Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Upside-Down Magic

film

Upside-Down Magic

2020

Nory and her best friend Reina enter the Sage Academy for Magical Studies, where Nory’s unconventional powers land her in a class for those with wonky, or “upside-down,” magic. Undaunted, Nory sets out to prove that that upside-down magic can be just as powerful as right-side-up.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Violence2/5
  • Death of a character1/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Standard Disney merchandise tie-ins exist, but the film itself is not a vehicle for advertising.

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

No deaths or themes related to mortality.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Focus is entirely on friendship and academic challenges.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Features mild tension involving magical experiments gone wrong, but nothing meant to frighten children.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Includes light, non-aggressive magical mishaps and minor fantasy scuffles suitable for all ages.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters face fear, rejection, and magical danger while defending friends and standing up for their abilities.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Inventive magical powers, imaginative world-building, and unconventional problem-solving are central to the premise.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse cast of students with varied backgrounds and magical abilities.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

It may support social-emotional learning about belonging and confidence, but it is entertainment rather than factual instruction.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Friendship, mutual support, empathy, and inclusion are important to resolving the central conflict.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong messages affirm individuality, friendship, inclusion, perseverance, and recognizing strengths in people who seem different.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Characters display resilience, loyalty, and a willingness to improve despite setbacks.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Upside-Down Magic would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Upside-Down Magic, and what caused that change?
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