Mulan-More Food for the Drones
Few studios have more of a formula and use it more often than Disney. Wow. Over an over again Disney dips into the history books and mythology for some good old fashion cheap name recognition. The problem for those of us who wish Disney would crank out better animated films is that this strategy works as evident with Mulan which grossed around $280-$300 million dollars. Anyone who suspects that it is inaccurate to say that Disney uses mythology and history as a creative crutch only has to look at many of their releases over the last couple of decades. Aladdin, Hercules, Pocahontas, Mulan and the list goes on and on. It is unfortunate that these films are aimed at a young audience for by the very existence these discourage conceptual creativity.
Like so many other Disney animated films, Mulan, dives into mythology, this time Chinese mythology, for the basis of its story. Mulan is about a young woman named, big shocker, Mulan, who disguises herself as a man so she can join the army and in the process of doing so, protect her father. While Mulan is no masterpiece, it is better in most ways than some of Disney's other offerings such as Pocahontas and the bizarre choice-The Hunchback, which still leaves one scratching one's head and asking, “huh?”
The animation is fine, the story is usual fair but its nothing to get excited about. Eddie Murphy as Mushu is just a freakin' bizarre pick and doesn't fit the film at all. With all that said, there is only one way to explain the massive $280-$300 million dollar take of Mulan-parents turn off their brains, open their wallets and walk into theaters with their children like robotic drones whenever they see that Disney has another animated film. And Disney knows it.
Story C- (Of course, the foundation of the story is taken from myth, but the execution ranks better than some of Disney's other myth/history based animated ventures.)
Acting B (The acting is fine, but forcing Eddie Murphy into the cast was weird.)
Visuals B+
Originality/Innovation D
Enjoyability Grade C+
Home Theater/HD Factor B
Overall Grade C+ (Just another money grab but it could have been worse.)
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