Talk about your comebacks! After the disappointing Oliver & Company, Disney returns to top form in a big way. This film marks the start of the Disney Renaissance- an 11-year span of commercial and critical success for the animation juggernaut. Clearly the creative juices were flowing like a raging river, because everything clicks, making The Little Mermaid one of the greatest Disney movies of all time.
Ariel is the youngest daughter of King Triton, who reigns over the sea and his kingdom of merpeople. Despite living a life of privilege, the young princess dares to dream of a life outside of the world she has known. Fascinated with humans and smitten with the handsome Prince Eric, Ariel is lured into a deal with a dangerous sea witch, who offers to turn her into a human for three days in exchange for her beautiful voice. If Ariel can receive a true-love kiss from the prince before sunset on the third day, she will stay human forever. If she fails to woo the prince, she will become one of the sea witch’s minions.
At one time, Disney could get away with sweet, innocent princesses who wandered through the land naïvely giggling and singing a happy tune. Such a princess would not be appreciated in a post-feminist movement world. Ariel may be naïve enough to fall in love with a total stranger, but she’s got plenty of fire and spirit to make up for it. Take the subtle sass of Cinderella, multiply it by at least five, and you’ve got Ariel. She may make foolish or even bad decisions, but her unprecedented independence and determination make her a truly modern princess.
The Little Mermaid is not a one-trick pony though. Many of the supporting characters shine throughout the film. Prince Eric and King Triton? Yeah, they’re both pretty flat and entirely vanilla characters. Sebastian (a crab), Scuttle (a seagull), and Flounder (a fish) make for a hilarious trio that provides more than just comic relief. With Ariel unable to speak, her three friends help provide the soul of the film, enhancing the innocent, tender, and tenacious moments. Ursula (the sea witch) is one of Disney’s better villains, broadcasting the heights of her evilness with every gesture, expression, and even with her posture.
I cannot provide a review for a Disney movie without commenting on the animation. This film is a feast for the eyes. Backgrounds are packed with layers of detail and the seafloor settings provide audiences with a whole new world to discover. The animators do a fantastic job of making the merpeople and aquatic life look believable as they float and swim through their underwater surroundings. If I am not mistaken, I could have sworn I caught a little multi-plane camera trickery as well.
Yet another example of why this film earns a spot near the top of all things Disney is the music. Eschewing the sweet, classical music-inspired songs of old, The Little Mermaid goes full-on Broadway. Strong lyrics are coupled with bombastic accompaniment, whether it’s a full orchestra or a calypso-based jam. The music pops, the lyrics stick in your mind, and the animation that goes along with it is engrossing.
Watching The Little Mermaid again assures me that I do not love this film simply because I grew up watching it dozens of times. Nor do I love this film because I’ve always had a thing for redheads. I love The Little Mermaid because it is a fantastic film. Musically, it’s a bold departure from the Disney formula. Animation-wise, it is a triumphant return to form. Everything clicks here and in the best possible ways. It may not be as stunning as Snow White or Pinocchio, but it’s not too far behind them.
RATING: 4.25 out of 5
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