A good feel-good movie

Rating: 7/10 (29 June 2009)

I must say that I have enjoyed this movie. At first thought, I wasn't sure what to expect. Not much of an animations-fan. However, this movie became interesting after only a few minutes. Not a girlish movie (as I had first thought), and the plot was fine too.
Certain things I did not like were that the original plans for Mulan to serve as an average lady were only shown in the first part of the movie (where she performed miserably), and then the movie did not focus anymore upon it (not even in the ending). Furthermore, that sudden change-of-heart were she was sent away by Shang and than excelled in all their training - that was too sudden and did not focus upon her efforts to reach that goal (even though this always happens in most movies).
One more negative plot remark is that Mulan's seemingly primary intention to go instead of her father was because her father's health was very poor and thus she went instead. However, it seemed easy enough not to attend later on, since she was easily asked to leave by Shang when her process seemed to be to no avail - so why did she have to go? One more aspect - that is only seen in cartoons - is that the Huns were able to beat up most of the army and then they came into difficulty with a ragged band of a few 'warriors'. However, this can only be adapted in cartoons :) However, I must say that I did enjoy this movie. It's feel-good aspect is felt throughout the movie (of course, as it progresses along). Furthermore, the fact that certain people do not seem adept to certain aspects and yet they excel in others, is shown in the movie as can be in real life.
The songs (and the singing) were fine and adequate (even though at times they seemed to drag on). Laughter is well packed and distributed in the movie, and thus makes it entertaining - even for the whole family since most aspects were not so childish (although the movie can be easily understood by children).