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Why Mulan (2020) is Actually Great

2/12/2021

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Or How I learned to stop worrying and enjoy the remake.

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Since 2010, with the release of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, Disney has been remaking their animated classics into live action, as a way to keep with  the new generation of moviegoers, by adding a lot more details and grounding them in reality.

Mulan was no exception.

The original animated version of Mulan from 1998 is such a beloved Disney classic, with great characters, memorable songs and the perfect way to introduce children to Chinese culture (outside of maybe Kung Fu Panda, but that's something else entirely). It definitely brought honor to us all.

It was inevitable, when it would sooner or later get the chance to join the live-action medium. Disney has been updating their animated classics, and grounding them in realism with plenty of success here and there. So, it was only a matter of time.

While it had chances of success, it was unfairly sabotaged by the COVID-19 pandemic, which was something that Former President Donald Trump never took seriously, thanks ti his rallies and lies that it was a "hoax used by the democrats to prevent him from being reelected". Thankfully, our new president as of  this time, Joe Biden will make this end a whole lot quicker.

It received positive reviews from professional film critics, who praised it for capturing the spirit of the original film, while adding some more new stuff in it, along with the visual style and the performances of the all-Asian cast, but had mixed feelings over it's screenplay.

However, it also divided internet "fans" who used the absense of the Mushu character and the lack of songs and even the decision to pay $30 on Disney+ to see it as excuses to review-bomb the film. My best guess is these "toxic trolls" don't know anything about Chinese culture. The backlash mostly came from American audiences. Said backlash in question, along with any controversy over the movie is unforgivable.

For this article, I am going to take a more objective look at this film from the perspective of someone who came into watching this version with no expectations, other than for it to be better than The Lion King reboot, not that that one was bad, it's just-- you know what? Let's just get this over with.

There may be some  spoilers here so be prepared.

This film stars an all-Chinese cast consisting of Yifei Liu as the title role, along with Donnie Yen and Jet Li in supporting roles. Early on in Disney's announcement of the film, they said that they would be doing a worldwide search for a Chinese actress, with star power who speaks clear English to play Mulan. And I gotta say, they did such a good job with their performances, especially from the lead, she even looks just like Mulan.

Also, let me explain why this version of Mulan is more grounded in reality. For one thing, the reason for the lack of songs is because it would not be realistic enough for soldiers to break into song, while going into battle. However, the idea of splitting the  Li Shang into 2 different characters, because of the #MeToo movement or anything like that is the only major flaw in this movie. Now granted, in my honest opinion, I feel that fanbases (especially on the internet) say inexecusable things about "unpopular changes" to established properties, because they've been ignoring the #MeToo movement.

Granted, I actually am a #MeToo supporter myself. I think, it would hard for someone to be the captain and fall in love at the same time in real life. Just get it over, guys.

Also, the absence of the character of Mushu is warranted, because Disney wanted this version to be a whole lot less American than the original. I have nothing against the character, just the complaint that it isn't culturally appropriate bugs me the most.

Honestly, I like that this version was more grounded in realism, because the story of Mulan has cultural significance to it. Now, the reason why this film went for something completely new in details is the same reason why The Passion of the Christ has no English-language dialogue. In other words, the original is so well known, that it would be hard to modernize such context. Maybe, I'm just getting carried away, but it's true.

Besides, in my honest personal opinion, I thinks it's fine that Disney took the sticks out their butts, to avoid going the shot-by-shot route and go with something that does it's own thing, while still capturing the essence of the original, much like the 2009 movie version of Where the Wild Things Are.

This movie's visual style is amazing, like one review I read of this film, compared the visuals in the action scenes  to be  similar to the Kill Bill movies from director Quentin Tarintino. I could see that I guess. However, I compare this more, to movies like 300 and Gladiator, both of which had amazing visuals. Sure, there are some green screen work in some areas, but most of the time, they shot the film on location in China and some areas of New Zealand. No wonder, the budget was $200 million. Yikes.

I think, it's great that Christina Agulera returned to do the soundtrack.

