The reviews are in for “Moana 2,” the Disney animated sequel starring Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as the dynamic duo of wayfarer, Moana, and Maui, the larger-than-life demigod.
The two take off on an adventure “after receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors,” according to the movie’s description. Now Moana embarks on a journey to the massive seas of Oceania and “into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.”
So far the film has received a 72% on Rotten Tomatoes.
What was originally supposed to be an animated television series was turned into a cinematic animated sequel, with Disney CEO Bob Iger announcing during an earnings call in February. A live-action version of the original film is set to be released in 2026.
According to some critics, Disney should’ve stuck to the original plan.
“While the highly anticipated follow-up features stunning animation, it lacks the cohesive narrative and emotional intimacy that made its predecessor special,” wrote Lovia Gyarkye, art and culture critic with The Hollywood Reporter.
She noted the absence of Lin-Manuel Miranda on the movie’s soundtrack and called the movie’s story “weak.” The “Hamilton” creator wrote the songs for the movie’s 2016 predecessor.
Gyarkye did praise the House of Mouse’s “animated prowess,” when it comes to the “scale of the action” onscreen- but that wasn’t enough.
“But this peacocking doesn’t extend to the narrative, which is scattered and shallow compared to the first film. Where ‘Moana’ focused on the relationship between the titular adventurer and her reluctant demigod companion, ‘Moana 2’ divides its attention among more characters. These personalities — which includes fellow Motunuians and new villains — become window dressing in a movie short on time,” Gyarkye continued.
She did toute the film’s message.
“Even when ‘Moana 2’ falters, their courage remains a steady source of inspiration.”
Vulture’s Allison Willmore also missed Miranda’s touch on the movie’s music, which she said affected the film as a whole.
“(‘Moana 2’) has a soundtrack composed by the ‘Unofficial Bridgerton Musical’ team of Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, and it’s so devoid of bangers or any remotely memorable tunes that there’s nothing to distract you from the movie’s lack of clear stakes, or meaningful drama, or antagonists with any personality,” she wrote. “Seriously, what’s a girl got to do to get some good old-fashioned conflict around here?”
Willmore also pointed out that the movie should’ve stayed to the original plan, being a series on Disney+.
“A real movie would give its protagonist something to continue to wrestle with as she learns and grows, but ‘Moana 2’ isn’t a real movie. It’s an extension of time-tested IP, a savvy play from a media giant that may struggle mightily when it comes to new original material but has always known how to continue capitalizing on its hits.”
Owen Gleiberman of Variety called it “an okay movie, an above-average kiddie roller-coaster, and a piece of pure product in a way that the first ‘Moana.’”
“The new movie wears you down to win you over; it’s a just efficient enough delivery system for follow-your-dreams inspiration to be a major holiday hit,” he continued. “When Maui, in one of the funniest lines, says to Moana that though she isn’t a princess, ‘A lot of people think you are,’ that’s the film, in a good-natured way, having its rebel-heroine cake and eating it too.”
David Fear of Rolling Stone noted that the film follows “Sequel 101.”
“You loved the first movie, so here’s a second movie that’s a lot like the first movie,” he wrote. “This is the good news if that’s what you’re after. If not, well: It’s one hour and 40 minutes.”
Not all the reviews were lukewarm.
Linda Marric of Hey U Guys found the movie a “worthy sequel” and it “expands the world and mythology of the original while retaining its heart and sense of wonder.”
“It’s a visually dazzling adventure with compelling central characters, epic stakes, and plenty of charm. While some aspects could have been explored further, it’s a fun and heartfelt continuation that will leave audiences eager for more,” she continued.
Regardless of the reviews, the movie is set to make big bucks at the box office. It’s projected to make between “$135 million to $145 million in its first five days of release,” reports Variety.
That’s larger than 2019’s “Frozen II, which made $125 million within that time and 2013’s “Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” which made $109 million during that time as well.
“Moana 2” hits theaters on Nov. 27