A One Mann’s Movies review of “Raya and the Last Dragon” (2021).
So, in trying to cover the ground of the Oscar nominated animated films, I’ve caught up with “Raya and the Last Dragon” (almost a year late!). The bookies seem to suggest that this is a back-runner, but it’s still a worthy nominee in my book.
You can find “Raya and the Last Dragon” on Disney+.
Bob the Movie Man Rating:
Plot Summary:
The land of Kumandra, once a place unified and made bountiful through the magic of dragons, is now divided and in turmoil. Raya (Kelly Marie Tran) and her father (Daniel Dae Kim) are the guardians of the spirit of Sisu (Awkwafina), the spiritual essence of last of the (now calcified) family of dragons.
Through misplaced trust, Raya unleashes a plague of monsters known as Druun and things go from bad to worse. Raya must set out on a dangerous quest to try to find Sisu and restore life to Kumandra.
Certification:
Talent:
Starring: Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina, Gemma Chan, Benedict Wong, Daniel Dae Kim, Sandra Oh.
Directed by: Don Hall, Carlos López Estrada and Paul Briggs.
Written by: Qui Nguyen and Adele Lim. (From a story by Paul Briggs, Don Hall, Adele Lim, Carlos López Estrada, Kiel Murray, Qui Nguyen, John Ripa and Dean Wellins).
Twitter Handle: #DisneyRaya.
“Raya and the Last Dragon” Review:
Positives:
- There’s no doubt that the Disney animation studios have seriously upped their game during the pandemic. (Perhaps that’s what working from home and boredom does for creative types?!) Raya is beautifully crafted and gorgeous to look at. The movie’s animated opening prologue is a work of art in its own right. And the animation of some scenes are gloriously dynamic and awe-inspiring. An epic sword-fight, near the finale between Raya and Namaari, is particularly mesmerising.
- Once again (Hollywood is finally getting the message) we have a movie led by strong female role models (and indeed, women of Asian ethnicity). Gone are the days of fragile Disney princesses cooing and helplessly fluttering their eyelids until their “prince will come”. I know that this movie is a personal favourite of my granddaughter Eva, and I’m glad it is.
- Although not getting the same musical love as “Encanto”, the score by James Newton Howard is very catchy.
Negatives:
- Why I think this one sits behind “Encanto” in the Oscar race* is that this feels more “Disney-fied”. For example, it has a mode of transport (called Tuk Tuk, LOL) in the form of what I *think* is an armadillo; a cute, if larcenous, baby; and a wisecracking dragon in the form of Awkwafina’s Sisu. Appealing to the kids for sure, but detracting from the film a bit for me. Sisu in particular has a sort of Jar Jar Binks quality to him/her/them that grated a bit.
- Although the visuals are glorious, some of the character animations (walking etc) seemed a bit unnatural and jerky to me. It reminded me at times of that “Put Her to Sea Mr Murdoch” scene from “Titanic”! Again, I’m comparing this with “Encanto”.
(* And no, you’ve not missed my review of “Encanto” – – it is still to come.)
Summary Thoughts on “Raya and the Last Dragon”
A really entertaining Disney cartoon that is almost the animated companion to “Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings“. Your kids/grandkids have probably bashed you round the head with this one already, but certainly worth a (quiet) watch on your own if you’ve not caught it.
Trailer for “Raya and the Last Dragon”
The trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VIZ89FEjYI .
