Nerds That Geek Movie Review – ‘Descendants: The Rise of Red’

7/12/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Still from DESCENDANTS: THE RISE OF RED Courtesy of Quantrell Colbert/Disney.

Truly one of the most engaging franchises created in recent years, is the Descendants franchise from Disney. Simply because… it is nothing short of a dream come true for fans of Disney and fans of quality entertainment everywhere. Since it brings together so many franchises from the world of Walt Disney and of course, adds new depth to the characters that we love in the most unique manner possible. By focusing upon the descendants of the iconic characters we’ve grown up with. Creating a trilogy of stories that families are able to enjoy together because of the generational ties present, and it also doesn’t hurt… that the music these movie features is simply top-notch.

However, while we have all enjoyed taking part in these amazing new worlds and these amazing new stories and adventures, it’s been quite a while since we enjoyed something new from this franchise. In fact, it has been so long, one could make the case that perhaps the franchise had run its course. But thankfully, that is simply not the case. For it turns out, the franchise just needed a little break, to properly culture a new story in this universe worthy of its predecessors and well, that worthy story is now available to fans everywhere. For today, Descendants: The Rise of Red, arrives on Disney+ and well… there are a great many elements that make this motion picture so worthwhile.

First, is the amazing plot. For this is a story that sees Auradon Prep open its doors to students from all walks of life. Which is par for the course in this wondrous land, but Uma, the school’s new headmaster, truly wants everyone to have a chance to learn and grow in this prestigious school, regardless of upbringing. Which means that Red, the daughter of the Queen of Hearts will receive an invite to attend this prestigious school, and that… will change everything in this kingdom. Not because Red is trouble, but because her mother has an age-old score to settle with the school, for she was embarrassed on school grounds ages ago in a manner so badly, that her own daughter and an unlikely ally in Chloe Charming… will travel back in time to prevent such an act from occurring to save all of Auradon from mother’s fury.

Which is a story, that truly embodies the best aspects of this franchise. For it clearly is steeped deep in the Disney lore, courtesy of featuring the Charming family and the kingdom of the Queen of Hearts. Not to mention, we continue to see so many icons and iconography from the Disney world as this story plays along. But it is also an adventurous plot, one that transcends time and forces Red and Chloe to grow before our eyes through the fight to save the future. Not to mention, in true Disney and Descendants fashion, the stakes are high and good will be challenged and of course, there are plenty of incredible songs to be found in this film. Ones that do make your toes tap as they play out, which is also another staple of this beloved franchise.

But… what makes this movie so incredibly special, is that it goes so much further than just offering up a compelling plot and some greatest hits moments that pay tribute to what came before. This is also, a very smart Descendants film. Since it explores how moments shape us, and the importance of reflecting objectively upon the dark moments in life that might change us for the worse. Not to mention, it speaks deeply to the power of friendship and empowerment and above all, what it means to be kind, and what it means to be good. All of which is present here in a manner that is palatable and impactful. Which makes this a true Disney classic since Disney stories that go above and beyond in that manner, are the ones that stick with us the longest.

That is of course, not to say we won’t find meaning and commentary in the other films. But this one really embraces it and embraces the fun factor along the way. Because you really do go on quite the ride here, one that also features some fine performances and some cameos from some of the biggest stars around. Because this is a Descendants feature, and that’s how it goes in this world, and well, in the end, all of these elements bring forth another delightful and magnificent chapter in this storied franchise. One that truly puts a smile on your face and leaves you with plenty to think about, and is so compelling and fun and charming, that hopefully the wait this time, before we see another new chapter in this magnificent franchise, won’t be as long as the last one.

Watch ‘Descendants: The Rise of Red’

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