I really liked the Raya character and also the dragon Sisu. Indeed, there was an abundance of likeable and loveable characters here, from the small monkey-like creatures to the majestic dragons, and everything in between. Now, if you have an interest in Asian culture and mythology, there are lots of things to life in "Raya and the Last Dragon".
But perhaps that could be a double-edged sword, because that could also mean that the storyline didn't offer as much as it could have to some people? But hey, I was entertained. It wasn't cluttered down with an abundance of side plots and sub-stories, no it was straight forward and to the point. First of all, the storyline was good, and it was one that was pretty straight forward and easy to follow. Yeah, "Raya and the Last Dragon" was an enjoyable animated movie in many ways. And Disney definitely delivered with this animated movie. Well, I was definitely looking forward to getting to sit down to watch "Raya and the Last Dragon" and I must admit that I had some expectations for this 2021 animated movie, no doubt about that. Nonetheless, despite the conventional treatment, there is a sense of fun & lighthearted quality to it that makes the ride pleasant enough. From a creative standpoint, only its animation is worth noting.
From a storytelling perspective, it is formulaic.
Visually it may look richer & resonant but the underlying flavours are all the same. Overall, Raya and the Last Dragon is enjoyable & entertaining, and will manage to satisfy most but there isn't anything new or different about it. And the voice cast play their roles responsibly as well. The background score by James Newton Howard is also a plus. Its richness, colour depth, lighting & rendering is almost immaculate. The emotional moments pack a punch but isn't allowed to stay afloat for long enough to deliver the goods. Humour also falls flat, for the film tries too hard. While some characters are interesting, others are annoying. There are familiar beats & predictable subplots here, plus it plays safe instead of risking anything. Add to that, it expects the viewers to be invested in Raya's journey without putting in the effort that would compel us to do the same. Directed by Don Hall & Carlos López Estrada, the story hurries us through its own mythology and doesn't spend enough time to strengthen the foundations before the main plot surfaces. Taking the usual Disney story template, applying the same rinse n repeat formula to it, then slapping the added representation tag on the package just for the sake of it, and marketing it as something fresh when it's not, Raya and the Last Dragon marks the arrival of a new princess in the Disney kingdom, and is truly astounding to look at but the film as a whole has no original voice of its own.
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