The Critics Have Seen Moana 2 And This Is What They’re Saying

As a seasoned gamer and animation enthusiast who grew up sailing the digital seas on my Nintendo 64, I can confidently say that “Moana 2” is shaping up to be an unmissable adventure. Having watched the original multiple times, I’m thrilled to see the return of Moana and her demigod mentor Maui for another heartwarming journey on the sea.


The upcoming film “Moana 2” is set to debut in cinemas a day prior to Thanksgiving 2024. However, some critics have already voiced their appreciation online, commending the sequel as a fitting successor to the 2016 Disney blockbuster. Although full reviews are not yet released until November 26th, the Mama’s Geeky website has shared positive sentiments on various platforms, stating, “Moana 2 is a worthy sequel! It offers hilarious humor, fantastic music, and an abundance of heart. Another emotional and empowering sea voyage. The animation is simply breathtaking!

Previously intended for streaming on Disney+, the sequel to “Moana” has now been upgraded to a cinematic production, generating high anticipation among fans who eagerly await the continuation of the beloved tale about the brave title character and her demigod guide Maui. The original cast members are reprising their roles, with Auliʻi Cravalho taking on the title role again and Dwayne Johnson returning as Maui. Temuera Morrison reappears as Moana’s father, Tui, while Nicole Scherzinger returns to portray her mother, Sina. Additionally, a few new characters have been introduced, such as Rose Matafeo, David Fane, and Hualālai Chung, who will be part of Moana’s sailing crew.

In simpler terms, the initial movie set a remarkable standard for computer-generated imagery (CGI) in Disney animations. Preliminary feedback suggests that the upcoming sequel will be another great addition to Disney’s successful series of theatrically released animated films.

Moana 2 offers a new scene-stealer — and a slight letdown

Joseph Deckelmeier, a reporter from ScreenRant, shared an image on X, taken at the world premiere in Hawaii, accompanied by an enthusiastic review highlighting a fresh, captivating character who steals the spotlight: “I was thoroughly impressed with [‘Moana 2’]!” he expressed. “The animation is awe-inspiring, and Moana’s team of characters is remarkable. For me, it was Moana’s little sister who stood out the most. The narrative is robust and thoughtfully constructed. It’s a charming follow-up.

Initially, many critics concurred that if “Moana 2” has any flaws, it lies in its music, which is said not to surpass the greatness of the first film. As The Hollywood Handle expressed on X, “The sequel excels in stunning visuals and intriguing new characters that truly shine in a tale brimming with emotional depth. While the songs may not be as exceptional as the original, there are still some catchy tunes to enjoy.

Chris Killian from ComicBook.com expressed both enthusiasm for the eagerly awaited sequel and some disappointment with the music, stating, “Although the songs aren’t as catchy this time, Moana and Maui remain an entertaining duo, providing laugh-out-loud jokes and touching moments. Outstanding animation and a more extensive exploration of Polynesian culture demonstrate that it’s worth venturing beyond the reef again with [‘Moana 2’].

Moana 2 could be a potential record-breaker

Three years have passed since my first epic adventure in Moana, and now I find myself gearing up for another thrilling journey! Just like the original film, which was a smash hit during the long Thanksgiving weekend of 2016, this sequel is projected to break box office records. It’s expected to surpass the impressive $82 million earnings of the first movie with over $100 million in total revenue across the five-day holiday period, and at least $75 million during just the weekend alone. Can’t wait to be a part of this incredible sequel!

Evidently, fans of Disney and Pixar are eagerly anticipating sequels to their beloved films, as the trailer for “Moana 2” has broken records in viewership, surpassing even those of “Frozen 2” and “Inside Out 2”.

Disney’s recent blockbuster sequel, “Inside Out 2,” was a massive hit at the box office and ended up as the top-grossing film of 2024, so the upcoming “Moana” sequel isn’t venturing into uncharted territory. Given its promising early reviews, it could very well be Disney’s next successful animated production, paving the way for the studio’s live-action remake of the original “Moana,” scheduled for release in July 2026.

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2024-11-23 01:00