Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Exceptional sequel promotes communication, female roles.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Descendants 2
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 22 parent reviews
Parents say that while some viewers appreciate the catchy songs and see it as entertaining for young children, many criticize the movie for its mediocre plot, cheesy execution, and questionable values. The overall reception seems divided, with some considering it a fun sequel for kids, while others believe it lacks the charm of the original and has problematic themes.
- mixed reviews
- catchy songs
- weak plot
- problematic themes
- kid-friendly
- lack of depth
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 69 kid reviews
Kids say that this film is a mix of amazing songs, engaging characters, and moral lessons, although it lacks the charm of its predecessor and features some cringeworthy moments. Some viewers appreciate the positive messages about friendship and being true to oneself, while others criticize its plot inconsistencies and perceived negative role models.
- positive messages
- catchy songs
- mixed reviews
- cringeworthy moments
- flawed plot
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In DESCENDENTS 2, Auradon is abuzz with excitement over the upcoming cotillion, with Ben (Mitchell Hope) preparing to assume his role as king and Mal (Dove Cameron), her official place as a lady of the court. But as the event draws near, Mal begins to doubt her suitability as the kingdom's future queen, and in a fit of panic, she returns to the Isle of the Lost. There she discovers that her nemesis, Uma (daughter of Ursula) (China Anne McClain), has taken Mal's place as the island's leader, flanked by her devoted pals Gil (Gaston's boy, played by Dylan Playfair) and Harry (Hook's kid, played by Thomas Doherty). Evie (Sofia Carson), Jay (Booboo Stewart), and Carlos (Cameron Boyce) disguise Ben as a Villain Kid and head to the island to bring Mal back to Auradon, but a vengeful Uma has plans of her own to trick the royals into dissolving the barrier between the kingdom and the Isle.
Is It Any Good?
Disney doesn't miss a beat with this worthy follow-up to the popular tale of the offspring of notorious villains rejecting their parents' wicked ways. As this story opens, Evie, Jay, and Carlos are happily settled in Auradon with little care of their past ways, but Mal wrestles with her inability to forget them completely. What follows is an identity crisis of epic proportions, made worse by her attempts to hide her troubles rather than working them out in healthy ways. It's a problem that may resonate with kids and tweens, and seeing Mal embrace her uniqueness, acknowledge her situation, and turn to her friends for help they're more than happy to give has great messages for viewers.
Descendants 2 fills the personnel gap left by the respective parents of Evie, Jay, Carlos, and Mal with a fun ensemble of new and newly prominent characters, in particular the scene-stealing Uma. Also noteworthy is the sword-wielding Lonnie (Dianne Doan), whose refusal to let the fact that she's a girl stop her from her goals would make her mom, Mulan, proud. Those who love Disney productions for their song-and-dance routines have good reason to be excited about this movie's excellent soundtrack, too.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Descendants 2 presents female characters. Are they strong-willed? Do they work well with others? How do they relate to their male counterparts? Which ones are positive role models and why?
Are the villains in this story scary? Do you like being a little scared when you watch a movie?
Kids: What qualities make you unique among your friends? Are there times when you don't like standing apart from a crowd? How does it feel to be the unintentional center of attention?
Why is it important to talk about your feelings? Who do you confide in when you need advice? How does your family keep the lines of communication open? Why is communication an important character strength?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 21, 2017
- On DVD or streaming : August 15, 2017
- Cast : Dove Cameron , Cameron Boyce , Sofia Carson
- Director : Kenny Ortega
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Director(s) , Queer Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Queer Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Disney Channel Original Movies , Lifetime , American Broadcasting Company (ABC)
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Communication
- Run time : 111 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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