Dear Gossips,
I was in LA this past weekend covering the Mulan junket for etalk. Not sure if I can properly explain what that meant to me, to be on that particular assignment for this film in particular. We celebrated my ma’s 70th birthday the night before I left. Normally my parents have no idea when I tell them about the movies I’m working on. But, of course, this one they knew. Mulan is a story that was taught to all Chinese kids of my generation and my parents’ generation and the generations before. So it’s one thing to tell the story in animation, but it’s another to make it live action.
Mulan opens on March 26. The premiere was last night in Hollywood and while full reviews are embargoed until the week of release (Sarah will be writing that), reactions are allowed. My reaction: this is a superhero war epic and it’s Disney’s best live action movie to date. BEST. And better than the animated version – not that you can compare, but I know there was a lot of bitching from people who are pissed off about the fact that there’s no music and there’s no Mushu. Trust me, you’re not going to miss Mushu, God. The movie has its comedic moments without Mushu. And it has enough magic without Mushu. The movie doesn’t need Mushu. You know why?
Gong Li.
Lose Mushu and get Gong Li. Anyone would make that trade, any day.
Gong Li, unfortunately, was not at the premiere last night. You know who was though? The OG, Ming-Na Wen. Doesn’t seem like she’s changed after all these years, does it? Did you know she has the distinction of being the ONLY person to have a Disney Hat Trick?
More on Mulan in the days to come.
Yours in gossip,
Lainey