Oh, and one more thing before I finish this. So, because this is Mulan and that this is Disney, you have to have that scene. And what's funny about this scene is that it looked like the movie forgot it had to have that scene. It seemed like, this movie was going all full on Mulan movie mode and then suddenly at the last moment was like, "Oh, wait. We gotta do this, for nostalgic reasons. Hey, would you like to do a cameo for us, please?" And then this one person was like, "Sure thing." And then suddenly, she shows up is like, "Hi. How you doin'. You know, I've done this before, right. Ok, gotta go, now." And then, back to the movie. Guess who that person was. Yes, it was Ming-Na Wen, the original voice actress for Mulan in the original animated version.

So, I think, this was a well-made movie. And I hope someday, sometime in the next few years, people would stop complaining and enjoy the Mulan remake for the excellent cinematic achievement that it really is. However, is it the best of Disney's remakes?  Obviously, no, but it is still so much better than the Lion King reboot, at least in my personal honest opinion.

Just ignore those review-bombers and enjoy it. Watch it for free on Disney+ first, then go out on buy it. Just see it for yourself. If not, then DISHONOR! DISHONOR ON YOU! DISHONOR OF YOUR DECISIONS! DISHONOR! YOU'RE A DISGRACE! YOU MAY LOOK LIKE A FAN, BUT YOU'LL NEVER BRING ANYONE AROUND YOU, HONOR! In other words, YOU'RE ALSO BEING RIPPED OFF!

Whew! Ok, I'm going to calm down, now! But just, well, I'm going to give Mulan (2020) a 9.5 out of 10.
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Kim Possible Theatrical Movie Update #5

11/28/2020

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It has been a rough 2 years, since I finished the script for the theatrically-released live-action film adaptation of Disney Channel's Kim Possible.

For some reason, no one gives a **** about the way, I want to make it, which I take very seriously. Not even my dad give a **** about it.

People think movie theaters are dying cause of the ****ing pandemic! Can't this get any ****ing worse?!?

Kim Possible is supposed to be one of the biggest blockbusters of 2022, which would mark the 20th Anniversary of the Kim Possible cartoon's debut. I want this to happen, very badly.

I mean, what else do you want from a dellusional 21-year-old aspiring filmmaker, like me?

If anyone out there in the movie industry or on the internet is reading this, I hope they understand 
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Kim Possible Theatrical Movie Update #4 (I Think)

11/10/2020

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Well, let's face it. It has been a rough 2 years, since I finished my script for the live-action Kim Possible movie (set to be released on August 12, 2022) and I just can't get it off the ground  and that is boring me to death.

I seriously wish there were more people to support this project and NOT think of ways to have it stalled. Let me list as much that has been stalling the production of my Kim Possible movie.

1. too many film classes which are putting too much pressure on me.
2. Disney's ownership of 20th Century Fox.
3. Lack of support from Hollywood in general.
4. Internet fan communities ignoring the #MeToo movement.
5. (worst of all) the COVID-19 pandemic! WT*?

I find all of these ways to stall my projects and/or career unforgivable!

Why the **** can't I receive any support and/or respect for my creative vision for the theatrically-released live action Kim Possible movie, which is in turn is supposed to be the 2nd highest-grossing film of 2022 worldwide, behind James Cameron's Avatar 2?

If any of you have anything to say about this BS issue, type it in the comments below or let me know on Facebook, Twitter, whatever 

And at the very least, see you at the movies.
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Tenet review

9/5/2020

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Just a few moments ago, I went to the theatre to go see Christopher Nolan's new movie Tenet in IMAX and it was great. It was very safe and everyone had their masks on. I do recommend going to the theaters again, the way I exprienced it. However, that is not why we're here. We're here to talk about Tenet and see if it holds up after all the delays, due to COVID-19 . Before I begin, I a;so recommend seeing the new version of Mulan, if you have the time, because that movie is very good, trust me. Otherwise, give that a rental, when it comes out on DVD and Blu-ray. Let's just move on.

Anyway, so the story of Tenet is as follows: Armed with only one word, Tenet, and fighting for the survival of the entire world, a Protagonist journeys through a twilight world of international espionage on a mission that will unfold in something beyond real time.

So, yeah. Basically, time goes backwards and a team of spies prevent World War III from ever happening.

