FilmSnobReviews

Title: Raya and the Last Dragon
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Director: Don Hall, Carlos López Estrada, Paul Briggs, John Ripa
Starring: Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina, Gemma Chan
Runtime: 1 hr 47 mins

What It Is: In the land of Kumandra there was once peace. All the land was one and there were no different nations within in. Then, the Dragons saved the world. Upon their sacrifice, the land was split into different nations. These different nations, all named for parts of a dragon, all believe that the area is known as “Heart” has prospered because they own the last shard of the object that helped the Dragons. After that is split and stolen the world falls into madness and the entities that once took over the land have begun to do so again. Turning everyone to stone.

What We Think: I really was impressed by the action and the pacing of the film but what I was upset with was the “Disneyness” of it all. It was as though they went through a Disney checklist and hit every mark. A female lead character with a dead mother and dad issues. Check. Adorable animal sidekick. Check. Et cetera, rinse and repeat. There are points when the film seems like it is hellbent on changing your expectations and then it fails to do so because it sticks to the well-worn road.

Our Grade: B-, Its utilization of actual Asian voice actors for its primarily Asian cast is a wonderful thing. Likewise, they are all so very good in their roles with Kelly Marie Tran at the head of the class. Some of the visuals stick and luckily the film is funny and has its heart in the right place. That all being said this gorgeous film is an easy recommendation from me. It’s easily accessible from Disney+ so check it out!