The Little Mermaid - Review

It seems to me that anytime I review a classic Disney animated film like this, I'm going to be scrutinized if I do not give the film a perfect rating. "What?! Brandon, how could you?! Every film that Disney has ever made is obviously a masterpiece and you are just a cynic." Well, thank you for that loyal fan. I bring this up because I liked The Little Mermaid and I am not in love with it and you know what? That's okay. So in terms of the actual movie, like I said before, I like it. There is quite a bit to like in the movie actually. For one thing, I think this movie might have one of the best collections of songs in any Disney movie. Every single one of them are memorable and catchy as hell. I swear, it's been a couple of days since I actually completed watching this movie and I still have the tune, "Under the Sea" stuck in my head. It's a great song. Along with "Part of your World", "Poor Unfortunate Souls" and "Kiss the Girl". All fantastic songs. The animation is also fantastic. Growing up now knowing the history of Disney animation, you can tell that this was the first time in a long time where the animation was starting to bring back those bright colours and the smooth lines. Compare this movie with the animation style of Disney films that came out in the 60's and 70's like Robin Hood, The Jungle Book, and The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh. You can tell that they definitely stepped their game up in the animation department. Another awesome aspect is the villain. Ursula is just a treat to watch. Not only does she have a disgustingly great look, but I love how she is so in love with being evil. Now for the moment all my haters are waiting for, the reasons why I don't "love" this movie. One, I now start to realize that Ariel herself is a fairly poor role model for kids, especially little girls. I can understand that her character complains a lot, she doesn't get along with her father and that she constantly fantasizes about boys (I have a sister so I have the smallest idea of how girls operate in their teenage years), but what I noticed is that she complains and gets exactly what she wants. Yep, a few obstacles in the way and she gets her man that she falls in love with at first glance. Now, I know that I shouldn't complain about that because it's in like every Disney movie, but I don't know, it bothered me more here. Maybe it's because she gets him to fall in love with her solely on her looks. Tell that to your daughters. However, I do enjoy when she can't speak and her curiosity comes out in her expressions. That's pretty entertaining. I also found the more intense, action moments really well done. For a Disney film about a mermaid falling in love with a human, they made those shipwreck and stormy scenes pretty intense for a kids movie. I could imagine quite a few kids closing their eyes or being scared at those scenes. However, I heard once from someone who made kids films that you can show a kid anything scary in a kids film, just as long as there is a happy ending. Which is what we get. I don't think I am spoiling anything there. Overall, nitpicking aside, I do like this movie and I would recommend it for any family. Just know that the message may be a little controversial for young girls, but nothing too harmful. A good Disney movie with some great animation in great songs. That's a thumbs up in my books.