A moment of transparency if you will… I was asked to review a copy of the all new Descendants 3 film with my family not long ago and of course, I jumped at the opportunity. The Descendants franchise is certainly one of our favorites. We know the story-lines front and back. We burst out in songs from the films at whim. And even I am not ashamed to say that this includes myself. My daughter rocks her former Mal Halloween costumes sometimes for no reason at all. We love Descendants!
(Disney Channel/David Bukach)
When my copy arrived in the mail, I wanted it to be a surprise when they got home from school. I assumed they would be just as elated to view the latest installment of a film series we’ve loved for years. However, like almost all things parenting…I was thrown for a loop.
“No, we don’t want to watch it. It will be too sad and we don’t want to be sad.”
They were referring to the fact that Descendants 3 would now forever be known as Cameron Boyce’s last film ever. And they weren’t ready for it.
(Disney Channel/Ed Herrera)
My kids were mourning the loss of Cameron Boyce
Cameron Boyce’s recent passing was nothing short of devastating for millions of Disney fans across the world. For me, it felt like the loss of a friend’s child. A child I’ve watched grow up. Cheered his successes. And looked forward to seeing him continue to blossom through life. For my children, it was like a loss of the friend. A friend whom although they’ve never met, was truly adored and admired. Sadly, my children have had their share of experiences with young friends gone too soon. And to be clear, the loss of just one child is more than one’s share of loss in my opinion.
Nonetheless, Descendants 3 was a painful reminder to them that they would never again get to see Cameron Boyce’s beautiful spirit and phenomenal talent. What I’d planned to be a fun movie night with the kids quickly turned into a parenting lesson in how to celebrate the life of a loved one.
I watched Descendants 3 by myself the first time. Got chills by the first scene watching Cameron display his uncanny dance moves, acting skills and his beautiful smile. I thoroughly reveled in the genuine chemistry of the entire cast. Laughed incessantly at the bloopers scenes, believing that making the film was truly an experience they’d treasure forever. I bawled for a moment during the end credits scene as the crew gives a final “Rotten to the Core” pow wow. Mainly because unlike the other 2 Descendants films, we didn’t get the usual “You didn’t think this was the end of the story, did you?” line. That reminded me that this was the end.
The Legacy
Ultimately, I was extremely proud and thrilled with the legacy Cameron Boyce has left behind and continue to treasure.
(Disney Channel/David Bukach)
I knew I had to share this entire emotional roller coaster with my kids. Somehow they had to understand that experiencing each of these emotions – sadness, confusion, anger and ultimately joy – are all very acceptable and sometimes necessary ways to deal with the loss of someone you loved and adored.
If you happened to catch the Descendants 3 premiere on The Disney Channel, the final tribute they included was everything you could hope for! Check it out below and share with your children as well if you’re having as hard a time dealing with this as we are! And bring a copy of Decendants 3 DVD home with you as a forever tribute to the legendary actor and entertainer taken away far too soon.
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