This film ranks among Christopher Nolan's masterpieces with brilliant performances from the cast, incredible special effects, a great music score and masterful direction. Yet, the film contains a few similarities to one of Nolan's other movies, Inception. However, the two-and-a-half hour running time almost makes it so complicated, you'd have to pay attention to everything.

Outside of that, Tenet is the movie that will save 2020, with the end of the pandemic reaching closer as the weeks go by.

Tenet gets 10 out of 10.

See you at the movies and at this time,stay safe and wash your hands. Seriously!
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Live-Action Powerpuff Girls TV Show in the works at the CW. (My Thoughts)

8/24/2020

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Just today, I heard that a live-action Powerpuff Girls TV show is in development. The story involves The Powerpuff Girls (Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup as disillusioned twentyseomethings who resent having lost their childhood to crime fighting. Someone on the internet said it reminded him of the edgy fan film of the Power Rangers, back in 2015. How do I feel about this? I feel just as  excited as I was when I heard that Netflix was planning their live-action reboot of Avatar: The Last Airbender.

This is just so cool. I wonder, if it will to a live-action feature film based on the original animated show, in the style of Nolan's Batman films. I can dream, can I? We'll just have to wait and see.

In the meantime, see you at the movies.
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Top 10 Most Underrated Movies IMHO

8/12/2020

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#10. Rock of Ages (2012)
#9. Josie and the Pussycats (2001)
#8. Newsies (1992)
#7. Venom (2018)
#6. Suicide Squad (2016)
#5. Superman Returns (2006)
#4. Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013)
#3. Grindhouse (2007)
#2. Bedtime Stories (2008)
#1. Treasure Planet (2002)

Honorable Mentions:

Speed Racer (2008)
John Carter (2012)
Signs (2002)
Need for Speed (2014)
Ghostbusters: Answer the Call (2016)

See you at the Movies, obviously.

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Top 10 Movie Music Scores

8/10/2020

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#10. Terminator 1 and 2 by Brad Feidel
#9. Pirates of the Carribean by Hans Zimmer
#8. Edward Scissorhands by Danny Elfman
#7. Gone with the Wind by Max Steiner
#6. Titanic by James Horner
#5. La La Land by Justin Hurwitz
#4. Back to the Future by Alan Silvestri
#3. Wonder Woman by Rupert Gregson-Williams, Hans Zimmer and Junkie XL
#2. Psycho by Bernard Herman
#1. Star Wars by John Williams

Honorable Mentions:

Gravity by Steven Price
The Ten Commandments by Elmer Bernstein
Joker by Hildur Gudnadottir
TRON: Legacy by Daft Punk
The Incredibles by Michael Giachinno

As always, see you at the movies. And at the very least, wash your hands!

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Top 10 Surprising Movies of All Time

8/9/2020

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#10. The Hunger Games (2012)
#9. Cars 3 (2017)
#8. Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
#7. Joker (2019)
#6. Zombieland (2009)
#5. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
#4. Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
#3. Star Wars: Episode 9: The Rise Of Skywalker (2019)
#2. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

#1. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Honorable Mentions:
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

Gravity (2013)
Deadpool (2016)
The Lego Movie (2014)

See you at the movies. And stay safe.

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Top 10 Animated TV Shows of All Time

8/8/2020

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#10. Speed Racer
#9. The Simpsons
#8. Josie and the Pussycats
#7. Mickey's House of Mouse
#6. Phineas and Ferb

#5. (tie) The Flintstones and the Jetsons
#4. Avatar: The Last Airbender
#3. Star Trek: Lower Decks
#2. Justice League Unlimited
#1. Kim Possible

Honorable Mentions:
Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat-Noir
DC Super Hero Girls (2019)
SpongeBob Squarepants
The Critic
Futurama

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Top 15 Animated Movies (Updated)

5/31/2020

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# 15. Monsters, Inc.
# 14. An American Tail
# 13. The Incredibles 1 and 2
# 12. Cinderella
# 11. Spirited Away
# 10. Brave
# 9. Lilo and Stitch
# 8. Anastasia 
# 7. Shrek
# 6. Beauty and the Beast
# 5. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
# 4. The Princess And The Frog
# 3. Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs
# 2. The Little Mermaid
# 1. Frozen 1 and 2

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