It's wonderful to witness how animated movies are progressing, and “Raya and the Last Dragon” is another example of a film that reimagines the traditional Disney heroine in a fresh and appealing way. This fantasy / adventure story boasts imaginative characters, gorgeous animation, and an authentic portrayal of Asian mythology. It’s a truly excellent movie across the board. A long time ago, in the imaginary realm of Kumandra, humans and dragons coexisted peacefully. The world was balanced until a malevolent force called the Druun began to threaten it. This shadowy group gained power by exploiting human conflict, leading the dragons to sacrifice themselves to protect humanity. Now, after nearly 500 years, renewed instability has caused the five separate regions of the kingdom to fail to live together peacefully, allowing the Druun to resurface. Determined to safeguard the world she cherishes, warrior Raya (voiced by Kelly Marie Tran) sets out to find the last dragon and harness its magic to save Kumandra. Raya is a groundbreaking heroine, someone easy to admire and care about. Her resolve doesn’t waver as she learns the importance of teamwork and trust during her quest. The film's central characters are all women, including the last dragon Sisu (voiced by Awkwafina) and Raya’s opponent Namaari (voiced by Gemma Chan). There’s a special connection between Sisu and Raya, two unlikely companions who find something essential missing from their lives in each other. What’s even better is that Raya gathers a group of unconventional individuals along her journey, demonstrating that heroes can emerge from unexpected places. The film's directorial team (Don Hall, Carlos López Estrada, Paul Briggs, and John Ripa) has created characters unlike any seen before, and the beautiful animation gives them life. Sisu is a stunning dragon with pastel coloring and a personality to match (Awkwafina truly shines in the cast). Raya represents a new kind of Disney “princess,” one who knows how to lead and can handle herself. There’s much for everyone to appreciate here, even though some of the sillier jokes (like a thieving baby who is more annoying than endearing) might distract viewers at times. The plot is captivating, and the mythical adventure elements are spirited, making “Raya and the Last Dragon” one of the most compelling films from Disney in recent years. It’s an animated film with a heartfelt message, dynamic action sequences, and a charming story about friendship that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Source on TMDB