Musical Monday: Mulan - I'll Make A Man Out Of You (#17).

[Every Monday, I'm going to be counting down my 52 favorite musical numbers from musical movies and TV shows. I might not like the full movie/show, but the number makes the list for various reasons: 1) I have to like the song, 2) the visual of how the number is performed is most likely unique or fun, 3) both song and visual mixes well to create an exciting or powerful number. So let's get to the next on the list.]

This film might not be in Disney's Golden Era, but it's pretty much considered one of the best in the few years that followed. There are two songs everybody thinks of when they think of this film, and this one is the catchier of the two (and the fan favorite). It's essentially a training montage song, and Mulan (a woman) needs to show that she has the skills of a man (since she's pretending to be one), but is struggling even more than the men there with her. It's a very catchy song, and the visuals that go with it are fun, as well.



And just for giggles... here's the Chinese version of the song (along with a music video)... sung by none other than... Jackie Chan! No joke.

Pre-Emptive Strike Thursdays.

Otherwise known as P.E.S.T. This is a new feature I've been thinking about trying out. What it basically does is review movies before I've seen them and/or before they're released by giving my opinions and scores on how I think it'll be. Then, after I've seen the movie, I can compare and contrast my original thoughts with my thoughts after having actually seen it. Hence the title, Pre-Emptive Strike Thursdays. Though if a movie decides to come out on a Wednesday or Thursday instead, I'll hold PEST on Tuesday... and it'll still be PEST. So for now, here are my pre-thoughts on the big movies coming out this week.


Title: You Don't Mess With The Zohan.

Pre-Thoughts: I think that while the whole hair dresser thing is a bit silly, the goofball action/comedy might be fun. Though it does look a bit too over the top and unrealistic (and that's a bit of an understatement). I'm not super excited about the movie, but I'll probably be checking it out.

Pre-Score:

I Am McLovin!


Title: Kung Fu Panda.

Pre-Thoughts: Jack Black silliness in animation... I think it could be fun, but I'm not sure yet. It seems like it'll be highly formulaic, cheesy, and will probably have a lot of fart/juvenile jokes or something (he sits on the tiger's face in slow motion just in the trailer...). I think it'll be a lot like Mulan... but without the musical aspect... and centering around the Eddie Murphy dragon instead of Mulan herself. Plus, I think 'ska-doosh' says it all.

Pre-Score:

Stop Saying Okay! Okay.