I had read about Mulan in my East Asian studies prior to seeing the movie when it was originally released, and was quite interested in seeing the story. As much as I love the movie, I also recognized the many ways that it deviated from the older versions of the Ballad of Mulan. In truth, Mulan's story has been told and retold with a myriad of changes for over a thousand years, so it did not bother me that it took a more modern form.
The same is true for the new live-action version of Mulan. It is a new reimagining of this classic story. I could see why people who wanted a musical copy of the 1998 film would be upset. For, while it pays homage to that version with some of the dialogue, music, and plot elements, it certainly forges something new (with no singing).
The influence of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and other recent films from China is clear. Mulan goes beyond being a hero and becomes something almost mythical through the movie. For some, that dissolves their suspension of disbelief. For me, that was a perfect metaphor for the story itself.
I feel it was worth watching, and I'd be willing to watch it again.