Descendants: Wicked Wonderland continues the story that started in Rise of Red perfectly, with more catchy songs and incredible production design.
I have been a massive fan of the Descendants films since the very first one. The original trilogy is pure perfection, and while it is nearly impossible for the following films to hit that bar, they are still doing a good job of holding their own. Descendants: The Rise of Red had its issues, but it gave us a whole new generation of VKs and HKs to fall in love with. Now that their story has been established, they are able to really play in Descendants: Wicked Wonderland.
Never mess with the past or chances are, you are going to mess with the future as well. That is something that Red and Chloe learned at the end of the previous film, and what Wicked Wonderland explores. While on the surface they seemed to get everything they wanted, there are consequences as well. Like Maddox Hatter going, well, mad, and being banished from Wonderland for it. This makes his son, Max, a VK.
At the same time, Red is struggling with her new hero status. And the fact that she has a sister, Pink. The crazy part about all of this is that Pink remembers a childhood with her sister, while Red does not (for obvious reasons). This puts a strain on their relationship almost immediately. Without spoilers, the plot is pretty predictable, but still a whole lot of fun. Especially considering that the majority of the movie takes place in Wonderland, and as an Alice In Wonderland fan, there are a lot of references that I loved seeing.
This is where the production design really shines. These movies have always done a great hob with the costumes, hair, makeup, and sets, but the things that were brought to life in Wonderland were a delight to watch on screen. Absolutely gorgeous. I constantly found myself checking out things in the backgrounds of the sets.
Let’s be honest, a Descendants movie is only as good as its songs. And thankfully, Wicked Wonderland absolutely nails all of these. They had me bopping in my seat and immediately trying to learn the lyrics and incredible choreography. From love songs, to absolute bangers, to friendship duets, this movie has it all. As of now, it is impossible to pick a favorite. But the more I listen to the soundtrack, the more I am sure that some will stand out to me. ‘Perfect Princess’ has been stuck in my head for days I must admit.
The dancing has gone up a notch for this film as well. There is a chessboard scene that really stands out as some of the best choreography I have seen in a while – and I could say the same for the final song sequence.
I love the addition of Pink to the story. If you don’t know already, I am a sucker for a sister story. I have a little sister myself, and two daughters, so these plot points will always resonate with me. I also really love a good friendship story, with just the right amount of friction, and Wicked Wonderland delivers that between Chloe and Red.
As a big Encanto fan, I was not expecting it to be represented, but couldn’t help but love the character of Louis (although really Lousia, you name your son Louis!?) and what he brings to the table. Hazel Hook is also pretty cool, and the Smee twins constantly had me cracking up. There are a lot of new characters here, but the story always finds a good reason for some of them to be split up, so that it is more digestable of a group. I also have to mention Aquafina as Chessy – she is always and forever hilarious and was a great choice to voice this chaotic and cunning cat.
Overall, Descendants: Wicked Wonderland is a step above the previous film, but it still doesn’t capture the magic of the original trilogy. That said, the choreography and songs are the stars here – with a Rita Ora and Brandy duet that had me in tears (it was the mom in me, okay…). To no one’s surprise things end with a slight cliffhanger and a tease for a sixth Descendants film. I truly cannot wait to see how this trilogy ends.
Rating: 8 out of 10
About Descendants: Wicked Wonderland
Now that the Queen of Hearts is nice and Cinderella is safe, things seem perfect for Red and Chloe… But little do they know that changing the past created a new villain – Maddox Hatter. When Maddox captures the Queen of Hearts, Red and Chloe must work with Red’s new sister Pink, Luisa Madrigal’s son Luis and Maddox’s son Max to save her and Wonderland.
Descendants: Wicked Wonderland debuts on Disney Channel July 16th and Disney+ the next day.
