Aubrie Gardiner

I went into this movie with as much of an open mind as anyone born in the 90's can have when watching a remake of a childhood favorite, especially one that was hyped up as having quite a few, uh, changes from the original. I tried to imagine it as a whole new story and I focused much of my attention while watching on the supposedly stunning cinematic imagery that, quite frankly, disappointed me most. I kind of get what Disney was going for with all of the tight, single-focal point shots and the innovative way that the camera follows the subject up walls and through the air, seeming to defy gravity. However, to a lay viewer with normal eyesight and a moderate-sized TV screen, it kind of managed to pull out an image that honestly looked like a horrible attempt at using a greenscreen. Honestly, the shots looked so much like me attempting to use Macbook Photobooth for the first time in the early 2000's that I almost turned it off then and there for bringing back so many cringe-worthy memories. And those action-following shots? Well I am sure they probably would look cool on a theater giant screen... As far as the story goes, maybe my concept of what a disney remake should be, but I definitely went into this movie expecting to see a more mature, realistic version of my childhood favorite. Instead, I was barraged by some weird mix of confusing wigs and acting that left me wondering if disney really botched it THAT badly or if I simply had the complete incorrect image of historical Asian culture. Research leads me to believe that it may be a mix of both, which was solidified for me by the biggest "that escalated quickly" plot twist that I have seen in a movie yet. Actually, "plot-twist" may not be the correct word, here. It's more of a "completely expected but entirely cringe-worthy" 30ish minute stretch of... something. Fair warning: the word "what" may escape uncontrollably from your mouth up to 8 times per minute during this stretch of film. But don't take my word for it, go spend the $30 for yourself! When you're done watching it, come on down to facebook to join the "petition disney to give full refunds for mulan" group!