Moana 2 Hits Disney+. But Does It Match the Original's Magic?

Moana fans, can you believe it's already been almost a decade since the first film sailed into our hearts? When the original movie dropped, I was genuinely blown away. Not only did it introduce a truly unique heroine who wasn't just sitting around waiting for Prince Charming, it also managed to steer clear of turning Moana into an obnoxious "girl boss" character. She was just a compelling, brave, and genuinely relatable hero. And let's be real—who didn't walk out of that movie humming "How Far I'll Go"?

Now, Moana 2 is finally available for streaming, and after catching it, I'm left with somewhat mixed feelings. Don't get me wrong—it's definitely not bad. Set three years after Moana's initial journey, the sequel reunites Auli'i Cravalho's Moana and Dwayne Johnson's larger-than-life Maui for another sea-faring adventure, sparked by an "unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors." While it might not quite reach the emotional heights or groundbreaking originality of the first movie, it's still a breezy, enjoyable adventure that brings a smile to your face. The vibrant visuals, witty banter, and heartfelt moments make it a worthy successor. My only real gripe? I miss the catchy, instantly memorable tunes from Lin-Manuel Miranda. His musical magic truly elevated the original.

Still, for fans of the franchise, Moana 2 offers plenty of charm and entertainment. It's worth your time—just temper those expectations a tiny bit.