Moana 2 review: Moana and Maui remain a dynamic duo, but the story is a stale rehash of familiar themes

GamesRadar+ VerdictMoana remains as compelling a protagonist as ever in her much-anticipated sequel, whilst her reunion with Maui showcases the wonderful voice talents of Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. There’s plenty to admire in the animation and rich mythology of the tale, but it rehashes many of the themes and plot points of the original leading to a fun but less vital movie.Pros+Gorgeous animation that makes you want to book the first flight to swim in those turquoise seas+More Pua!+A properly evil villain for a properly heroic heroCons-Lin-Manuel Miranda’s absence is felt-Arguably too much Pua!-It is still fun, but it is also less funny GamesRadar+ Verdict GamesRadar+ Verdict Moana remains as compelling a protagonist as ever in her much-anticipated sequel, whilst her reunion with Maui showcases the wonderful voice talents of Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. There’s plenty to admire in the animation and rich mythology of the tale, but it rehashes many of the themes and plot points of the original leading to a fun but less vital movie. Moana remains as compelling a protagonist as ever in her much-anticipated sequel, whilst her reunion with Maui showcases the wonderful voice talents of Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. There’s plenty to admire in the animation and rich mythology of the tale, but it rehashes many of the themes and plot points of the original leading to a fun but less vital movie. Pros+Gorgeous animation that makes you want to book the first flight to swim in those turquoise seas+More Pua!+A properly evil villain for a properly heroic hero Gorgeous animation that makes you want to book the first flight to swim in those turquoise seas More Pua! A properly evil villain for a properly heroic hero Cons-Lin-Manuel Miranda’s absence is felt-Arguably too much Pua!-It is still fun, but it is also less funny Lin-Manuel Miranda’s absence is felt Arguably too much Pua! It is still fun, but it is also less funny Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. The premise was simple enough, a hero’s journey with some light coming-of-age that saw Moana battle a giant crab and team up with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s shape-shifting demi-god Maui to save the day. Not only did Auli’i Cravalho’s eponymous voice performance become the stunning heart of the film, but Johnson proved to be absolutely perfect casting, leaning into his signature swagger and charm while nailing the punchlines as the arrogant and selfish demi-god who comes to see the error of his ways. Fast FactsRelease date:November 27, 2024 (US), November 29, 2024 (UK)Available:In theatersDirector:David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux MillerRuntime:1h 40m Fast Facts Release date:November 27, 2024 (US), November 29, 2024 (UK)Available:In theatersDirector:David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux MillerRuntime:1h 40m Release date:November 27, 2024 (US), November 29, 2024 (UK)Available:In theatersDirector:David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux MillerRuntime:1h 40m Both of the leads return for sequelMoana 2, which is set three years after the events of the first with the residents of the island now regularly journeying beyond the reef and Moana has further come into her own as a master navigator, now leading a crew. There’s also a new addition to the family, as her parents Tui (Temuera Morrison) and Sina (Nicole Scherzinger) now also have a sweet new adoring sister Simea (Khaleesi Labert-Tsuda). Treading water (Image credit: Walt Disney Studios) The beats it follows are similar to the first but the relationship between Moana and Maui has sweetly evolved, with him affording her the respect she so begrudgingly won in the first film. But unfortunately, this makes for a less funny dynamic between the pair whose previous odd couple antics were a deep well of humor. And whilst the secondary antagonist in the first film, Jermaine Clements' giant crab who loved all things shiny, was also hilarious, here goddess of the underworld Mantagi (Awhimai Fraser) is less fun. But withDisneyhaving spent so many years with villains who were morally grey or the victims of circumstance, it is refreshing at least to have one that is so straightforwardly diabolical and employs an evil cackle with scenery-chewing aplomb. It’s a shame then that we spend limited time with Mantagi and the rich mythology that surrounds her, instead getting caught up in more shenanigans with the Kakamora, the diminutive coconut warriors from the first film who, while cute, just feel like a stale retreading of what was delightfully fresh when they first came to screens. A dynamic duo (Image credit: Disney) When you have a duo as dynamic as Moana and Maui, time spent in their company is always going to be a joy, but there is a notable absence in the form of Lin-Manuel Miranda. The composer who wrote bona fide bop ‘You’re Welcome’ for the first film hasn’t returned, and though ‘We’re Back’ is a very catchy tune and Maui’s ‘Can I Get a Chee Hoo’ is solid fun, there is nothing that quite reaches the heady heights of Johnson rapping about his origin story in ‘You’re Welcome’ or the moving ballad ‘How Far I’ll Go’ where Moana expressed her longing to see more of the world beyond her island’s shores. But even if they aren’t quite the earworms of their predecessors, there is still a wonderful cultural specificity to their lyrics, telling tales of ancient Polynesian myths and practices that read as authentic. This extends across the voice cast, with a talented crop of newcomers including Rose Matafeo, David Fane, and Awhimai Fraser, whose indigenous roots speak to the film’s commendable commitment to honoring the culture that it draws inspiration from. When you have a duo as dynamic as Moana and Maui, time spent in their company is always going to be a joy, but there is a notable absence in the form of Lin-Manuel Miranda. When you have a duo as dynamic as Moana and Maui, time spent in their company is always going to be a joy, but there is a notable absence in the form of Lin-Manuel Miranda. It also leaves the door ajar regarding opening up this world further. There are plenty of opportunities to tell more stories from the Oceania treasure trove and there are hints at more installations, and a long speculated Disney+ series coming to fruition would be welcome news. In the meantime, we know for sure that Moana will actually be taking a step backwards with Johnson reprising his role as Maui in a live-action remake of the first film. That news does scream brazen cash grab and to a certain extent, Moana 2 does not disavow that notion being so similar in form to the first film, also leaning into adorable side characters like Pua the pig, the Kakamora, and Heihei the rooster whose merch with undoubtedly be appearing in many child’s Christmas stockings. But Moana herself is a strong enough protagonist, with such a sincere and pure heart of a hero, that you stay rooting for her and for her movies. Moana 2 is released in US theaters on November 27, before heading to UK shores on November 29. For moreupcoming movies, check out our guide to2024 movie release dates. 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2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in 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“Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1 Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”