Actually, if there is one part of Age of Extinction that I am excited for is the Dinobots. That was my introduction to Transformers and I found those stories far more interesting and compelling.

I had the opportunity to see some props and costumes in Seattle from Star Wars. The models of the Y Wing, Tantive IV and Star Destroyer were probably my favorites.

I'm waiting for the movie to come out

Well, I think that "Jungle Book" really started that trend and continued on under Disney's directing and guidance. My wife pointed out that "Snow White" started it but limited in characters, making it a little less of musical. Which, I think is to your point.

Jungle Book makes a good distinction in the genre due to having multiple songs for many different characters, rather than limited to the main character(s).

As for Mulan, it would be nice to see a crossover genre of toys that is a combination of GI JOES and and Disney to create a more combat style figure. But, that is just me

Quick note on Mulan that I forgot to mention. I love the casting, despite Eddie Murphy's odd humor references at times. I think the casting is really well done, has some great chemistry, especially with Mulan and her family.

I did a quick IMDB read as I watched the movie and was surprised to read who did the voice of Mulan's father, Fa Zhu. He was played by Soon Tek Oh, who started in numerous MASH episodes on TV. His last episode featured him leaving for the States to become an actor. An example of art imitating life. I also wish George Takei did more voice work as his role as the chief guardian was really well done.

I also thought the combat was more realistic than many other animated movies. Obviously it is still unrealistic but there are some moments where you see some real combat moves that could work. I like that aspect of the film too, especially in the fact that they don't make Mulan a physical power house.

Due to having kids, my last movies watched are usual animated and/or in the family category. That being said, getting to rewatch Mulan from an adult's point of view, filmaking and story, etc.

I think the best aspect of the movie is the characters, especially Mulan. Not the conventional "Disney Princess" but a young lady who doesn't need to be rescued but is trying to do the rescuing. I like the aspect that she is far more of a free agent in terms of her decisions and responding to the events she ends up causing.

The other characters are not always as fleshed out, with some caricatures that full characters in the three companions, but they certainly provide some fun and comic relief. 

The film also does a good job of keeping a serious tone as it explores both the lighter side (the camaraderie of soldiers in song) and darker side of army life and war (the destruction and death). Despite being a movie aimed at kids, there are some heavy themes dealt with here, and can provide an opportunity for parents to discuss such things. It isn't simple as it seems on its face.

Keeping in mind that this was released in 1998, there are some technical aspects that are really amazing. If you do watch the film, the part with the Hun army coming down the snow covered mountain, which features an animation program similar to Massive used for the Lord of the Rings armies.

My only complaint is the sometimes lack of sensitivity towards Eastern cultures and beliefs, and  almost pop style music in places.

Overall, it is a 9/10 and a fun movie to watch and rewatch.

Indeed. I get so much out of reading the early drafts (the making of books are fantastic references for this) and seeing what plot lines go where and how things all pull together is so interesting to me. It sheds more light on to the process of creating the finished work. Star Wars has become more interesting to me the more I learn about it and the process that it took to create it.

There is a lot of inference that comes with the OT that isn't explicitly said in the movie itself. Reading behind the scenes stuff can give a better understanding of the creative mind. Which is one place where we can say that Lucas had certain intentions, likes and dislikes, as well as ideas that never went any where.

I was never completely on board with the prequels in comparison to the OT. I don't want to turn this in to a "OT vs. PT" war, because that will never win. But, there is a very different tone in the PT vs. the OT that makes the OT feel more grounded and limited and gives the world more credence. R2 being skeptical of Luke's plan is a good example because we are never told what R2 says, yet we can infer possibilities. You know, as Dorkman said, subtext.

The PT never really had that kind of subtext or limits. It just puts the images up there and calls it good. It looks really, really pretty, but it isn't gripping like the OT. At least for me.

Stripes is a good one too.

And I was sad to hear about Ramis today. 

You'd think that but no, not really

I'm willing to give Guardians the benefit of the doubt but it certainly is a movie that I don't have high expectations for. But, like I said, talking raccoon hasn't sold me yet 

I suppose so...

I just don't see how that is relevant or changes the film industry at all, tent pole or no tent pole.

I thought Avengers did that pretty well, and it certainly could be classified as sci-fi, sort of

Here are some people who this movie would be in good company with...

http://www.cracked.com/video_18769_4-pe … 2340k.html

Does this mean we will get the Flash Gordon remake?