Review of Mulan II (2004) by Dylan J — 27 Jan 2012

Surprisingly decent animation for a Disney sequel, but that's NOT enough to save this movie. Pop culture references abound, characters rewritten into mere comic relief, a complete misunderstanding of Chinese culture of that age, a weak plot, lack of connection with the first film, and a stupefying ending.

I can't stand all the present-day attitudes and references in Mulan II, it looks like Ancient China but it doesn't FEEL like Ancient China. It was more like going to that world sightseeing park in Disneyworld. The princesses are cute but not much to talk about, and the songs absolutely suck. There was nothing really epic like in the first film which had an avalanche crush an entire Hun army......Yeah, nothing like that in here, hardly even any fighting for that matter! What the hell?

The princesses show little to know understanding about how their culture works, nor does Mulan for that matter. The princesses sing "I Wanna Be Like Other Girls" and every time I hear it I wanna smack the songwriter. We're not talking about Beverley Hills, it's Ancient China, guys! Mulan seems totally shocked at the idea of an arranged marriage, which in this world has existed FAR longer than marriage by choice. I swear Mulan is seeing the world for what she wants it to be, not for the reality that it is, and that makes her come off as naive. Shang's a total klutz, the villians are practically nonexistent, and even Mushu's selfishness has gotten old. Although I will give the voice actor credit for doing an almost-perfect impersonation of Eddie Murphy, who I guess realized this movie wasn't good enough for his talents.

And don't get me started on the ending. A whole plot about uniting two kingdoms to put down a Mongol invasion through the princesses' marriage to three princes, and it never happens......SO HOW IS CHINA SAFE????? Nice work, Mulan, you just doomed a kingdom you spent the whole first movie trying to save.

I can safely say the bad stuff really outweighs the good stuff in this one. Mulan II just doesn't have the heart, epicness, or understanding of China the first film did. I used to like this movie, but looking back it accomplishes very little. If you're a big Mulan fan still, then you might like it. Otherwise, it's a very sad waste of a great Disney heroine.