On November 27th 2024, Moana 2 came out 8 years after the original which many people felt weird about and started comparing everyone’s opinion to.
The comparison between Moana 1 and Moana 2 is based on opinions among fans and critics. One viewer, junior Cameron Roggers, preferred the first movie, citing its superior storyline and greater emotional depth. According to Cameron, the original Moana featured a more compelling narrative arc, complete with drama and character development that resonated strongly with audiences. This emotional investment, combined with its breathtaking visuals and memorable music, helped Moana 1 become a beloved classic that continues to stand out in Disney’s rich lineup of animated films.
”I think Moana 1 was better,” junior Cameron Roggers said, “because they had a better story in the long run and had more drama to it.”
On the other hand, some viewers, like Emilio Oddo, expressed mixed feelings about the sequel. While Emilio acknowledged that the second Moana still had a strong plot, they found it didn’t quite live up to the high expectations set by the first movie. Despite this, Emilio still appreciated the overall narrative, suggesting that while it didn’t offer the same level of excitement or emotional intensity, it was still an enjoyable experience. Oddo’s comments reflect a common sentiment among many fans Moana 2 was solid, but it couldn’t quite capture the magic of its predecessor.
“There were high expectations,” junior Emilio Oddo said, “because I think it was ok I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first one, but I still enjoyed the plot. Some songs are catchy.”
Moana 2 exceeded expectations with its captivating storyline and stunning animation. The sequel brought back beloved characters while introducing fresh faces that added depth to the adventure. Once again, the music was a standout, with catchy and meaningful songs that resonated with both kids and adults. The themes of self-discovery and environmental stewardship were explored in new and powerful ways, giving the film a strong emotional core. Overall, Moana 2 was a worthy follow-up that honored the spirit of the original while expanding the world in exciting directions.
” Moana 2 was very up beats high energy,” junior Ahmantae cheateum said, “compared to Moana 1 but Moana 1 was more heartfelt and family orientated.”
However, there were standout moments in the sequel that did manage to leave a lasting impression, such as when Maui makes his dramatic return from the dead. For Ahmantae, this moment was a highlight, particularly due to Maui’s triumphant return accompanied by a lively song, a scene that perfectly captured the film’s adventurous spirit and humor. This combination of lightheartedness and action helped keep Moana 2 engaging, even if it couldn’t surpass the emotional stakes of the original. Ultimately, while both films had their chances, the first Moana continues to be the more cherished of the two.
