by Shane Conto
Who doesn’t need a little bit of Disney magic during these trying times? Whether you check it out at a theater…or pay $29.99 to watch it on Disney +, there is certainly some Disney magic coming your way. Disney Animation is a master of creating some of the most fantastical and engrossing worlds ever put to film. Kumandra is a wonderful land of diverse communities and dragons that lends itself to a variety of breath-taking and awe-inspiring visuals. Can the animation get any better? Looking at these amazing landscapes, detailed cities, and beautifully designed characters, you would probably believe it cannot get any better. Are you ready to explore the vibrant world of Raya and the Last Dragon?
Films take a whole village to bring them to life, right?
This particular Disney hit certainly has a village bringing it to life. Don Hall and Carlos Lopez Estrada, along with two other co-directors, helm this adventure and boy do they deliver something special. For a film that feels so lively and bright, you might be surprised that the film is almost two hours. Those 113 minutes fly by as you hop on this magic carpet ride through deserts, forests, floating cities, and ancient ruins. While flying through this fun story, the audience is treated to a whole range of emotions. There are plenty of laughs to have with such cast members like Awkwafina involved. There is a real sense of adventure as this film delivers some high-quality action sequences. This animated feature can certainly rival some of the best action films out there. Like any great Disney Animation effort, there is plenty of emotional poignancy as well. Will parents die or be harmed? Of course. The balance in this film between humor/fun and the real feeling of loss and betrayal is quite moving. Then you have James Newton Howard’s score that is diverse and magical in its own right that elevates every single scene.
Can the small village of writers on this film match the efforts of the directors?
If there were any particular weaknesses in this romp would be attached to the screenplay. Is this film fresh and surprising when it comes to the story? Not necessarily. There are plenty of tropes and cliches that fill out this story. There is also a predictable cadence to the action as we have a mission to steal four fractured pieces of a maguffin. Do we get them to save the day? You should watch the film…but you probably know what will happen already. For the film’s credit, there are some solid expectation defying elements scattered throughout this film. The plot is not completely telegraphed at least. Qui Nguyen is the main writer of the film and he brings the lively energy and presence of South-East Asian culture. The diversity and culture influences on the film are fresh and engaging. You are whisked off to this wonderful world and it is so immersive. The themes of family and unity are moving and well realized from start to finish. One of the aspects of the writing that is odd is the out-of-place humor that fits in a 2021 world. Those jokes took me right out of the film.
Does the extremely talented cast help bring the magic for Raya?
ABSOLUTELY. Kelly Marie Tran is a wonderful lead who is empathetic, strong, and relatable. We want Raya to succeed so bad and Tran really helps build that connection. Awkwafina has such a certain personality that could easily stick out like a sore thumb…but she is great. Awkwafina brings an energy and an awkward relatability to a magic creature that may be hard to connect to. Gemma Chan is a great foil to Tran even though we have great respect for Chan’s performance. One of the real MVP’s is Izaac Wang who plays a young boy giving them a boat ride. He is enjoyable and adorable from the second he arrives. The rag tag crew that Raya puts together is diverse and strange but they are all so lovable. Throw in Daniel Dae Kim, Benedict Wong, and Sandra Oh and you have a wonderfully charming and committed cast.
Does Raya and the Last Dragon continue the animation hot streak that Disney has been on?
Oh…it does. Is Raya a must see adventure that will be hard to forget? 100 times yes. What will you be doing this weekend? Hopefully, you will be hopping on board this magical ride and get lost in the wonderful world that Raya creates.
Grade: B+