A kid flick adults will love... A chick flick guys will love...

Rating: Null/10 (26 April 2001)

Although I bypassed this film in the theaters, I took a chance and purchased it for my Disney movie collection (a strategy which served me admirably with The Rescuers Down Under and miserably with Pocahontas!).
"Mulan" is the powerful story of a headstrong and ambitious teenage girl in medieval China who, in an effort to save her ailing father, impersonates a man in the Chinese army, repels a Hun invasion, and falls for her commanding officer. She is aided in her adventures by a comical dragon named Mushu, a lucky (or is it unlucky?) cricket, and three wise-cracking compatriots at arms.
The Disney formula works remarkably well here (though the love story angle is a bit of a stretch). Mulan is a likable and gutsy representation of grrrrrl power in a predominately male society. Her outspoken nature and penchant to think and take action when necessary are in direct contrast to the normal feminine roles in the ancient world. Voluminous supporting players require more-than-average attention span by the viewer, but then this is an epic war story! And each of these characters is given their moment to shine, while never fully taking the reins from the true heroine.
The lessons of tolerance and empowerment for young girls are blatantly obvious, but they do not detract from what is a terrific and moving story. As in any good Disney animated adventure, the music plays a big part, and some of the songs stick with you long after the end credits run. The animation is incredibly fluid and evocative of the oriental setting, and some of the special effects are a wonder to behold. The training sequences and mountain battle scenes are brilliant examples of the craft.
The vocal cast is an international potpourri of talent, including Pat Morita, Harvey Fierstein (as a REAL man's man! Go figure!), June Foray, George Takei, and Eddie Murphy (hilarious as fast-talking dragon, Mushu). The dialog is rapid-fire and intelligent for adults, but easy enough for older children to grasp. Donny Osmond's song for the training sequence ("I'll Make a Man Out of You") is a thunderous and inspirational war ballad that still rings in my ears - particularly when I am working out or have a heavy job to accomplish. Also, listen carefully to the music for the closing of the film: No less talent than 98 Degrees, Stevie Wonder, and Christina Aguilera (before her genie ever came out of its bottle)!
There are a few small flaws in logic (i.e., The rescue of Mulan and her horse during the avalanche - While Mulan may be a fierce and powerful warrior, I don't think even HER legs could hold up that horse!), and some of the humor may sail past younger viewers (cross-dressing gags, suggested nudity and jokes about the hygenic habits of men, to name a few...). Still, the multitude of characters, snappy dialog, and various levels of action and adventure make this film as much fun on the twentieth viewing as on the first.
"Mulan" is highly entertaining kids and adults equally (My 3-year-old son requests this one regularly!). And this is a "chick flick" for guys, too! Get some takeout Chinese and make a night of it with the kids... or with that special someone in your life.