This week on Popcorn Podcast, Leigh and Tim dive into Disney's animated action film Raya and the Last Dragon, as well as Eddie Murphy sequel Coming 2 America. Plus, The Sopranos prequel The Many Saints of Newark; Billy Eichner's Bros set for 2022; and the first trailer for Luca is shared

Find an edited extract of this episode below. You can listen to the full episode above and follow Popcorn Podcast on your preferred podcast platform for more

RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON MOVIE REVIEW

Leigh: I can see there was a lot of work and care that went into drawing from cultures and traditions respectfully. I think they've done a great job of that. There's been some criticism that Raya and the Last Dragon stitches together different cultures under one umbrella, which can be offensive, and I understand why that would be offensive, but this is a fantasy film and some of the biggest fantasies draw from everywhere to create new worlds. I don't think it's lumping everyone under the same banner. But importantly, I am not of Southeast Asian descent and I think it's really important that people seek out reviews from people who are of Southeast Asian culture to get the understanding and the deeper levels in this film.

Tim: I couldn't have said that better myself. That is really important, because the certain lens that we come into these reviews with is different to someone of a culture that is being represented on screen. So those voices are really important to hear because we can't represent them. We can only channel as much as we can. 

Speaking of the Asian culture and traditions, you mentioned the martial art sequences in this film. My goodness me, it was stunning. Absolutely stunning. The fight scenes were incredible. I was especially wowed by the final sword fight scene. It was atmospheric and really, really intense. I was clenching my fists, I think, while I was watching because I was like, “This is good!”.

Leigh: Clenching like you had a sword in your hand, too? 

Tim: Actually, maybe subconsciously that's what I was doing.

Leigh: That is a pretty cool sword that Raya’s got, though.

Tim: That was wicked. Super wicked. I want one. 

Also, what’s really important is that this is Disney's first Southeast Asian Princess.

Leigh: Which is very cool.

Tim: Which is really cool. Obviously we've discussed about the culture and the importance of that, and from my perspective, this is so good – long overdue and all those things ­– but it's important to showcase stories like this for young girls and boys as they will see themselves in these films. Finally, right? And in a really fun, vivacious fantasy setting, which is very approachable for children. I think that is crucial in the development of a young person as they find their own identity and get help and assistance in understanding that identity through media. Film is such a powerful medium in which to do that.

MOVIE NEWS

– Congratulations to the winners of our Girls Can’t Surf giveaway!
– The first trailer for Disney Pixar’s Luca is shared
– The Many Saints of Newark is announced, a feature film prequel to hit series The Sopranos
– Billy Eichner’s Bros
– Universal Pictures date changes, including Minions: The Rise of Gru