9. Mulan
Mulan can be a divisive film. Some are irate over the removal of the classic songs and dragon Mishu and wanted it to be more like the animated version. Others enjoy how it focuses on the drama of the Chinese warrior learning to be a soldier, and Liu Yifei is engaging in the lead. The action sequences are terrific and the movie's overall theme remains the same. It just seems to lack the heart that made the original so special and perhaps a bit more fantasy rather than historical epic would have aided it winning over moviegoers, even without the pandemic.
8. Peter Pan and Wendy
As much adapting the original stage play as the 1953 film, this is a bold take that tries to alter some of the troubled aspects of the work (such as the depiction of Native Americans) while still clinging to the story. It doesn't always work as some parts can be slow-paced and dark when it should be light-hearted. Yet director David Lowery does a good job with the tale and Jude Law is a marvelous choice for Captain Hook, whose strange relationship with Pan forms the crux of the story. It may not be for everyone but still has enough magic in it to be a fun film.
7. Alice in Wonderland
Turn Tim Burton loose on the world of Lewis Carroll and the result can only be appropriate madness. Burton goes wild on the visuals, from Helena Bonham Carter's giant-headed Red Queen to the Cheshire Cat. Johnny Depp is as entertaining as ever as the Mad Hatter and Mia Wasikowska does a good job handling the madness as Alice. Throw in Anne Hathaway and some nutty dances and while the movie lacks the original's music, it has a lot of style to stand out. Just ignore the lackluster sequel to enjoy this one.