"It seems like only last month, you and me were fightin' off the Huns and saving China!"
"It WAS last month."
One month after saving China, Mulan (Na) and General Shang (Wong) are engaged, to the delight of her family. Her ancestors are also pleased, since it means that Mushu (Moseley) will be demoted to "gong ringer." Mulan and Shang are called by the Emperor (Pat Morita) for a special mission: transport his three daughters to Qui Gong to marry the princes and form an alliance. Mulan is repulsed by the idea of an arranged marriage, but agrees to serve the Emperor. They are joined by Yao (Fierstein), Ling (Watanabe), and Chien Po (Tondo). Mushu tags along to break up Mulan and Shang and keep his pedestal.
During the trip, the princesses fall in love with their escorts: Princess Mei (Liu) falls for Yao's tough exterior and tender heart, Princess Su (Tom) shares Chien-Po's love for cooking / food, and Princess Ting-Ting (Oh) and Ling bond over their sense of humor. Meanwhile, Mulan and Shang notice all of their differences, with a little help from Mushu. With danger lurking around every bend and a tight schedule, can they complete the mission without losing their hearts?
After the success of Mulan, Disney green lit a sequel. Portions of the storyline were originally proposed for the 1998 film, but did not make it to the actual film. The story is weak, especially Mushu's plot... but it is a direct-to-video film, so you shouldn't expect too much.
The entire cast returned for the sequel, with the exception of Eddie Murphy who was working on Shrek 2 and his contract forbade working on the film. Murphy was replaced with voice actor Mark Moseley. Moseley has provided the voice of Mushu ever since, including video games and Disney attractions. The Princesses are voiced by well-known actresses: Lucy Liu, Sandra Oh from Grey's Anatomy, and Lauren Tom who is best known for her voice work on Futurama and King of the Hill. They also get the best song from the film, "Like Other Girls"
Ting-Ting's singing voice is provided by Judy Kuhn, who is best known for providing the singing voice for Disney's Pocahontas. The Princess characters are interesting enough, but their romances with the guys is predictable, although it is cute overall.
Not Disney's best sequel, but is watchable and has a decent message... if you can get past the re-casting of Mushu and making Mushu and Shang unlikeable.
Director: Darrell Rooney & Lynne Southerland
Starring: Ming Na as Mulan
BD Wong as General Shang
Mark Moseley as Mushu
Lucy Liu as Princess Mei
Harvey Fierstein as Yao
Sandra Oh as Princess Ting-Ting
Gedde Watanabe as Ling
Lauren Tom as Princess Su
Jerry Tondo as Chien-Po
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