Rating: 4/5
Disney these days is a far cry from the boring princesses of the last 50-odd years, who waited somewhat pathetically for their princes to arrive, and rescue them with a kiss.
‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ continues the trend set by Elsa and Ana of ‘Frozen’ and ‘Moana’, showing the kids of this new generation that tough warrior women are here to slay.
Tasked with uniting a land split five ways over a political power struggle by finding the last of a sacred species, Raya is the focused and fun hero anyone would want to follow along on a journey.
She is joined by a spate of other intense warriors, all fighting for their own, before the film’s overall message of trust and unity, and a dragon called Sisu, brings them together.
‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ might be ambitious, but it also feels fresh and fun; one of those truly rare children’s films that the whole family might actually enjoy for once.
The colours and cinematography also make for the most stunning show, filled with amazing attention to small and graphic detail making the imaginary world somehow realistic.
Fantastic voice work also supports the cast of characters who are not all that cartoonish, considering they are cartoons.
See this movie at Hoyts Penrith.
Erin Christie
Erin Christie is the Weekender's entertainment and community news journalist. She has worked with Are Media, Good Reading Magazine and a host of other publications.