'Moana 2' sinks under pressure: Sequel can't replicate magic of original hit

After the success of the 2016 film "Moana," it was only a matter of time before Disney decided to make a sequel. Now, nearly a decade later, the follow-up has washed up on shore, but with it comes diminishing returns.

"Moana 2" picks up three years after the events of the original film. Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) has fully embraced her leadership role as the chief of Motunui, guiding her people toward a prosperous future. But, when a call from her ancestors beckons her to take on a new mission, Moana sets off on a treacherous journey to find the lost island of Motufetu.

This mystical island once connected all the islands of Oceania but has been hidden by the storm god Nalo (Tofiga Fepulea'i), who has cast powerful squalls and curses to keep it submerged. In this film, Moana reunites with Maui (Dwayne Johnson) and assembles a new crew to break the curse on Motufetu and restore balance to the ocean.

At the film's heart is Moana's new goal: to raise the sunken island of Motufetu, which holds the key to reconnecting the fragmented island communities. Along the way, Moana faces perilous weather conditions and battles her self-doubt. Nalo becomes the primary antagonist, actively preventing her from reaching Motufetu. While Moana's journey should be one of both physical and emotional growth, the film doesn't fully capitalize on the opportunity for a deeper exploration of her character.

The premise of "Moana 2" is definitely intriguing, but the film's pacing is uneven, with moments of excitement bogged down by rushed sequences or unnecessary filler. There are a lot of familiar beats from the first "Moana": Moana struggling with her role as a leader, navigating the unpredictable seas and seeking guidance from her ancestors, but without the same resonance. The journey to Motufetu, while visually engaging, doesn't carry the same weight, and Moana's internal growth feels unearned.

The movie never meaningfully builds on its main story. Key plot points like Moana's decision to confront her fears or her interactions with Maui often feel shallow and incomplete. The emotional stakes rarely simmer long enough for the audience to become truly invested in Moana's journey.

It was always going to be difficult for the sequel to live up to the expectations set by the first film. But, even with Disney's more lackluster releases, fans can typically count on catchy songs. One of the most anticipated aspects of "Moana 2" was its soundtrack, especially after the success of Lin-Manuel Miranda's unforgettable contributions to the original film.

Unfortunately, the music in "Moana 2" falls flat. While there are attempts to recapture the same sense of adventure and wonder, the songs fail to leave a lasting impact. Tracks like "Beyond" are well-intentioned but lack the bravado and memorability of songs like "How Far I'll Go" or "You're Welcome." The music this time around also doesn't serve the story as effectively.

Johnson's Maui returns, but his character isn't nearly as apparent. He faces struggles of his own, particularly with the introduction of a new mysterious character that temporarily hinders him. Other than being a fun companion to Moana, Maui doesn't evolve much in this sequel.

The new crew assembled by Moana, a diverse group of seafarers, provides some fresh dynamics but ultimately feels underutilized. These characters, while interesting, don't receive enough screen time or development. The film could have benefited from exploring the backgrounds and motivations of these new faces, but instead, they feel like background players in Moana's larger journey.

There are moments in "Moana 2" that should feel significant, but many of them are undercut by poor pacing or underdeveloped character arcs. A notable scene where Moana confronts a massive storm sent by Nalo is visually impressive but lacks the tension that should accompany such a perilous event. Similarly, Moana's confrontation with her fears and doubts as a leader feels rushed, leaving it without the emotional weight that it needs to resonate with the audience.

"Moana 2" is a film that tries to build on the legacy of its predecessor but ultimately falls short. While it delivers plenty of visual beauty and adventurous spirit, it lacks the charm that made the first "Moana" so memorable. The music is forgettable, and the story feels like a rehash of familiar themes. Despite strong performances from Cravalho and Johnson, there's a sense of magic missing.