The movie, The Descendents, revolves around the children of the Disney Villains – Maleficent, Jafar, Cruella de Vil, and the Wvil Queen. In the kingdom of Auradon, all the classic Disney Heroes live in peace under the rule of King Beast and Queen Belle. Their son is Ben and he was going to take the throne soon. He was kind and wanted to given the villains’ children a chance at a better life in Auradon. The villains and their children had been banished to the Isle of Lost, which was a sealed-off slum area. Ben invites the four teens - Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos to his Kingdom.
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The teens arrive to Auradon under the guise of being reformed, but their villain parents secretly order them to infiltrate Auradon Preparatory School and steal the Fairy Godmother’s magic wand so the villains can break the barrier and take over the kingdom.
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As the four begin attending school, they gradually form real friendships, and even feelings. Mal grows especially close to Ben. They each struggle between the expectations of their villainous parents and the goodness they discover within themselves.
At the end, the teens must choose who they really want to be. Mal and her friends reject their parents’ legacy, embracing their own identities and helping stop Maleficent’s attack. They prove that children are not defined by their parents’ pasts and earn a place in Auradon on their own merit.
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There are many lessons that can be learned from this movie. First, the movie shows how you can choose your own path, no matter your family history. Even though Mal is the daughter of Maleficent, one of the most notorious villains, Mal learns she doesn’t have to follow in her mother's evil footsteps. Secondly, the movie emphasizes the importance of empathy and second chances. It’s important to look beyond stereotypes and give people a chance to prove that they are more than their past. Ben gave the villains’ children a chance and, in the end, they all chose good over evil. Lastly, you have to remember to always think on your own and develop your own moral compass. You should not let anyone, even your parents, pressure you into doing something wrong. It is important to make your own decisions and stand up for what’s right.