Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Positive messages, peril in overstuffed franchise reboot.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Descendants: The Rise of Red
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 23 parent reviews
Parents say that the latest installment in the Descendants series has sparked divided opinions, with some viewing it as a significant disappointment characterized by poor music and a confusing plot, while others enjoy its nostalgic elements and catchy songs. Many reviewers criticize the film for promoting inappropriate themes and a lack of coherent storytelling, ultimately leaving fans yearning for the charm of earlier films in the series.
- disappointing plot
- mixed reviews
- inappropriate themes
- nostalgia factor
- poor music
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 44 kid reviews
Kids say the new installment in the franchise is a significant disappointment compared to its predecessors, lacking the charm and character depth of the original films. While some enjoyed the catchy music and vibrant visuals, many found the plot unengaging and criticized the absence of the original cast, labeling the movie as poorly executed and unsatisfying.
- lack of original cast
- weak plot
- disappointing music
- underwhelming characters
- bad pacing
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Red (Kylie Cantrall) is a rebel, mostly because her overcontrolling mom, the Queen of Hearts (Rita Ora), treats her like a lost cause in DESCENDANTS: THE RISE OF RED. When former villain kid Uma (China Anne McClain) becomes principal of Auradon Prep, she decides to invite Red to study there. The Queen of Hearts allows it, but has an ulterior, evil motive. It's up to Red and Chloe (Malia Baker), daughter of Cinderella (Brandy Norwood) and Charming (Paolo Montalban), to travel back in time and try to change the past for their mothers, teens Bridget (Ruby Rose Turner) and Ella (Morgan Dudley), to fix the future.
Is It Any Good?
A cocktail of fairy tale references, literary characters, mythology, hip-hop music, and high school drama, this series has its fans but is also difficult to jump into cold. That's not just because of throughlines on stories and characters in Descendants: The Rise of Red. In fact, this film introduces new characters and actors (watch especially for Ted Lasso's Higgins as Merlin). Newcomers might find the blend of elements in the franchise a bit overwhelming. There are still positive messages to be found, skilled dancing on display, and other recognizable themes for fans.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Descendants: The Rise of Red continues the storyline from the earlier trilogy of Descendants films. What's new? What's different or the same?
Which musical numbers were your favorites? Did you recognize any songs from the earlier films?
What is the source material behind the main characters in these films? Where could you find more information about this?
What are the key lessons that Red and Chloe learn when they go back in time? How do these change their own characters as well as their parents' destiny?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : July 12, 2024
- Cast : Kylie Cantrall , Malia Baker , Morgan Dudley
- Director : Jennifer Phang
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Asian Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Disney+
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales ) , Book Characters , Friendship , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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