Musicals On TV - Descendants 2

Disney, 2017
Starring Dove Cameron, China Ann McClain, Sofia Carson, and Mitchell Hope
Directed by Kenny Ortega
Music and Lyrics by various

Considering the massive success of Descendants, it was probably inevitable that there would be a sequel. Disney tested the waters with young adult novels and an animated series before releasing the second movie in July...and it was just as much of a smash success. So, how does the story of the children of Disney villains who go to school with their heroic counterparts continue? Let's return to Auradon Prep and find out...

The Story: Mal (Cameron) feels constrained by the high expectations for her role as the girlfriend of King Ben (Hope). She uses her spell book to give herself a princess makeover, including blond hair. Her best friend Evie (Carson) admonishes her for using magic as the answer to everything, and Ben's not happy when he finds out, either. Fed up, Mal finally returns to the Isle of the Lost, where she gets Dizzy (Anna Cathcart) to return her hair to purple. Evie, their guy friends Carlos (Cameron Boyce) and Jay (Booboo Stewart) and Ben follow them to convince her to come back. Not only does Mal not want to return, but Uma (McClain), the pirate daughter of Ursula (voice of Whoopi Goldberg), is jealous. She kidnaps Ben and forces Mal to bring her the Fairy Godmother's magic wand. When the Auradon kids manage to fight their way out of that, she makes use of Mal's spell book to take control of Ben himself...and force Mal to find her wicked side.

The Song and Dance: I enjoyed this one slightly more than the first. There's some genuinely interesting numbers, and I liked meeting other residents of the Isle of the Lost. McClain was the standout as Uma, who can belt a tune like a diva and does very well as they sassy pirate who resents anyone having a chance for a better life besides her. I also liked Thomas Dohtery as Harry Hook, son of Captain Hook, who looks like Adam Ant with his own hanger hand and acts like his father on interesting substances. The costumes and sets remain incredible, especially in the Isle of the Lost. I love the semi-grimy waterfront and Uma's boat, and the kids look like they're having a great time during the awesome fencing sequence there.

Favorite Number: The opening number "Ways to Be Wicked" demonstrates how badly Mal wants to revert to her old self as she and her friends use poisoned apples to make Auradon a little bit naughtier (and a lot more dynamic). McClain belts "What's My Name" with aplomb as she and her boys launch their nautical moves at her mother's fish and chips bar. The villain kids attempt to teach Ben to be "Chillin' Like a Villain," but all the hip-swaying moves can't hide Ben's good nature. I'd love to know how they managed some of the amazing splits and kick moves in ankle-deep water during the finale "You and Me."

What I Don't Like: For all the improved numbers and acting, the plot is still chained to the tried and true. The whole "be yourself" thing can be telegraphed from a mile off. Jay telling Mulan's daughter Lonnie (Donna Doan) she can't be on the fencing team because of her gender is a little more interesting (and relevant in this era) than Mal's quandary with her bad and good sides or Carlos' attempts to ask Jane out and what happens to his dog. There's also very few adults around. The only parents we see are Belle, the Beast, and Ursula's tentacle. The parents were among the best things about the first film and are sorely missed.

Speaking of Ursula, the film's television roots definitely shows in the special effects. While better than most fantasy programming you'll see on cable, it's still very obvious that Mal's dragon and Uma in octopus mode are CGI models. That's also likely why we only see Ursula's one tentacle, too. She'd probably be too expensive to render fully in CGI.

The Big Finale: If you loved the first movie, you'll probably get an even bigger kick out of this one.

Home Media: Same deal here - the DVD can be found for cheap, and it's on most streaming services, including free with a subscription to Disney Plus.

DVD
Disney Plus