Written And Directed by John Musker And Ron Clements
Ariel: "But without my voice, how can I..."
Ursula: "You'll have your looks, your pretty face. And don't underestimate the importance of body language!"
A few years ago, I reviewed the live action version of this beloved Disney classic and I was always meant to get back to reviewing this one. I guess better late than never.
Anyways, let's look at this story. It's based on the Hans Christian Anderson story and it naturally took some creative difference, seeing as it's a Disney classic. Those differences of course actually worked in this adaptation's favour.
Under the sea, specifically the Atlantic Ocean and in the kingdom of Atlantica, there was a mermaid named Ariel (Jodi Benson). She's the youngest of seven sisters and clearly the favourite of her father, King Triton (Kenneth Mars). Ariel might love being a mermaid but she's also tempted by the land.
Her desire for the land was there to begin with but rescuing a handsome prince name Eric (Christopher Daniel Barnes) had her clashing with Triton and he easy to manipulate by vengeful sea witch (and all around icon herself), Ursula (Pat Carroll). Of course Ariel would give up her voice to become human and win her man's heart.
In fact, Ariel's goal was actually going swimmingly, even with disapproving from her friends such as Sebastian (Samuel E. Wright) and Flounder (Jason Marin). She didn't have to do much to get Eric to fall in love with her, so of course Ursula had to make herself into Vanessa to try and ruin things.
As a protagonist, Ariel's likeable and sympathetic but as a villain, it's Ursula who stole the show. She's so gloriously over the top, got one of the best villain songs and on top of that, her grudge towards Triton had some merit. Of course shed defeated and both Ariel and Eric get their happy ever after but she's such a memorable presence throughout.
- Prior to the live action remake, this spawned a sequel, prequel and animated show.
- All of Ariel's sisters had names beginning with the letter A and had different coloured tails.
- Standout music: Part Of Your World, Poor Unfortunate Souls and Kiss The Girl.
- Chronology: It does seem to be set in the same era as the original story itself.
The Little Mermaid might have removed the bittersweet ending of the original story but it's a gorgeous adaptation from the best era of Disney movies. Absolutely one of my favourites.
Rating: 9 out of 10
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