Descendants: The Rise of Red brings a new generation of fans to Auradon and sets up for more stories to be told with a new generation of VKs.
Decendants: The Rise of Red is not called Descendants 4 for a reason. While longtime fans will recognize a few names and faces, this is a whole new generation of Princesses and Villian Kids. Boasting catchy new songs, complete with epic dance choreography, and a story that sets up for a lot more Descendants in the future, The Rise of Red is made to usher in a new generation of viewers, which is exactly what it does.
Uma (China Anne McClain) is now the Principal of Auradon High and she is making it her mission to allow VKs to enroll in the school without an issue, giving them an opportunity she never had. Because of this, the Queen of Heart’s (Rita Ora) daughter Red (Kylie Cantrall) is asked to become a student there. However, when they arrive the Queen performs a coup and takes over school, which Red had no idea was going to happen.
Red and Chloe (Malia Baker), Cinderella and Prince Charming’s daughter, are thrown back in time because of a magic pocketwatch, given the opportunity to change the past, so that they can change the future.
What Works
Time travel is always a tricky thing to navigate in a movie, however Descendants: The Rise of Red does a wonderful job of making it make sense. Getting to see some of the characters that we have come to know from the previous films as their younger selves is both exciting and intriguing. The new cast that takes on these roles have big shoes to fill, but each and every one of them succeeds with ease.
One of the most memorable things about the Descendants movies is the music. The Rise of Red boasts a collection of new, catchy, lyrics that are sure to be stuck in the heads of children everywhere. Not to mention some killer dance moves that everyone will be trying their best to learn.
The set designs, costumes, hair, and makeup excel, as per usual with this franchise.
This movie was very clearly made to usher in a new generation. Because of that there are ties to the previous movies, but they are not necessary to watch in order to understand what is happening. Younger audiences in particular will resonate with The Rise of Red.
What Doesn’t Work
As much as we would all like to think that conflicts are easy to solve, that simply isn’t the case. When Red and Chloe are first transported back in time, there is only a brief arguement before they decide to join forces. This is surely because the movie wanted to remain around the ninety minute mark, but it feels out of place.
At the same time, the third act is too rushed. Things are progressing quickly, so much so that it seems as if a chunk of the movie is missing, that would have explained a lot more. The majority of the plot focuses on the events that occur at a school dance, but we never get to see the dance. Hopefully, should there be future Descendants movies, this will be explored.
Overall Thoughts
There is no need to have seen the previous three Descendants films before diving into The Rise of Red, however we highly recommend doing so. This is such an iconic franchise for a reason, plus, it will add some background to some of the characters and events. There is a lovely tribute to the late great Cameron Boyce at the start of the movie that fans will appreciate.
There are themes of friendship, not judging a book by its cover, and doing unto others as you would wish done to you. It is nice to see conflicts worked out easily, but at the same time, The Rise of Red doesn’t shy away from just how far evil can (and will) go in order to get revenge.
If anything, The Rise of Red confirms that there is a lot more to explore in this universe. Only having seen a quick glimpse of Wonderland is sure to have fans begging to get to see more of it.
Descendants: The Rise of Red premieres on Disney+ July 12, 2024. Be sure to stick around through the credits for a hint of what is to come next!
NEXT: Cameron Boyce Says Fans Will Flip Their Lids When They See Descendants 2
About Descendants: The Rise of Red
Now Headmaster of Auradon Prep, former Villain Kid Uma extends an invite to the school to another VK – Red, the rebellious daughter of the tyrannical Queen of Hearts from Wonderland. The Queen of Hearts has long held a grudge against Auradon, especially against Cinderella, and seizes the opportunity to seek revenge when she drops her daughter off at school.
When the Queen of Hearts incites a coup against Auradon, Red must team up with Cinderella’s perfectionist daughter Chloe as they travel back in time to try to undo the traumatic event that set the young Queen of Hearts down her villainous path.
Descendants: The Rise of Red premieres on Disney+ July 12, 2024.
Descendants: The Rise of Red brings a new generation of fans to Auradon and sets up for more stories to be told with a new generation of VKs.
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Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.