Descendants 2 on DVD – Daynah’s Review

The villain kids are back in Descendants 2 and the stakes are even higher. The story deepens in this highly anticipated music-driven sequel to the Disney Channel Original Movie “Descendants”! The teenage sons and daughters of Disney’s most infamous villains try to find their place in idyllic Auradon. But when the pressure to be royally perfect becomes too much for Mal, she returns to her rotten roots on the Isle of the Lost. That is where her archenemy Uma, the daughter of Ursula, has taken her spot as self-proclaimed queen of the run-down town. Uma is still resentful over not being selected by Ben to go to Auradon Prep with the other Villain Kids. So she gathers up her pirate gang which includes Captain Hook’s son Harry and Gaston’s son Gil, to break the barrier between the Isle of the Lost and Auradon, and unleash all the villains imprisoned on the Isle, once and for all. Now you can bring home all the musical adventures with the villain kids on DVD Now!

Music and Choreography

You have high expectation when you know that Emmy Award-winning director and choreographer, Kenny Ortega (from the “High School Musical” franchise), was involved in the movie. And sure enough he did not let us down. Here were some of favorite musical dance numbers:

Descendants 2 opens up with “Ways to Be Wicked” which is exactly what the movie needed to draw their fans in again. It has been 6 months since Mal and Ben became and item and their relationship has hit some rocky roadblocks. She envisions her past evil ways taking over Auradon and this dance number involves every character in the movie. The song is catchy and upbeat that just have to get up and dance too… and maybe throw apples at everyone.

“What’s My Name?” is one of the signature songs in Descendants 2. It introduces you to Uma, the daughter of Ursula as well as her pirate crew. Uma is played by China Anne Mcclain and it showcases her talent and her strong character.

The villain kids are now back at the Isle of the Lost and we get to hear the tune of “Chillin’ Like a Villain” which is one of my personal favorites. It has an 80’s vibe and Sofia’s voice in this one reminds me of Cyndi Lauper. I love the choreography as well, especially the part where they jump up on a fence like alley cats.

A fight erupts When Mal’s friends meet up with Uma and her pirate gang in the song “It’s Going Down.” This one is another of mine and my daughter’s favorite musical scenes. We love the upbeat song, especially the chorus part. The choreography is quite spectacular too, especially on the pirate side.

What is a Kenny Ortega without a big finish? “You and Me” is a more gentler song about love and being there for each other. The actors dance on a ship filled with water and there is a whole lot of splashing everywhere. It was different and we liked how everyone’s wardrobe changed so it would be easier to move in the water.

Overview:

I enjoyed watching Descendants 2 much more the second time around since it gave me time to learn all of the songs. There is a lot more character development in this sequel and we can see how deep the friendship between the four villain kids is as they have been through so much together. I liked the musical and dance scenes and would recommend this movie if you or your child love fairytales and pop music.

Daughter’s Reaction

My 5-year-old daughter has been in love with Descendants since she met them two years ago. She was only 3 years old at the time, but she really enjoyed the music and dance numbers. She has so many favorite parts in this movie, and they usually are the musical scenes. “Ways to be Wicked,” “It’s Going Down,” and “Chillin’ like a Villain” are the songs she keeps playing over and over.

Bonus Features included on the DVD:

• Cast Secrets – This is a fun interview with the cast when they reveal some of secrets to what happens behind the scenes as well as some of their favorite moments while filming.
• Bloopers – What is a DVD without a blooper reel?
• Deleted Song and More – See and hear a deleted song from the movie and some deleted scenes, as well as alternative endings.
• Descendants: Wicked World – – The entire Season One of the animated shorts. These are fun to watch as they fill in the gaps between the first and second movie.
• Free Necklace with 5 Villain Icons – My daughter likes wearing this, especially with the Evie icon.