From high tempo dance music to melodious and smoothly crooned out ballads…the music and choreography captivate and engage audiences throughout the entire film. The multi-genre musical sequences in Descendants: The Rise of Red makes this new installment of the Disney’s Descendants franchise truly shine!
Audiences can immediately tell that a labor of love and time was poured into creating this film. Along with the writing and unique plot, the music helps the story to flow and connect to viewers on an emotional and personal level.
The film is set 10 years after the events of the first film, Mal, Ben, Evie, and Jay leave Auradon to establish alliances with other kingdoms, leaving Uma as the new headmistress of Auradon Prep. As her first order of business, she opens the border between Auradon and Wonderland by inviting Princess Red, the rebellious daughter of the tyrannical Queen of Hearts to attend Auradon Prep. During orientation, the Queen of Hearts incites a coup against Auradon, which endangers everyone in attendance, including Cinderella. Princess Red must team up with Cinderella’s perfectionist daughter Chloe (Malia Baker) and travel back in time to try to undo the traumatic event that set Red’s mother down her villainous path that led to her current acts of revenge.
The action filled plot mixed with excellent cinematography and visual effects that display a mythical, fantasy like world captivates viewers. The stellar cast is filled with very diverse and multi-age talented actors and actresses.
The casting department did their homework and easily scored an A with this ensemble. Both Brandy and Rita Ora effortlessly bring their characters to life with vigor and musicianship. A major standout in Descendants: The Rise of Red is Dara Reneé as Uliana, the villainous younger sister of Ursula.
Dara Reneé as Uliana for Descendants: The Rise of Red character portrait (Disney +)
When Renee’ is introduced in the film, she commands the scene with ease. Her performance keeps audiences immersed in the story and it helps to promote the age-old fairytale narrative of good vs evil. Renee’ is simply brilliant.
There are plenty of key moments that grant viewers a look back into the days filled with youthful splendor for some of the most beloved Disney characters.
While this movie has plenty of nostalgic vibes, various new characters from both the land of good and evil are very refreshing and positive additions to the Descendants franchise.
Descendants: The Rise of Red
Descendants: The Rise of Red premiered on July 12, 2024. Journey to a land faraway to help combat villainy with Princess Red in this high-stakes musical streaming now on Disney +.
Jennifer Phang is the director and co-executive producer, and the script was written by Dan Frey and Russell Sommer. Franchise production designer is Mark Hofeling. Suzanne Todd and Gary Marsh serve as executive producers and casting directors are Alexis Frank Koczara and Christine Smith Shevchenko.
Descendants: The Rise of Red will also will make its Disney Channel debut on August 9, 2024.
