Overall, ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ is a complete package with something for everyone. The only song, ‘Lead the Way,’ (written and performed by Jhené Aiko) rolls with the end-credits. Unlike the previous Disney outings like Frozen and Moana, here the action takes precedence over music. His fourth collaboration with Disney, after a long time, is definitely worth the wait. The background score, especially, in the action sequences is stimulating and the best work of composer James Newton Howard. And lastly, it’s a 20-something Thalia Tran, who perfects the cuteness of the notorious toddler Little Noi. Awkwafina is outstanding as Sisu, the last dragon, who can transform into a human being. Gemma Chan is a sharp choice for Raya’s nemesis Namaari - the character you will love to hate, but so deftly written. She is a splendid example of the studio’s steely female warrior, who doesn’t need unnecessary sidekicks or songs to be the perfect Disney princess.
Kelly Marie Tran’s (Star Wars) pitch-perfect voice breathes life into Raya (Disney’s first-ever Southeast Asian female heroine). The hard work put in by a battery of its directors, is noticeable in every frame and reflects prominently in the film’s overall execution. The sword-fighting sequence stands out for its sharp and clear execution, blurring the thin line between animation and live-action. The animation is spectacularly top-class and a pure delight to watch, on the big screen. There is a lot of thrilling entertainment to be enjoyed, as Raya and her cute and colourful allies go about doing their business. Only this can save her land and its inhabitants, including her father. From vast green lands to elaborate castles, it’s a make-believe realm of colourful escapades, where Raya (Kelly Marie Tran), is on a quest to summon the spirit of Sisu (Awkwafina), the last dragon, and reunite the remains of the Dragon gemstone. The imaginary world-building is thorough. Poignant and powerful, the film’s writing in on point, depicting the magic of pure love. Traversing through the mystical land of Kumandra, the narrative blends formulaic tropes with distinct nuances, in a well-defined screenplay. From this, to many other firsts, Directors Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada’s action-animation extravaganza, is a thrilling ride and an emotional rollercoaster.
REVIEW: Inspired heavily by the Southeast Asia, ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ uses a backdrop of the world that has never been fully explored by mainstream Hollywood. STORY: Some five hundred years after the ominous dark monsters called the Druun, return to wreak havoc on earth, it's up to Raya, an intrepid warrior princess to track down the last dragon and put a definite end to the Druun terror.
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