Local filmmaker Erik Matti is the latest celebrity to share their frustration over the live-action version of the Disney classic Mulan.
Even before Mulan was released, it already faced various criticisms due to the non-existence of some of the beloved characters as well as the timeless music from the 1998 animated film in the live-action remake. Acclaimed filmmaker Erik Matti — who has apparently seen the film — shared his thoughts about it.
In an Instagram post, Erik said the film — which he described as “overhyped” — did not live up to his expectations.
“I’ve waited for a year to see #Mulan. I loved the trailer when it first came out. The animated version was a favorite. Watched the original one with my kids over and over again when they were growing up. I know every montage and plot point including all the memorable songs. Now, I’ve finally seen the highly anticipated overhyped live action version,” he wrote.
READ: Disney delays global release of ‘Mulan’, ‘Avatar’, and ‘Star Wars’ movies
Erik went on to say that the film was a disappointment mainly because of it’s “boring, bland, and by the numbers.”
“What a disappointment! It feels old and backward than the animated version. Boring, bland and by the numbers. They never got the soul of the original. I guess this is what happens when you only want to cash in on a franchise. A movie made by numbers people second-guessing what China would love to see,” he stated.
READ: Erik Matti done shooting ‘On the Job 2’
While he did not like the film, the On The Job director believes it would still make tons of money in China.
“Lion King live action didn’t work as a musical. This Mulan didn’t work without the songs. Mulan live action is neutered with all the humor charm excitement and flamboyance gutted out. But what do I know? I’m sure the suits were right about this. It’ll make tons of money in China,” he wrote.
READ: Moira dela Torre ‘honored’ to be chosen to sing ‘Reflection’ for Disney’s ‘Mulan’
Erik said the “live action” version ruined his memories of the animated version.
“Even the action parts look tired and rehashed with lots of parts where the editing jumps here and there probably edited to death on the floor by too many showrunners and producers. But I’ll rewatch the animated one again just to preserve the best memory of how I want to remember Mulan before it was ruined by this heavily diluted generic live action version,” he wrote.
See his post below:
In a separate Instagram post, Erik shared a photo of himself rewatching the animated version.
Moira Dela Torre is set to sing the theme song for the local release of Mulan in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Lea Salonga served as the singing voice of Mulan in the Disney classic, shared her elation following the announcement that Moira was picked to sing “Reflection.”
READ: Lea Salonga reacts to Moira dela Torre singing ‘Reflection’ for local release of ‘Mulan’
"I’m very happy and thrilled that Moira, the voice of this new generation of artists, has been handpicked to perform the song REFLECTION for the Philippine market,” Lea Salonga said.