Some of the names-Lin-Manuel Miranda, Awkwafina, John Leguizamo, Stephanie Beatriz, our own Sandra Oh-are famous but most are not, which doesn’t stop each of them from performing at the top of their game. Both films nearly overwhelm us with a plethora of talented animators, directors, composers, technical computer nerd geniuses and voice actors. This year, Disney put out two exceptional animation features, Encanto and Raya and the Last Dragon. And with Disney comes one word–animation. Then, there’s Disney+, which is asserting itself with superhero fare like The Eternals and the wonderful Peter Jackson Beatles doc Get Back, but this is one producer/distributor/streamer that will never have to struggle for a name. Criterion is well known for its arthouse cinema, including such eminent-if dead–names as Bergman, Godard and Visconti. Netflix, for example, has spent millions signing up name directors like Martin Scorsese, Ava DuVernay, and Noah Baumbach in their attempt to brand themselves. While each offers a multitude of choice films and TV shows, the services are creating their own distinctive identities.

Luckily there are many viewing options for families and singles ranging from Netflix to Criterion Channel to Disney+. With Ontario’s cinemas closed due to Doug Ford’s over-the-top anti-cultural response to Omicron, it’s left the public more time to stream content than ever before. Osnat Shurer & Peter Del Vecho, co-producersįeaturing the voices of: Kelly Marie Tran (Raya), Awkwafina (Sisu, the dragon), Izaac Wang (Boun), Gemma Chan (Namaari), Daniel Dae Kim (Chief Benja), Benedict Wong (Tong), Sandra Oh (Virana) Story by Bush, Howard, Smith, Jason Hand, Nancy Kruse & Lin-Manuel Mirandaįeaturing the voices of: Stephanie Beatriz (Mirabel Madrigal), Maria Cecilia Botero (Abuela Alma Madrigal), John Leguizamo (Bruno Madrigal), Mauro Castillo (Felix), Jessica Darrow (Luisa), Angie Cepeda (Julieta), Diane Guerrero (Isabela), Wilmer Valderrama (Augustin)ĭon Hall & Carlos Lopez Estrada co-directors & co-story w/Paul Briggs, Adele Lim, Kiel Murray, Qui Nguyen, John Ripa, Dean Wellins

Encanto and Raya and the Last Dragon highlight Disney+īyron Howard, co-director w/Jared Bush, co-director & co-script w/Charise Castro Smith

The new raya and the last dragon movie