Raya and the Last Dragon

The Disney formula never fails to work. 

Charming and filial Princess, cute critter/merchandising opportunities, affable and funny sidekicks, family-friendly morality and themes - strength, unity and trust - and redemption for the antagonist, coupled with gorgeous animation and scenes, a brisk pace, generous amount of child-friendly humour and great voice work by Kelly Marie Tran and Awkafina, resulted in a child-friendly animation that overcame a predictable storyline - literally every beat can be expected - to still successfully tug at the heartstrings, teach a lesson or two, and draw out some tears in the end. So, bravo to directors Don Hall and Carlos Lopez Estrada, and writers Qui Nguyen and Adele Lim for bringing this Southeast Asian tale to life. The little touches of SEA characteristics, including rituals, lifestyle, costumes and daily activities, were refreshing and heartwarming to see. 

Also, it is great that Disney is really branching away from the Disney Princess trope of yore. It is now all about family...but maybe one day it will be all about herself. 

The storyline itself was extremely straightforward and very quest-like. Complete task A to do task B then C, then D until you hit the Big Boss. Just suspend most logical thinking throughout the journey and accept things as it comes and enjoy the ride. Be enchanted by each new city Raya visits and the new friends that she made along the way and hope that each journey and experience will allow her to grow a little more before it is too late...but, again, that Disney formula, there has to be a great failure before there can be growth and awareness.

Tran and Akwafina were great choices for Raya and Sisu respectively. Other than the authenticity of Tran's voice, she imbued her character with an affable warmth and sincerity. Whereas Awkafina, with her unique vocal timbre, was hilarious and utterly believable. 

Unfortunately, music-wise was a bit of a let down. There was no breakout song this time round and even James Newton Howard's score, though uplifting and magical, lacked the Asian authenticity befitting the animation. Pity that Disney did not think of engaging one of the many brilliant Asian - or Southeast Asian - composers to do the score. It would have been next-level brilliant if the soundtrack had been peppered with the traditional music and sounds of the region.

Raya and the Last Dragon did not disappoint and it was a fun, entertaining watch, but it will unlikely be sweeping any awards. Children will surely love it and the merchandising will go through the roof! Gimme a Tuk Tuk!