The Little Mermaid (1989)

Written and Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker

I always joke that I was raised on 80’s hair bands and show tunes (...I wish that was a joke, actually. Yet, it was a shock when I came out. Go figure). I know it’s a stereotype, but I love broadway and broadway show tunes, and I think that’s why The Little Mermaid is, to me, a great film. But, let’s back up a second.

The Little Mermaid is now seen as the start of the “Disney Renaissance”, a restoration of the quality of the Studio’s output to its “Golden Age”, considered to have ended around Sleeping Beauty. The renaissance is now considered to have ended with Tarzan, although not every film in that period was considered a success. Most of them were, though, and it all starts here, with a film based on a story by Hans Christian Anderson (fun fact: family legend has it that part of my family is descended from Hans Christian Anderson, so, you know...YOU’RE WELCOME, DISNEY)

Ursula victorious

Like most of Disney’s interpretations of Anderson’s works, the film is a much happier retelling of the story. I firmly believe the success of the film is due to the songwriting team of Menken and Ashman, and their decision to structure the film like a broadway musical, with songs more being used to advance the plot, instead of being inserted into it. It doesn’t hurt that the songs are incredibly catchy. In fact, “Part of Your World” is probably in my top ten Disney Songs. And, in the category of Villain Songs, “Poor Unfortunate Souls” is right near the top. It’s one of my favorites to belt out in the car!

Such gorgeous animation!

Little Mermaid is also the final film to use hand drawn or XEROX-ed cels, as new technology was emerging that would allow all coloring to be done on the computer. That so much of this film was still done without computers is a true test to the animators, as it’s a gorgeous film.

I found myself enjoying the film, even when I was snarking on it. I enjoyed my involuntary eye-roll when Ariel said “But dad, I’m 16!”. The best, though, was Eric trying to guess Ariel’s name, and when he finally guesses it: “Ariel? That’s kind of pretty,” LIKE JESUS ERIC WHAT A BACKHANDED COMPLIMENT, JERK.

Overall, while this is only the second time I can recall watching this film, I really enjoyed it. It’s a great way to kick off this section of the Disney Animated Canon, the ones I grew up on.

FINAL GRADE: A-