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Mulan II begins one month after Mulan has saved China. Now worshipful throngs of young girls clamor for this brave, strong, and beautiful heroine to teach them how to "kick butt." And that's reason enough for this direct-to-DVD sequel, which charts the further adventures of one of Disney's new generation of grrrl-empowering heroines. Mulan II lacks the epic scope of the majestic first film, but the scaled-down story does amp up the comedy, as well as the romance between newly engaged couple Mulan and General Shang. Before they can be wed, the emperor commands them to escort his three daughters to a rival kingdom, where they will be wed in a strategic alliance to stave off a Mongolian invasion. The forward-thinking Mulan believes that women should only marry for love, and she is torn between her duty and her heart, especially when the three princesses in her charge fall in love with the rascally Yao, Chien-Po, and Ling along the way. Meanwhile, Mulan and Shang must learn to work in harmony. Most of the original voice cast is back, including: Ming Na as Mulan (sung by Lea Salonga); B. D. Wong as Shang (sung by Donny Osmond); Queen of Cartoons June Foray as Grandmother Fa; Harvey Fierstein as Yao; and Pat Morita as the emperor. A welcome addition to the cast is Lauren Tom as the most impetuous of the princesses. Sorely missed is Eddie Murphy; sound-alike Mark Moseley does the honors as Mushu, but as written, the diminutive dragon quickly wears out his welcome, acting out of character by trying to drive a wedge between Mulan and Shang (it turns out he loses his guardianship if she marries). Among the new songs, "Lesson One" is a good workout along the lines of "I'll Make a Man Out of You" from the first film, and "Like Other Girls" is a girls-just-want-to-have-fun treat. It has been a seven-year wait for this Mulan sequel, which fans will likely welcome as a worthy continuation of the tale. Donald Liebenson

All Movie Guide

Mulan II, the direct-to-video sequel to the Disney hit Mulan, begins with the title character becoming engaged to General Shang. Before they can begin a life of wedded bliss, they must escort a trio of princesses to weddings of their own in order to facilitate a peace between warring nations. Mulan begins to believe her mission may be less than noble upon discovering that the women are being forced into arranged marriages against their will. Mulan ends up opposing her beloved General Shang in order to fight for what is right. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

Product Details

• UPC: 786936231403
• Source: WALT DISNEY VIDEO
• Region Code: 1
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Sound: Dolby AC-3 Surround Sound
• Editions: Dubbed
• Time: 1:19:00
• Sales Rank: 1,702

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