Descendants: The Rise of Red (Disney/ Quantrell Colbert) Rita Ora

“Descendants: The Rise of Red” heads to Disney+ on July 12th, 2024. This fantasy musical is more of a spin-off than a continuation of the three previous films. It boasts a host of new characters and a unique story. In the beginning of the movie, the narrator and new principal Uma (China Anne McClain) fills viewers in on the whereabouts of Mal (Dove Cameron), Evie (Sofia Carson), Jay (Booboo Stewart), and Ben (Mitchell Hope). There is even a respectable moment honoring Carlos (Cameron Boyce). 

The majority of “Descendants: The Rise of Red” centers on Wonderland’s Queen of Hearts (Rita Ora) reign of terror. After her daughter Red (Kylie Cantrall) is invited to attend Uma’s school Auradon Prep, the Queen uses the invite as a way to get revenge for an evil prank she fell victim to while attending high school there. It is up to her daughter Red and Chloe Charming (Malia Baker), Cinderella (Brandy) and King Charming’s (Paolo Montalban) daughter, to reverse the curse by going back in time and possibly changing the Queen’s vengeful spirit. The girls face off with Ursula’s sister Uliana (Dara Renee) and struggle to understand the solid friendship between the Young Queen of Hearts called Bridget (Ruby Rose Turner) and a Young Cinderella named Ella (Morgan Dudley) and where things went terribly wrong. Uliana is the biggest villain and school bully with a mastermind spell against the Young Queen of Hearts. Can Red and Chloe stop Uliana and her sinister crew from ruining the Queen’s positive teenage personality? They’ll do everything in their power to right the wrong while hopefully making the present a pleasant place for all the characters to exist. 

“Descendants: The Rise of Red” has somewhat less magic in the form of wordy spells, but it still delivers in the fantasy department. Magic exists in the form of surprising scenes and instant transformations. The music department is a mixture of R&B, Lin-Manuel Miranda styled “Hamilton” rap, and a sprinkle of pop/soft rock. Cinderella and King Charming even share a sweet dance to an acapella version of the classic song “So This is Love” (from the soundtrack of the 1950s Disney film “Cinderella).” All of the actors did a fantastic job in their roles! No matter the part, everyone was equally talented. I’m a longtime fan of Disney feature films and DCOMS, and I feel this musical was the best in the “Descendants” series – mainly for the absence of poetic spells. However, I would love for Disney to do away with spells for good or evil. The company can place a new spin on things and make movies a little more simple and enjoyable for children of all ages. 

“Descendants: The Rise of Red” premieres on July 12th, 2024 on Disney+.

A Special Thanks to Disney and Metro Public Relations for the film screener and image.