'Moana 2' Earns D- Grade: Critics React to Disney’s Latest Sequel

Disney’s highly anticipated sequel, Moana 2, hit theaters last week, but its reception has been far from the glowing acclaim of the original. While the first Moana became an instant classic in 2016, celebrated for its vibrant storytelling, memorable songs, and groundbreaking animation, the sequel has struggled to navigate similar waters, earning a modest 62% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Related: The Success of ‘Moana 2’ Is Actually Pretty Problematic

A Diminished Shine

Critics have been quick to note that Moana 2 fails to recapture the magic of its predecessor. The film continues the story of the brave Polynesian heroine Moana as she embarks on a new adventure to save her people from a mysterious force threatening the ocean.

While the premise promises epic stakes, many reviewers have described the narrative as overly predictable and lacking the emotional resonance that made the original so impactful.

“…One of the most ill-conceived sequels in Disney history,” wrote one critic, who echoes many writers in their dissatisfaction. Another critic says:

“Moana bravely fights a muddled screenplay with mediocre music. No melodies bore into your brain, but you might be bored and the new quirky sidekicks distract rather than increase the merriment.”

The music, another hallmark of the first film’s success, has also received mixed reviews. Lin-Manuel Miranda did not return to compose new songs, and critics have noted that the new tracks lack the unforgettable appeal of hits like “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome.”

Fans Weigh In

Despite lukewarm critical reception, some fans have embraced Moana 2 for its continued representation of Polynesian culture and its lush, oceanic visuals. Unlike critics, fans on the site have given the film an 87% rating.

Disney sequels often face the challenge of living up to their predecessors, and Moana 2 seems to have fallen into that trap. With its middling reviews, the film marks another sequel in Disney’s catalog that struggles to meet the high expectations set by its original. As audiences continue to flock to theaters to judge for themselves, the film’s stellar box office performance will likely outweigh any negative thoughts on the film.