Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Energetic Disney movie's villains make likable role models.
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Descendants
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 90 parent reviews
Parents say the movie features captivating twists and an intriguing storyline, but it also presents concerning themes such as negative gender stereotypes and superficial values. While some viewers appreciate its entertainment value and moral lessons, many express regret over the damaging messages regarding self-image and relationships that might negatively influence young audiences.
- great storyline
- negative stereotypes
- damaging messages
- captivating twists
- moral lessons
Summarized with AI
Based on 180 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is a fun and enjoyable watch, especially for children, filled with catchy songs and characters that resonate with younger audiences. However, many reviews point out the presence of stereotypes and the mixed messages regarding good versus evil, with some parents expressing concerns about its impact on children, while others defend its entertainment value and positive themes of acceptance and personal growth.
- fun and enjoyable
- catchy songs
- stereotypes present
- mixed messages
- positive themes
- entertaining for kids
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
DESCENDANTS is set in the serene kingdom of Auradon, where fairy tale figures and their families live harmoniously under the reign of Belle (Keegan Connor Tracy) and the Beast (Dan Payne), thanks to the longtime exile of their enemies on the distant Isle of the Lost. As the royal couple's son, Prince Ben (Mitchell Hope), prepares to assume the throne, he decrees that the offspring of notorious villains Maleficent (Kristin Chenoweth), the Evil Queen (Kathy Najimy), Jafar (Maz Jobrani), and Cruella de Vil (Wendy Raquel Robinson) be permitted to leave the island and come to Auradon to attend school with the descendants of their parents' sworn enemies. Predictably, not everyone is enthused about the arrival of the self-proclaimed "rotten" teens—Mal (Dove Cameron), Evie (Sofia Carson), Jay (Booboo Stewart), and Carlos (Cameron Boyce)—but no one suspects that their true intention is to steal the Fairy Godmother's (Melanie Paxson) wand and turn it over to Mal's domineering mom, Maleficent. But as time goes on and the "evil" teens acclimate to Auradon, they begin to question their parents' influence and wonder whether they're really bad at all.
Is It Any Good?
This fairy tale extension isn't perfect, but it's highly entertaining in the young-love, flash-mob, song-and-dance kind of way. Kids probably won't notice or care about Descendants' trivial plot inconsistencies—such as every classic character existing in the same time and place and having kids at exactly the same time, for instance—but parents might grit their teeth over some of the rewrites. On the other hand, some changes are welcome, namely added racial diversity.
Descendants is decent family fare, and with the exception of one tense scene, it's a fine pick for just about any age. Kids will love the creative play on classic characters, the unlikely relationship between Ben and Mal, and the handful of musical numbers that might feel a little cheesy to the older set. (Except for a reprisal of "Be Our Guest," that is. It's golden.) But for everyone, there's joy to be found in Chenoweth's electrifying performance as the scheming Maleficent, and her constant bickering with Najimy's Evil Queen makes for many hilarious scenes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the choices the characters make in Descendants. To what degree does their parents' influence affect Mal and her friends? Is it OK that they wind up making their own decision? Would you feel differently if they defied their parents to become evil instead of good?
Does the music help this movie? Is it ever a distraction from the plot? If it doesn't add to the story, what is the purpose of it?
Kids: What made you want to watch Descendants? Were any of your favorite actors or actresses in the cast?
How do the characters in Descendants demonstrate integrity and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : July 31, 2015
- Cast : Dove Cameron , Cameron Boyce , Kristin Chenoweth
- Director : Kenny Ortega
- Studio : Disney Channel Original Movies
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Integrity , Teamwork
- Run time : 112 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 13, 2026
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