The Little Mermaid

I'm late in reviewing this movie, as I was late in buying it. I finally watched it last night, and enjoyed an evening in the wonderful world of Disney. I grew up on Disney movies like 'Snow White,' 'Peter Pan,' and 'Sleeping Beauty.' My favorite was always 'The Jungle Book,' available next year on DVD. This movie, 'The Little Mermaid,' is the one that restored Disney to its status as a great filmmaker for animation, and ushered in the new era of 'Are-they-for-kids-or-adults?' films.

Personally, I think all Disney movies are for adults. :)

It's no secret that I'm obsessed with the water, and all things in it, so you know I loved 'The Little Mermaid.' Mermaids (and Mermen) are high on my list of mythical creatures; I think Sirens are quite possibly the most nefarious and beautiful invention I've ever heard of.

In Disney's version, Ariel (The little mermaid, youngest daughter of Triton, king of the sea) just wants to be human. She collects relics from shipwrecks and dreams of dancing some day. During a trip to the surface, she rescues Prince Eric (Aren't they all a prince!? Now I know where my unrealistic expectations of men come from. Princes! Yeah, right!) and he is drawn to her for her beautiful voice.

Of course, to become human and win him over, Ariel makes a deal with a Sea Witch, who takes her voice in exchange for giving her legs. And there's drama, and peril, and people really needing to 'Kiss the Girl.' You know the drill. Happy endings all over. Thank you, Disney. Life is sad enough without us seeing it in every movie.

I bought the 2 disc Special Edition, which was restored and has tons of extras. All I can say is: It looked great, it sounded phenomenal (rare for most DVDs), and I loved it.

Grade: A+

It occurs to me that I have never done a 'Top Ten Disney Films.'

(Animated, old-school. Pixar is another story. I love every single thing Pixar does.)

1) 'The Jungle Book.' Mowgli, Shere Kahn, and Baloo. What else does a film need? This film probably started my obsession with jungle animals. That, and 'Narnia.'
2) 'The Lion King.' Love. Lions. Most. Of. All.
3) 'Aladdin.' Hilarious, and fun. Robin Williams at his very best.
4) 'Beauty and the Beast.' What a great story. I loved the parts of the castle that had come to life (really servants who had been cursed to become castle objects).
5) 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.' My Primary school had them all painted on the walls. I loved Sleepy the best. :) ('Cause he's ME.)
6) 'The Little Mermaid.' See above. Love mermaids. Love nice stories.
7) '101 Dalmations.' One of the scariest villains! I think I did say that before. Plus, since I'm firedog now, and these are firedogs, I should be loyal. Yes?
8) 'Pinocchio.' 'Family Guy' did a skit where Gepetto is bending over, asking Pinocchio to tell a lie. You know, gay sex. Thanks, FG, for warping my mind now when I think of this film! (It was funny, though.)
9) 'Peter Pan.' Also known as 'Steven Speilberg.' (They all call him Peter Pan, cause he's such a boy/man).
10) 'Lilo and Stitch.' I thought Stitch was adorable. Nice 'family values' story, too.


Stories I'd Like to see from Disney
1) Something polar. Let's compete with 'Ice Age,' people!
2) Tales that revolve around cats are always great.
3) One word for you: Egypt.
4) If half the U.S. wouldn't get offended, I'd suggest Christian Bible stories.
5) Whatever; just keep up the good work. And please stop with those Direct-to-DVD sequels.


Have a great day!