The Little Mermaid (1989)

 The Little Mermaid (1989)

Walt Disney Animation’s The Little Mermaid is considered the first film that initiated the Mouse’s animation revival in 1989. For the first time in quite some time, Disney finally had a box office success, and the rest is history. As for the quality, this is a fun, charming film that was a huge part of my childhood. My sister adored this movie, and the songs were played in my household over and over again. One can’t argue how great “Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World” are. The hand-drawn animation still holds up. Ursula still gives me nightmares as the villainous goddess. There are silly moments that the kids will gobble up, but there are enough enjoyable moments for adults. Ariel is a great Disney Princess that belongs in the pantheon of great Disney princesses. Who can resist the charm of Sebastian’s crankiness? He made a worthy sidekick for Ariel.

The Little Mermaid is seen as the transition from old school Disney to new style that would take over the Mouse. Although it uses some CGI such as the wrecked ships in the final battle, this is the last Disney film to use hand-drawn animation. The next Disney film would use more digital composition. In terms of special effects, this film required the most special effects ever done in a Disney film. More than a million bubbles needed to be drawn for the underwater sequences. The production team, headed by director Ron Clements, did a fantastic job with the characters, the animation/special effects, and the story.

Speaking of story, the film was meant to be in production in the 1930’s after Snow White and the Seven Dwarves as a vignette for a film based on the Hans Christian Andersen. For reasons over the years, the film never happened. Ron Clements became interested in the mid-1980’s. Jeffrey Kateznberg gave the film a greenlight but prioritized Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Oliver & Company first. In fact, fairytales were not seen as profitable during the 80’s which gave the suits some hesitation. Of course, this movie changed everything. When the script was being written, Clements and co-director John Musker were surprised because they envisioned the story as it was originally conceived in the 1930’s but with more modern updates. Alan Menken, who would become synonymous with Disney Animation, boarded the film as the film’s composer. He created songs that would live on forever in the hearts of many. An interesting tale about “Part of Your World.” It was almost taken out of the movie because it did not test well with children but thankfully, as a major part of the film’s story, tested well with subsequent children’s groups.

The young, beautiful, and rebellious Ariel (Jodi Benson) lives in her father’s undersea kingdom. Her father is the powerful King Triton (Kenneth Mars), so she happens to be the kingdom’s princess. But she yearns for life on dry land especially when she falls for mortal prince Eric (Christopher Daniel Barnes). Ursula is a terribly cunning sea witch, and Ariel comes to a bargain with her to win over his heart. Yet, there is a price. Ariel only has three days for Eric to fall in love. Ursula, being the intelligent and devious being she is, definitely has some tricks up her sleeves.

During this era of animation, the films did not rely on big names to draw in the crowds. Not saying today’s animation films are terrible, but it was different back then. The best voice for the role was cast and it was shown in every single character. I cannot imagine anyone else playing the animated Ariel other than Jodi Benson. The same can go for Samuel E. Wright as Sebastian, my favorite cranky sea creature. Pat Carroll as Ursula is enough to give me nightmares. The character of Ursula was inspired by drag queen, Divine. I did not know that until I wrote this review but now I cannot unsee it.

Overall, The Little Mermaid needs to be seen for the bright, vibrant Disney classic that ushered in the Disney Renaissance. Some may associate the world beneath the ocean as vast, dark place. I liked how they made the world anything but. It is a world of visual wonders. In addition, the music is fantastic, and all the songs are worth listening to. The reggae-inspired “Under the Sea” gives me positive vibes. The story is a simple love story and one about a woman who wants to live her own life despite a title. The story can venture off into kid-friendly territory at times but there are enough for adults to enjoy.

My Grade: B+