Raya and the Last Dragon

As an overall throwback, and as a return to the streamlined storytelling upon which Disney built its supremacy, Raya and the Last Dragon is a welcome expansion of the Disney universe.

The message is that you have to put aside differences and learn to trust and find common ground. It feels like it's hitting the right notes, with spectacular visuals.

There's a darkness here that I think is lacking in a lot of modern Disney films, and I respect that its message isn't just "believe in yourself."

I left the cinema thinking that the world is not quite like it is at the end of this movie, but we might all be happier if it was.

Awkwafina leads a lively voice cast in a visually arresting adventure.

There is an incandescence and a buoyancy to the animation that elevates the formula.

The story, the dialogue, the voicework and animation are all of the highest caliber. Not only are the visuals imaginative and gorgeous but there are life lessons to be learned about trust and selflessness and taking chances.

Something amazing was created in spite of everything working against it, both mirroring and informing Raya's story, a plea for trust and an inclusive celebration of differences... emotional, entertaining, and powerful.

"The animation was beautiful, the storyline set in place, telling a tale of how traditions and cultures can work presently to unite us all."

A triumph of design held back by a lackluster story...