If anyone has figured out a way to capitalize on the new Covid-induced streaming and release hype it is Disney+. From the moment my little crew saw the trailer for “Raya and The Last Dragon” it was a given that we would definitely be purchasing the premiere access.  This latest movie in the Disney Universe would have no doubt been a huge blockbuster in movie theaters, but given our current social and political climate, Disney+ is still making the best of the situation by continuing to provide premium and exciting new content.  My family loved this new take on the traditional role of what it means to be a “Princess”.  And the new role of young women as Heroes in society.

Obviously Disney has come a long way since the early days of Snow White, and more recent princesses like Mulan and Elsa we have seen both warriors and those with magical powers, but Raya took this role to a whole new level.  She is the daughter of a widower and at a very young age she is thrust into a solo journey to try and avenge/free her father (won’t spoil it here on why/how!).  This movie brings together a wide assortment of characters and her merry little band of helpers is quite unconventional–including a toddler and her monkeys! She does not have a mentor to show her the way or to help her find her path as other princesses typically have.  Instead she must forge her own path and hope for the best.  The banter between Raya and Sisu, the last dragon, is both witty and endearing.  I found the plot line intriguing and new–both of which are rare in a cartoon feature film as most plot lines have been done MANY times with very few variances.

Of course the film was not without its political subtleties.  Including a plea for the world to put aside all of their differences and selfishness and come together as one for a more united and happy existence.  In fact the climax of the movie did not happen in a traditional way at all, and I felt the poignant twist in the climax scene (which flipped the role of the heroine) was very clever and provoked different emotions and thoughts for what it means to be a hero.

I also loved that the movie explored a more “Fantasy”-themed version of the typical princess narrative and drew on elements of a Pangea-style culture. One that was split into various kingdoms, each representing a part of the Dragon.  My children were thrilled with the incorporation of dragons and magic and it kept everyones attention from age 6-15.  It is truly a must-see for family night and I felt it was worth the money spent to watch it early.  It’s not the same experience as being at the movies of course, but Disney is really trying to salvage their losses and keep providing thought-provoking, original and quality productions for families even if they do have political undertones. The animation felt exciting and was well done, and the characters were lovable and memorable. With so many of the streaming movies for children being just down-right idiotic, this was truly a welcome reprieve.