Get ready for Disney to make a splash with their enchanting and visually stunning animated film, "The Little Mermaid." This delightful blend of classic fairy tale elements and witty humor is poised to make a splash at the box office, following in the footsteps of beloved Disney classics like 1967's "The Jungle Book." return of minor films, seems destined to break records and dominate the genre at the box office.
Fans of the 1986 animated film "The Great Mouse Detective" won't be surprised by the talent behind "The Little Mermaid." Writer-director collaborators John Musker and Ron Clements once again demonstrate their expertise in creating a captivating and entertaining animated film. His earlier work helped reinvigorate the art form at Disney after a turbulent period that followed the disappointing "The Black Cauldron."
Director: Rob Marshall
Writers: David Magee, Rob Marshall, John DeLuca
Stars: Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy
"The Little Mermaid" features another standout villain in the form of Ursula the Sea Witch, wonderfully brought to life with menacing charm and Ratigan-like flair thanks to the vocal talents of Pat Carroll. This campy antagonist adds a touch of menace and humor to the film, capturing the essence of classic Disney villains.
In keeping with the genre, "The Little Mermaid" is a beautifully realized animated musical that uses songs effectively to drive the story forward. Drawing inspiration from a Hans Christian Andersen tale, the film adheres to animated film conventions while creating a rich and imaginative world that captivates audiences.
The story revolves around Ariel, a mermaid princess who lives in the underwater kingdom ruled by her father, Triton. Despite her idyllic life under the sea, Ariel longs for a life on land. Her desires are intensified when she rescues a young prince charming from the sea. Against her father's wishes, Ariel makes a dangerous deal with the sea witch to become human and win the prince's love, with her soul and her beautiful voice hanging in the balance.
Fans of the Disney classics will recognize several inspirations for the film's characters, from the mythology-reminiscent "Fantasy" sequence for Triton, to Ariel's crustacean sidekick, Sebastian, evoking memories of "Pinocchio." There are also nods to "Lady and the Tramp" with the mischievous eels and the iconic Maleficent from "Sleeping Beauty."
The character designs for "The Little Mermaid" are a visual treat, combining cartoonish animals and cute sidekicks with a focus on the human protagonists. One of the most prominent is Ursula, a visually striking and menacing octopus-like creature with a unique and imaginative design.
The animation itself is lush, fluid, and visually captivating. Shadows and light are masterfully used to bring out the characters and their surroundings, creating a vivid and immersive experience. An early action sequence featuring a shark showcases the film's exciting animation and provides engaging excitement that audiences will enjoy.
The music of "The Little Mermaid" is a standout, thanks to the brilliant collaboration between lyricist Howard Ashman and composer Alan Menken. The songs start slowly but build with intelligence and intensity, beautifully complementing the film's narrative. Menken's score is outstanding, and the infectious number "Under The Sea" has already become a beloved classic. Newcomer Jodi Benson's rendition of the ballad "Part Of Your World" showcases her spectacular singing talent and adds a "Les Miz" touch to the film.
While most of the technical aspects of the film are excellent, there are times when the filmmakers resort to quick cuts and awkward edits, seemingly influenced by MTV-style conventions. However, these minor flaws do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the film.
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