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FAMILY MOVIE REVIEWS For Kids: Mulan
for Stay-at-Home Streaming! by Bonnie L. Harris
Loyal, Brave & True
The girl becomes a warrior.
Walt Disney Studios Rated: PG-13 Streaming on Disney Plus
The much anticipated liveaction remake of Mulan is finally here, and it’s well worth the Disney Plus subscription and fairly hefty streaming fee. Expertly directed by Niki Caro, who also helmed McFarland USA and Whale Rider, which are terrific family movies, Mulan 2020 stars several celebrated Chinese actors who bring deeper nuances to the Disney generated characters. The film bypasses the familiar songs, but adds a symbolic phoenix, to play up the dramatic story of a young girl who disguises herself and joins the Imperial Army to save her father. Comparison to the animated Mulan is understandable, but suffice to say that Caro’s version stands on its own with just as much action, adventure, intrigue, and focus on family honor. There’s also just enough comedy to lighten the tension as Mulan trains with a battalion of smelly, sweaty, nosy men and learns to be a superior warrior. As Mulan the daughter, she was constantly told to curb her energy and was an embarrassment to her parents. But as Mulan the brave, she discovers that her life force paired with her unyielding determination are exactly what’s needed to save the Emperor from a hostile invasion by the Black
Rouran. Caro skillfully stages events from the animated film, like the battle field avalanche and the Emperor’s kidnapping, then takes them a step further with new twists, amazing choreography, and impressive sword play. When Mulan duels with an evil Sorceress, who is the Black Rouran’s secret weapon, she’s unmasked and almost killed. But in the end, the Sorceress admires her loyalty and sacrifices herself so Mulan can lead her brigade to victory. When she returns home, Mulan finds a warm welcome and a surprise offer from the Emperor. Which sets up the sequel, no doubt, and ensures that the Mulan franchise has many great adventures ahead.
FOR THE PARENTS
A Priceless Gift
All Together Now
The Gotham Group, Rated: PG Streaming on Netflix
With so much that’s happened in Oregon lately, it seems like things can’t get worse. But All Together Now, the indie feature starring spunky newcomer Auli’i Cravalho, proves that life can go from bad to worse in the blink of an eye. Set in the Portland suburbs, the film follows a cheerful teenager who works two jobs, volunteers as a teacher, organizes school activities, and cares for an autistic friend. But underneath Amber Appleton’s upbeat exterior, there’s a homeless girl who hides the truth of her circumstances and is terrified of losing her alcoholic mother to an abusive boyfriend. Although her life is falling apart, Amber still dreams of auditioning for drama school and she encourages everyone she meets to be a better person. The lesson Amber needs to learn is to accept help, but it isn’t until her dog, Bobby, gets sick that she finally reveals how close she is to losing everything. Her dedicated friends spring into action, and Amber discovers a wealth of love and support she never expected. All Together Now blends the bad with the good in a sweet story that’ll tug at your heart and leave you with a smile. Keep the Kleenex handy!
