I finally caught Zero Dark Thirty on Starz. Never was super interested in it because I always felt it looked like a sort of propaganda film. Was actually really entertained and drawn-in by it, and surprised to see it focused more on how much we fucked up and got in the way of actually finding UBL.

After that they played Terminator 2, so it was a good way to spend an evening.

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.

That's surprising. I helped host a large variety of screenings during my time as a theater supervisor, but we never had orders strict as that. It was first come, first serve and we gave passes to any show for the remainder of the night to anyone who showed up too late.

As for the film itself, that's pretty much how I remember it, Marty. It was kind of cool, decent characters, but nothing overly special. Honestly, it kind of felt like a turn-of-the-century TV movie. I learned a few things about trains, so yay.