‘Wizards Beyond Waverly Place’ Is a Hilariously Magical Reboot Even if Selena Gomez Isn’t Around Much: TV Review
Twelve years after “Wizards of Waverly Place” ended, the iconic Disney Channel show is launching a sequel. “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” follows Justin Russo (David Henrie reprising his role), a vice principal living on Staten Island with his investigative reporter wife, Giada (Mimi Gianopulos) and their sons, Roman (Alkaio Thiele) and Milo (Max Matenko). Though Justin has retained his magical abilities, he’s put his wizarding days behind him. Neither Giada nor his boys know anything about his powers. This changes on the morning of Justin’s 34th birthday when rebellious and spunky 12-year-old wizard Billie (a phenomenal Janice LeAnn Brown) arrives at the Russo home. Hilarious, fun and charming, “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” is a worthy follow-up to its legendary original that will undoubtedly delight newcomers and longtime fans.
The series opens on a seemingly ordinary day in the Russo house. Milo and Roman are bickering over their shared room, and Justin is eager to celebrate his special day. However, when his sister Alex (Selena Gomez, reprising her role) visits unexpectedly, desperate for Justin’s help, the Russos’ lives are completely upended. While Justin has shunned magic, it’s the only way of life Billie has ever known. Witty, quick-thinking and independent, Billie doesn’t embrace rules and regulations. Yet, the audience soon learns much more is at stake here than just adequate tutelage for Billie.
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This new show is launching 17 years after the premiere of “Wizards of Waverly Place,” and special effects technology for television has grown leaps and bounds. As a result, the magic depicted has a crisp and fantastical feel that could not have been captured previously. Moreover, though “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” still leans toward slapstick and exaggerated acting, these “kiddie” elements don’t curtail the fun of the series. In the pilot, Milo is accidentally frozen. As Billie and Roman try to stash his body in the garage until they can figure out how to reverse the spell, it’s clear the tweens are wrangling a large plush doll, which adds to the humor of the moment.
“Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” had a solid foundation to build upon, but it soars because of its cast. Henrie and Gomez (who also serve as executive producers) step seamlessly back into their beloved roles, and Gianopulos adds the perfect quirk to the show. But the child actors are phenomenal. Brown, Thiele and Matenko are quick-witted. They’ve mastered comedic timing and the ability to elevate the punchiness of jokes. Determined and self-assured, Brown is a star, and the boys are on her heels. In Episode 2, “Mortal Vibes Only,” a potion mishap disappears the lower half of Roman’s body and Milo’s upper half. The brothers decide to move together as one to keep their parents in the dark. Unfortunately (and hilariously), Milo’s inability to tell his left from his right immediately thwarts their plans.
There are a lot of similarities between this new series and the original. Once Billie is firmly rooted in the Russo family, the kids recreate Justin, Alex, and Max’s (Jake T. Austin) sibling dynamic from “Wizards of Waverly Place.” But since Billie is the only one with supernatural capabilities and lacks knowledge of the mortal world, audiences see the trio learning, growing and adjusting together. In Episode 3, “Saved By the Spell,” Billie struggles to make friends during her first day at middle school. Justin has requested that she never use magic outside the family’s lair, but out of desperation, she waves her wand to entice people to like her. Though she eventually bonds with Roman’s best friend, Winter (Taylor Cora), her deception is not without consequence. In Episode 4, “Something Wizard This Way Comes,” Billie seeks to enlighten Milo and Roman about several of the Wizarding world’s most thrilling Halloween traditions, including gristletoe and the menacing Pumpkin Belly. What ensues is a truly unique Halloween episode.
Reboots and sequels rarely live up to the hype. “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” has its own flair; still, the comedy pays homage to the previous show and offers new and unique storylines for a new generation. While the themes of family, responsibility and the power of magic remain central, the new cast led by Brown also reinforces how important it is to stay true to yourself. Lively, fun and full of some genuinely endearing magical moments, the new Disney series has the potential of standing just as prominently as its predecessor.
The first two episodes of “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” premiere Oct. 29 on Disney Channel and will air on Disney+ the following day. New episodes drop weekly on Tuesdays.
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