Moana 2 Reviews: What Critics Are Saying About the “See-Worthy” Sequel

Moana 2 Reviews: What Critics Are Saying About the “See-Worthy” Sequel

As a long-time cinema devotee with a penchant for animated films that leave me awestruck and emotionally fulfilled, I find myself eagerly anticipating the release of “Moana 2”. Having grown up with Disney classics like Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Mulan, I hold these stories close to my heart.


Could it be possible that “Moana 2” surpasses its original version in terms of reviews on Rotten Tomatoes? The critics’ feedback suggests that while the sequel to “Moana” from Walt Disney Animation Studios is an enjoyable seafaring adventure, it may not quite match the brilliance of its well-loved forerunner (which continues to hold the title as Disney+’s most-streamed movie ever). However, the new film has already broken the record for trailer viewership for any animated Disney production, and is projected to have a blockbuster opening at the Thanksgiving box office. This indicates that the anticipation surrounding “Moana 2” is extremely high.

Originally planned as a Disney+ streaming series in 2020, the Moana TV show was later transformed into a full-length film, bringing back the protagonist, Auli’i Cravalho (the wayfinder), and Dwayne Johnson’s character Maui, the shape-shifting demigod, for a grand new adventure. This time, they are sailing with an eclectic group of fellow navigators.

Moana 2 Reviews: What Critics Are Saying About the “See-Worthy” Sequel

Moana 2 Rotten Tomatoes Score and Metacritic

The sequel to Moana embarked on its journey on Tuesday. Currently, it has a “fresh” rating of 70% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 71 reviews (so far), which translates to “mixed or average” reviews. On the other hand, the original Moana from 2016 boasts a 95% fresh rating, making it Disney’s sixth-highest score for an animated movie, with Pinocchio (1940) at the top with a perfect 100%, followed closely by Zootopia (2016), One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961), Cinderella (1950), and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937). On Metacritic, Moana from 2016 averaged an impressive score of 81 (“universal acclaim”).

Compared to the latest releases by Walt Disney Animation Studios, Moana 2’s Rotten Tomatoes rating is higher than that of Wish (48%) in 2023 but lower than Strange World (72%) from 2022, Encanto (92%), Raya and the Last Dragon (93%), and Frozen II (77%) which were all released in 2021.

Moana 2 Reviews: What Critics Are Saying About the “See-Worthy” Sequel

Moana 2 Reviews

Critics lauded the animation in Moana 2 as “exceptional” and “breathtakingly vibrant,” boasting some of the most vivid portrayals of animated water ever filmed. However, it’s worth mentioning that the narrative falls short compared to the original. Praise for Simea, Moana’s younger sister, abounds, but the supporting characters – Loto (Rose Matafeo), Kele (David Fane), and Moni (Hualālai Chung) – are less impactful. The film’s antagonist, Matangi (Awhimai Fraser), is being likened to “complex,” “iconic” Disney villains like Ursula from The Little Mermaid.

The sequel to “Moana,” titled “Moana 2, offers a vibrant, heartfelt journey across the seas. It boasts an outstanding percussion-rich soundtrack, catchy new tunes, and a wealth of meaningful messages about preserving ancestral customs, the importance of community, and teamwork. The cast delivers admirable vocal performances in this visually stunning production.

The Associated Press reviews the film directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, stating that it is visually superior to ‘Moana’ from 2016. However, with an abundance of new characters introduced, it seems like ‘Moana 2’ struggled to find its unique path amidst conflicting studio demands.

The sequel to ‘Moana,’ titled ‘Moana 2,’, is an alright film, offering a slightly better-than-average kids’ thrill ride. However, it feels more like a commercially produced product compared to the original Moana, which at its finest, managed to rise above such categorization. The new movie attempts to wear you down in order to win your affection; it’s a serviceable vehicle for delivering follow-your-dreams inspiration, making it a strong contender for a major holiday blockbuster.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, ‘Moana 2’ could have been more effective as a prolonged series rather than a single film. Although the sequel boasts impressive animation, it seems to miss the unifying storyline and emotional depth that set its predecessor apart… Unlike ‘Moana’, which centered around the unique bond between the main character and her demigod sidekick, ‘Moana 2’ spreads its focus among various characters. These new characters, including residents of Motunui and new villains, appear more as decorative elements in a film that feels rushed.

it leaves me eager for more adventures. So, here’s hoping for Moana 3!

Critic’s Review: “[Moana 2] is a patchwork boat that manages to sail through its theater debut, but it feels more like a direct-to-video sequel rather than the clever original… It reuses jokes and songs from the first movie. Unfortunately, even an unknown and omnipotent deity interrupting the storyline doesn’t quite pull it together for us ordinary viewers. In the end, it seems to have sailed off course.

‘Moana 2’ is visually pleasing throughout, but it essentially offers a rehash of the original film, appealing mainly to those seeking a familiar experience with a slight modification in the title.

Moana 2 sails into theaters November 27.

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2024-11-27 04:10