Murphy Breaths Comedic Life Into a Dragon.

Rating: 7/10 (24 June 2015)

Mulan (1998): Dir: Barry Cook, Tony Bancroft / Voices: Ming Na Wen, Eddie Murphy, B.D. Wong, Harvey Fierstein, Miguel Ferrer: Glorious and enchanting animation regarding the war on China in which one male from every household must venture. Mulan is a teenage girl discouraged of past failures. Her father is not well enough to fight so she cuts her hair and sets out in the night while her parents are asleep. Well placed humour takes affect as she attempts to act manly during training. While plot is typical, structure is formula but its ending bares the message. Directed by Barry Cook and Tony Bancroft with beautiful animated appeal that will appeal to family audiences although it isn't as broad as the best of Disney animations. Ming Na Wen voices Mulan who undertakes a massive task. It is obvious that she will be the hero she never was and that her family will be honored, etc. Eddie Murphy steals scenes as Mulan's dragon guardian who is not exactly what he appears. Murphy steals every scene as the voice of this little red creature. Other voice talents accompany very flat personalities. B.D. Wong voices the commander whom Mulan is under but he serves only as a tight ass and eventual romantic prop. Harvey Fierstein voices one of the other loons under command. Although screenplay is thin it does pass as hilarious with a broad message of endurance and family loyalty. Score: 7 / 10