SkyRo P
In this combined review of "The Little Mermaid" franchise, we explore the animated sequel "The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea" and the live-action adaptation, as well as the stage production.
"The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea" follows Ariel and Eric's daughter, Melody, on her journey back to the ocean, mirroring her mother's desire for adventure despite attempts to shield her from the sea. While the animation quality may not match the original, the film offers a creative storyline that engages viewers, with Melody becoming a fan favorite character. The introduction of Athena, Ariel's mother, provides a poignant exploration of her character, filling a gap that fans had wondered about for decades.
In the live-action adaptation, notable performances by John Stamos and Queen Latifah stand out, with Queen Latifah delivering a memorable portrayal of Ursula. Their presence in the stage production showcases their talent and adds depth to the story, leading to questions about why they were not included in the live-action film. The decision to cast different actors, including Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, raised concerns among fans who felt that the potential of the live-action adaptation could have been elevated with different casting choices.
Overall, the expanded universe of "The Little Mermaid" provides fans with new perspectives on familiar characters and stories, offering fresh insights and interpretations that add depth to the beloved franchise. While each installment has its strengths and weaknesses, the enduring appeal of "The Little Mermaid" continues to captivate audiences across different mediums.
"The Little Mermaid" has a prequel titled "Ariel's Beginning," which offers a glimpse into Ariel’s life and fills in some storylines that the original film didn’t explore. While I find it to be an enjoyable film, it doesn't quite reach the heights of the classic it is based on. However, it does give us a deeper look at Ariel's sisters and their mother, which adds some depth to the characters.
In this prequel, we get to witness the dynamics of the family, including the engagement subplot, and we gain a better understanding of Ariel's motivations. Despite these elements, Disney often struggles to maintain the magic that made the original films so enchanting. When you think back to the classic tales, they typically follow a structure that includes a joyful beginning, a dark conflict involving a villain, and a magical resolution. Unfortunately, many of the sequels seem to overlook this formula.
"Ariel's Beginning" isn’t a bad film; it's enjoyable for a casual watch. However, it lacks that irresistible charm that makes you want to revisit it time and again. In fact, when reflecting on the plot, it’s easy to forget the details beyond the presence of Ariel's mother. This lack of a memorable storyline ultimately makes it feel somewhat forgettable.
Rated 2/5 Stars •
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
11/07/24
Full Review
Dale R
After the queen of Atlantica dies, King Triton orders all music to be banned from the city. Ten years later a young Ariel is bored and finds joy in music. The story for this film is passable and may bring some enjoyment. There were a few too many skipped over plot points that would have made the movie flow better. Jim Cummings replaces the voice actor for King Triton and while he does a great job, it just isn’t the same. Flounder is written completely differently and is not the same fish we met in the original film. I did enjoy the fleshing out of the character of Ariel’s sisters. Sally Field voices the villain and she does a good job, but the role is forgettable. However, the villain sidekick, Benjamin, is enjoyable. There were some missed opportunities to build up the world in this prequel, such as showing Ursula or maybe exploring why Flounder was so different. The animation is well done for a direct-to-home video movie. I think there is some enjoyment to be had here if you like the franchise.
Rated 2/5 Stars •
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
07/07/24
Full Review
Josues R
It really shocked me seeing that this film has a rotten critic score considering how pretty the art is. You get to learn so much about The Little Mermaid, from her mother's backstory to a deep-dive into Ariel and her sister's younger years. I absolutely loved this film and it's music. It's deserving of 5 stars and hopefully, my review helps it a little!
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
06/22/24
Full Review
Sarai L
This movie is so boring
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
06/07/24
Full Review
Alexis R
This movie shows what happened to Ariel's mom if anyone has ever wondered what had happened. Genuinely, the whole trilogy is enjoyable to me.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
09/27/24
Full Review
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cheong hor ivor:hey... where those mermaid girls coming from?
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
03/29/24
Full Review
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