Original voice cast members Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson return, as does the first film's laudable commitment to repping Polynesian culture and empowerment.

“Moana 2” reunites the demigod Maui with fellow wayfinder Moana in Disney’s animated sequel. (Disney Enterprises, Inc.) Hectic in its pacing, the screenplay follows its own navigational stars: the blueprints of the original, plus a new set of songs ...

A number of years have passed between Moana and its sequel, allowing audiences to miss the title character, Maui and the rest of the group (although now fans can visit an attraction at Disney Parks).

The follow-up (★★★ out of four; rated PG; in theaters Wednesday) plots an extremely familiar course but at least does so with fresh new personalities and more inspired Pacific Island influence.

And who can blame them: catchy songs, colorful settings, and one heck of a plucky heroine (do not call her a princess), all of it adds up to an enduring Disney animated classic that's fun for the whole family.

The animation is still strong and the character beats are affecting, but the villain and his motivations stand in the film's way of true greatness.

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The sequel to Disney's 2016 animated hit Moana has arrived and critics are weighing in on the long-awaited musical, which reprises the voice talents of Auli‘i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, and Nicole Scherzinger.