the first movie.
New characters, like the engineer Loto and the grumpy farmer Moni, are introduced but receive little development. The main antagonist, Nalo, feels more like a plot device than a fully fleshed-out villain, making the conflict feel less impactful. Meanwhile, Matangi, the mysterious sea witch, has an intriguing presence but is not given enough depth to truly shine.
Another issue is the film’s comedic elements. While the first Moana had a perfect balance of humor and heart, Moana 2 leans too heavily on slapstick and meta-jokes that sometimes feel out of place.
Where to Watch Moana 2 Online
For those looking to watch Moana 2 online, the film is currently available for rental and purchase on several streaming platforms in the U.S., including:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV
- Vudu
- Spectrum
- Microsoft Store
As streaming rights change frequently, check JustWatch for updated availability. For official information, visit Disney’s Moana 2 page.
Final Verdict – A Beautiful but Safe Sequel
Moana 2 is a visually stunning film with heartfelt moments, but it ultimately plays things too safe. The animation is breathtaking, and Moana remains a lovable protagonist, but the story lacks the depth and emotional weight of the first film. The music is serviceable but forgettable, and many of the new characters fail to leave a lasting impact.
While it’s still an enjoyable watch for families and fans of the original, Moana 2 doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessor. If you loved the first movie, you may find yourself wanting just a little bit more from this sequel.
What Do You Think?
Have you watched Moana 2? Did it live up to your expectations, or did you feel something was missing? Share your thoughts in the comments below! If you’re planning to stream it, check out JustWatch to find the best platform for you.
