The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex

Movie review by Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media
The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 7+

Dueling personalities clash in likable series follow-up.

NR 2013 59 minutes
Rate movie

Parents say

age 10+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 9+

Based on 7 reviews

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate movie

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex is a thrilling choice for Wizards of Waverly Place fans who want to know what's next for these popular characters. The kid-friendly content is on par with the show's, with only a few light-hearted battles between wizards and a werewolf transformation young kids might fret over. Alex is as endearingly imperfect as ever, and the fact that the story explores her misgivings about growing up and conforming to other people's expectations means that there are some good messages about individuality and self-confidence to be found amid those of friendship, family bonds, and thoughtful decision-making.

Community Reviews

Carla Pontifex B.
Carla Pontifex B. Adult
March 30, 2018
age 12+

I loved this movie!

With the exception of the hot and muscular Italian stud in the white tank top (who seems to bring out some degree of sexuality in Theresa Russo), the movie is safe to watch. It's fun, entertaining and humorous as the TV show. So go ahead and let your kids watch it.
Asian95
Asian95 Adult
March 30, 2013
age 8+

A mediocre story, but a must watch for long time fans

It's a must watch for long time fans of the show, it offers a good closure. However, if you're not a fan or if you haven't seen the show before, it's not recommended. David Henrie wasn't in the movie, so that was one of the major disappointments, however the story itself isn't that bad. The lesson that it teaches is surprising, as Alex was never the best Disney role-model, but she is the most relatable. It's a nice story of liking yourself for who you are, rather than who others want you to be. The best part of the movie would have to be the action sequence, it's surprisingly very different than what we've got in the past. The spells resemble something from Harry Potter (admittedly on a much lower budget scale), the fighting actually involved hand-to-hand combat, and was actually very well choreographed.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In THE WIZARDS RETURN: ALEX VS. ALEX, the Russo family is busy planning a trip to Italy for a family reunion when newly crowned Family Wizard Alex's (Selena Gomez) eagerness to help winds up causing havoc instead. Tired of listening to her parents' admonishments to act more responsibly, Alex casts a spell to remove her selfish impulses, but accidentally creates an evil version of herself, who joins forces with a power-hungry wizard named Dominic (Beau Mirchoff) in an evil plot to rid the world of mortals. With the lives of her family and friends also on the line, Good Alex faces off with Evil Alex in a battle of wizarding wits and skills.

Is It Any Good?

This is a comical, entertaining, and immensely likeable Wizards of Waverly Place entry. Alex vs. Alex marks the TV return of almost the entire Russo family, marred only by the notable absence of Alex's older brother, Justin, who is said to be too busy at WizTech to join the others. With everyone else in place, though, it feels as though no time has passed between Alex's victory in the wizard competition and these new adventures, and she's still the same indomitable, slightly self-absorbed teen whose frequent blunders continue to cause headaches for her family.

Happily, this story addresses this biggest personality flaw head-on, with Alex pulled between her own desires and the pressure she feels from her family to become more responsible with her new Family Wizard title. Her comical attempts to solve the problem with magic spiral into one disaster after another (which will be no surprise to viewers familiar with the show), but the eventual outcome reflect both Alex's strong adherence to her unique identity and the maturing process she's learning to accept, striking a pleasant balance that has some good messages for her fans.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the the impact of messages about body image and self-esteem from celebrities like Selena Gomez. Do you ever compare your appearance to theirs? Are theirs realistic standards for you and your peers? How might the message be received differently if it was delivered by someone who didn't look so "perfect"?

  • Talk to your kids about your expectations of them with regard to behavior, school work, household chores, etc. What are the rewards for meeting these expectations? What penalties exist if they don't?

  • Alex finds strength in her family and in her friendship with her best friend, who accepts her exactly as she is. Who in your life always makes you feel good about yourself? How does he/she do it? How does having a positive self-image help you succeed in your endeavors?

Movie Details

Our Editors Recommend

Themes & Topics

Browse titles with similar subject matter.

  • Cartoon magic wand on orange background
    Magic and Fantasy
    See all
  • Cartoon picture of a sister and brother holding hands
    Brothers and Sisters
    See all
  • Cartoon hands high fiving
    Friendship
    See all

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate