Mulan

Length: 88 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? Based on a poem. And there are quite a few differences.

Best character: Mulan! Title character for the win! She is strong, clever, brave, kind, and... based off a real person? Apparently, though legend might be a better term.

But is it art? The scope of this sucker is amazing. Several sequences are outstanding, but the scene of the Huns coming over the mountain ridge is chill-inducing. And the score? Tops.

Major Flaws: The sequel. Who thought that was a good idea? Also the official soundtrack doesn't have the movie version of 'Mulan's Decision', soundtrack people... you messed up.

The King and I

Length: 133 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? I have not read the books. It is worth noting that even though it appears to be loyal to the books... well the books probably definitely aren't loyal to history.

Best character: Hmmm... I love the King, flawed as he is. He has a very different sort of redemption story than one often finds in a movie, etc., etc., etc.

But is it art? It's a musical! I love big Broadway style musicals and this one comes from the masters Rodgers and Hammerstein! I'm sure you've heard some of them in your life, if you haven't it is never too late! However, only one song truely stands out in a can't-get-it-out-of-my-head sort of way:

Major Flaws: Let me tell you a story history. It is about a wonderful white woman who bravely moved to another country (one where people are not white). She saw that they had horrible not-white ways and set forth to change that... That may be an over simplification, but the sentiment is certainly there, and it was the '50s so they didn't really bother trying to hide it, unlike the remakes that have occurred. But, in a way, it's the honesty that makes it watchable. It is a gorgeous film and, while watching, it can be hard to not get swept up in the story.

Karol: A Man Who Became Pope

Length: 240 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? No book.

Best character: Karol

But is it art? A touching biopic for sure. I like that it goes more into his life in Poland than some other films.

Major Flaws: I haven't seen it in a while, but nothing springs to mind.

Joseph King of Dreams

Length: 74 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? Fairly loyal to the source material in the book of Genesis.

Best character: Joseph - I do love it when the title character turns out to be awesome.

But is it art? The animation is gorgeous in this film. The story is a great one and well executed - the songs are sometimes unnecessary though.

Major Flaws: Tried to be the Prince of Egypt but missed. Too bad, because I feel if it had done a little better maybe Dreamworks would put out more hand-drawn animation they had an amazing style.

Hugo

Length: 126 Minutes

I've seen this one.

Is it loyal to the book? Yes, the book was practically made to be filmed.

Best character: The loveable Hugo.

But is it art? This film looks stunning. Even though it is technically a children's film it was nominated for Best Picture... that doesn't happen to just any film. If you've read the book you'll understand why this is the perfect story for film.

Major Flaws: I'm not sure why they chose a comic to play the inspector but whatever, he pulled it off. I wish that his backstory had been fleshed out a teensy bit more.