It's no Lion King, but it's a childhood classic that holds up on it's fifteen anniversary

Rating: 9/10 (19 December 2013)

Growing up, I watch another Disney movie that still holds up to this day even as a young adult and this is that film. It may not be as strong as Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King, but it's a lot better than some of the later films in the early 2000s (except Treasure Planet, Lilo & Stitch, Atlantis: The Lost Empire, and The Emperor's New Groove).
The story is great and the way they made a Disney princess become a hero is what made it work. The comedy is well thought out and Mushu, the dragon, is very funny as the comic relief. The pacing is fine, the dialog is pretty good. The characters are pretty good too and the voice acting is top-notch. Ming-Na did a solid job as the beautiful Mulan who determines to save her father's life by replacing him in an army. Donny Osmond is charming as General Shang, the villain Shan-Yu is a frightening villain and is easily one of the best out there. Like I said before, Mushu is funny thanks to Eddie Murphy's great voice work.
The songs may not be as memorable as the other Disney scores, but they're fine enough for me to listen to. Especially "Reflection", which is a lovely little tune I will sing forever. The best part is the animation. The look of China, the emperor's palace, and the mountains are great as are the character animation.
Overall, Mulan may not be as solid as the three films I've already stated, but it's a childhood classic that has been stuck with me for a while and would be looking forward to watch it again. Thumbs up!