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If you’ve been in the Disney game as long as we have, you know they aren’t the guaranteed hit maker they seem to be. Sure Marvel is printing them money, but their original stuff is a bit up and down. For every Tangled we get a Mulan remake, for every Frozen we get a Frozen 2. So it’s hard to predict just how well a new IP from the Mouse House is going to fly. Well, we’re happy to say that Raya and the Last Dragon absolutely SOARS!
Raya and the Last Dragon follows some pretty straight forward Disney themes; team work, loss, compassion, forgiveness, etc. You know the ones. It’s well worn territory. But it is all packaged so nicely in Raya. First of all the environments, lighting, and water simulation are probably the best we’ve seen. Ever. And on our big TV in 4K we were all but trying to step through the screen into the world of Kumandra. Secondly, it’s so good for representation. The movie carries a HUGE influence from South East Asian cultures creating this gorgeous amalgamation of vibrance and life. It is a joy to live in for the 107 minute run time.
Lastly, it was so nice having what was essentially a princess movie not be dragged down by some dumb prince. Raya was a bad bitch who wanted to save the world. A couple little winks hinting at a flirtation with Namaari, but that was all and enough. The end result is a completely beautiful and compelling movie about using dragon magic to save the world. It was AWESOME!
Big bonus today for you guys! We’re joined by our friend Stefan. After we heard how much he and his kids liked the movie, we had to have him on. He is of Filipino descent so we wanted to get his perspective on the film. Like us, he is happy that Disney have atoned for their misuse of Kelly Marie Tran as Rose Tico in Rise of Skywalker.
What did you guys think of Raya and the Last Dragon? We totally loved it if you couldn’t tell. Let us know your thoughts over on Twitter or in the Youtube comments! Let us know who your biggest crush is and why it’s Benja. For now though, grab some jack fruit jerky dep la and settle in for todays episode of So…I’m Watching This Show!
