Raya and the Last Dragon
It’s a shame that Raya and the Last Dragon came out when it did, a year into the covid-19 pandemic, because it didn’t have the chance to be the ticket-driving cultural phenomenon that so many Disney movies get to be. The Kelly Marie Tran-led film has a lot going for it, including a story that feels timely and relevant as it examines warring tribes divided by distrust, eventually brought together by a younger generation who fights to reunite the people. It also has some of the best action scenes in Disney’s catalog as it draws inspiration from classic martial arts films. The film’s mythology is interesting in a vacuum but was subject to criticism when viewed through the lens of its Southeast Asian influence. Raya and the Last Dragon has its heart in the right place and is wonderfully acted and animated. It just maybe could have used another pass or two.
