The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2013

58%

WISE Score

6.3

IMDb

Disney Channel wizard Alex splits into Good and Evil versions in this 2013 TV movie that's pure nostalgia bait for Wizards of Waverly Place fans.

6.3/10

87%

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The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex

movie

G, 2013

58%

WISE Score

6.3

IMDb

Disney Channel wizard Alex splits into Good and Evil versions in this 2013 TV movie that's pure nostalgia bait for Wizards of Waverly Place fans.

6.3

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6.3/10

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, this is a Disney Channel TV movie from 2013, which means it was never going to be cinematic gold. If your kid was obsessed with Wizards of Waverly Place, this reunion movie will be a fun nostalgia trip. If they weren't? This is going to feel like homework.

The premise is fine—splitting into good and evil versions to learn about accepting all parts of yourself—but it's executed with the subtlety of a sledgehammer and the production budget of a school play. The 87% RT audience score is almost entirely nostalgic fans; the Letterboxd 2.9/5 is closer to objective quality.

It's safe, it's harmless, and it won't rot anyone's brain more than any other Disney Channel content. But in 2025, with infinite streaming options, there are dozens of better fantasy shows and movies that don't feel quite so... 2013 Disney Channel. Unless your kid specifically asks for it, you can probably skip this one without FOMO.

Age Fit

Best for 7-11 year olds, particularly those who watched Wizards of Waverly Place. Older kids will find it too juvenile and dated, while younger kids might not follow the plot or care about characters they don't know.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Disney Channel movie with typical family-friendly themes about personal growth and responsibility. The good vs. evil split personality premise models self-reflection and overcoming negative traits. However, the 'evil' version could present some mildly snarky behavior typical of the Wizards franchise. Generally positive family dynamics and cooperative problem-solving.

Imaginative

The spell-gone-wrong premise of splitting into Good and Evil versions is a classic but serviceable fantasy concept. It's not particularly original (done in countless shows/movies), but the wizarding world setting offers some magical creativity. The world-domination plot is fairly formulaic Disney Channel fare rather than genuinely inventive storytelling.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it for age 7, indicating minimal concerning content. As a Disney Channel movie, it adheres to strict content guidelines with no violence beyond magical battles, no inappropriate language, and family-appropriate themes throughout. The 'evil' character and world-domination plot are presented in a cartoonish, non-threatening way. IMDb 6.3 and 87% RT audience score suggest no major safety red flags.

Enriching

Explores themes of self-improvement, taking responsibility for one's flaws, and the idea that we contain both good and bad qualities. The premise offers some opportunity for discussing character development and moral choices. However, it's primarily light entertainment without deep lessons or meaningful skill-building. The resolution likely involves accepting all parts of yourself, which is a decent message but executed in a fairly superficial Disney Channel way.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Harmless Disney Channel fare that's genuinely safe for elementary schoolers without surprises
The good vs. evil internal struggle offers a simple framework for discussing character flaws and self-improvement
If your kid loved Wizards of Waverly Place, this reunion movie scratches that nostalgic itch
Selena Gomez brings charisma even to made-for-TV material, making it watchable enough

⚠

What to Watch For

This is a 2013 Disney Channel TV movie—expect dated jokes, basic special effects, and that slightly cringey Disney Channel acting style
The 'evil' version does typical mean-girl stuff (sarcasm, selfishness) but nothing genuinely dark or scary
It's a sequel to a show that ended in 2012, so kids unfamiliar with the series might feel lost or uninterested
The Letterboxd 2.9/5 rating tells you what you need to know about actual quality—this isn't prestige television

Conversation Starters

"If you could split yourself into a good version and a bad version, what traits would each one have?"
"Why do you think it's important to accept both our good qualities and our flaws?"
"What would you do differently if you could magically get rid of all your 'bad' qualities?"
"Do you think the 'evil' Alex was actually evil, or just showing parts of herself she usually tries to hide?"

Stills

The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex — still 1

The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex — still 2

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The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex — still 4

The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex — still 5

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