Disney film sequel lives up to original

Drawing more than 12 million viewers for its premiere in 2015, “The Descendants” quickly became a hit for the Disney Channel.

In the past year especially, the cable network has been teasing the sequel film, which reunites most of the original cast (Kristin Chenoweth excluded).

On Friday, “Descendants 2” will premiere on the Disney Channel and other networks.

The first film introduced viewers to the happy land of Auradon, ruled by a benevolent monarch who turns the crown over to his son, Ben (Mitchell Hope).

Off the coast of Auradon is the Isle of the Lost, home to all the villains of classic fairy tales and Disney movies such as “Maleficent” and “Aladdin.”

The villains aren’t our concern, though; their children are.

The offspring include Jay (Booboo Stewart), son of Jafar; Evie (Sofia Carson), daughter of the Evil Queen; Carlos (Cameron Boyce), son of Cruella de Vil; and Mal (Dove Cameron), daughter of Maleficent.

The original film focused on Ben’s decision to allow the villains’ kids to transport to Auradon, where Ben and Mal find love.

“Descendants 2” finds Mal struggling to fit in as a future lady of the court.

Soon, Mal has left for her former home. The rest of the gang gives chase, hoping to change Mal’s mind.

Standout cast members include Carson; Boyce; Thomas Doherty as a slithery Harry Hook, son of Captain Hook; and, especially, China Anne McClain, daughter of Ursula.

“Descendants 2” emphasizes female empowerment even more than the original.

Whether “good” or “evil,” the female characters not only achieve equal footing, they rule.