Welcome to ESTA’S ECLECTIC CLASSIC CORNER. These are movies that have stood the test of time throughout past decades and made a difference in my life. Films that I could watch over and over and still love them as much as the first viewing. They are like “comfort food” for me. Each week I will be reviewing a classic that I have loved and can’t wait to share my thoughts with you. Please note, there will be some spoilers in these reviews. I will have to share some of my favorite scenes and dialogue to back up my personal reflections. I am who l am because of theatre and movies.
“Look at this stuff. Isn’t it neat?
Wouldn’t you think my collections complete?
Wouldn’t
you think I’m the girl who has everything?
I’ve got gadgets and gizmos aplenty.
I’ve got whozits and whatzits galore.
You want thingamabobs?
I’ve got twenty.
But who cares.
No big deal.
I want more.”
– Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
THE LITTLE MERMAID holds oodles of memories for my children and me. It was my daughter Ilisa Rae’s favorite. She was eight years old when it premiered in 1989. As soon as it became available to purchase, I did. Ilisa used to say it was one of her most treasured things, and we watched this film over and over, morning, noon, and night. Aaron and I could recite lines and sing along, but never as good as Ilisa. She got every nuance, pause, or variation in tone. She sang PART OF YOUR WORLD in recitals and talent shows. She “felt” every word in her heart. She would stand in the middle of any door frame so it would feel like being on an actual stage. She would beg me to “block” her, so the performance would be as she dreamed (blocking is a theatre term that denotes the movement or gestures for a dialogue, monologue, or musical number). Her Halloween costume that year was Ariel. Her bedroom HAD to be painted the exact “UNDER THE SEA” color (a deep aqua hue that only she picked out for me to paint). Ilisa’s sheets, comforter, pillows, and accessories were THE LITTLE MERMAID. For years, this film held my sweet child in its tender, creative, loving arms. If I close my eyes, I still see her lying on her mermaid bed, smiling. If I open my heart and memory box, I can hear my “Lissy” sing and belt out all the songs for the world to listen to. Bittersweet tears and moments of long ago. December 4th would have been her 41st birthday. She would be thrilled that I chose THE LITTLE MERMAID in honor of her, and days long passed. I am grateful to DISNEY for creating a “cartoon” movie that will be remembered and beloved forever.
THE LITTLE MERMAID is based on the fairytale written by Hans. Christian Anderson. It is a story about coming of age, knowing who you are, and what you want, and finding your “forever” love. It has scary moments of storms at sea and fighting for what you believe in your heart. It has a “larger-than-life villain that can be cruel. Teenage angst is real in any community, whether you live “UNDER THE SEA” or on land. “As long as you live under my ocean, you will live by my rules.”
TLM contains huge musical numbers that are a feast and delight for audiences of all ages. The vivid colors and images are creative and clever. Each number pushes the story forward and upward to new heights. The music and lyrics by Alan Menken, Robby Merkin, and Jacques Offenbach give the characters added depth and details. Nothing is repetitive. Each scene and each frame provide the viewers with more and more. THE LITTLE MERMAID gave Disney a massive new reboot in the field of animation. Every cell had to be painstakingly created and colored frame by frame. It was a masterpiece of sheer brilliance and rewarded Disney with a new, popular arena of animation yet to come.
The plot is timeless. Ariel (Jodi Benson) is a 16-year-old mermaid princess who wants to live on land and have legs and feet instead of a large fin. She “accidentally” meets the love of her life, Prince Eric (Christopher Daniel Barnes), and is willing to give up anything to be “part of his world.” Enter Ursula (Pat Carroll), an evil sea witch who can make that happen. All Ariel must do is give up her beautiful voice for three days or until Eric kisses her. If she fails, Ariel will become one of Ursula’s sad, soulless minions. Sounds easy, right? Throw in Ariel’s cohorts…a reggae-singing lobster called Sebastian, a guppy named Flounder, and a wacky seagull known as Scuttle. Of course, there’s more action and details, but overall, it’s a match made in heaven, or at least at Disney studios. You know the ending will be phenomenal and “happily ever after” for some. Life is about choices, and TLM shares these thoughts in the best way possible for children and adults to learn and grow, and it was all tied together with a dazzling rainbow at the end.
I must mention the fabulous voices of the entire ensemble. Ariel and Eric were spectacular. Their chemistry together “voice-wise” was evident for all to hear and enjoy. Ursula sang from her gut and soul thanks to Pat Carroll. She created a villain that was not so much scary as just plain over-the-top in her actions, expressions, and heavy vibrato. Sebastion was a hoot. He can bring on the reggae beat and make everyone want to get up and dance especially in the musical number, KISS THE GIRL.
When I revisited THE LITTLE MERMAID, I was swept away by the attention to detail. It is entertaining and, overall, flawless. It is a forever piece of film that can be heart-wrenching and heart-warming. It is perky and bright. The songs “bubble” over and reel us in. I want a “dinglehopper” to comb my hair. I fell in love with Max, the awesome English sheepdog. I want to cook with Sebastian in my kitchen. I dream of wearing a black gown, gobs of eye shadow, and red lipstick. THE LITTLE MERMAID is etched within me. Enchanting and empowering. A film that is magical and holds up for over thirty years. THE LITTLE MERMAID is a timeless classic to be cherished by one and all.
THE LITTLE MERMAID can be streamed on DISNEY+.
