20 out of 20 people found this review helpful.
Like A Fish Out Of Water
Date of Review: Oct 6, 2000
Every once in a while a sequel will surpass the complexity and life-like quality the original had, but in the case of The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea vs. The Little Mermaid ? there is no doubt in my mind that The Little Mermaid was far more grand.
Background of The Little Mermaid, etc.
I admit I was a little old when I watched the original ?The Little Mermaid?, but everyone loved it! It was a beautiful story about a mermaid, Ariel, born into sea royalty, only to be controlled and commanded by her father, King Triton, never to swim to the surface of the ocean. Of course, just as any typical teenage daughter, she disobeyed him, and upon one of her trips to the surface, fell in love with a human. Well, she saved his life!
Once her father hears of this, he immediately destroys all of Ariel?s humanly artifacts (a grand collection), and forbids her to even think of humans again.
So, once again, she acts out of anger and seeks out the witch of the ocean, Ursula. Ursula provides a potion that will turn Ariel into a two-legged human. Of course, there is a price to pay for such a task.
You get the idea...
I enjoyed the original film immensely due to the colorful and enchanting graphics and music. The story, unlike in The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, is not one huge battle. There is drama and much of it!
Unfortunately, the sequel wasn?t quite as glorious. The story was cut to the bare minimum, so it seemed. I can understand a budget cut, but goodness! From the first 5 minutes to the last moment, Morgana (Ursula?s twisted sister) is everywhere! There are maybe three songs throughout the entire film, and you almost feel like you?re being rushed!
The basic story (I hope I don?t give too much away):
Melody, Ariel and Prince Eric?s daughter, is almost killed by Morgana. Ariel decides it would be best, until King Triton finds Morgana and puts a stop to the madness, that Melody not know about her sea-like ancestry.
As Melody grows older, and becomes more like her mother, she sneaks away into the ocean anyway. This catches Morgana?s attention and off go her little sea servants to lure Melody in. Suddenly, you are moving so fast your head is spinning. Morgana grants Melody the gift of fins. As the spell is only temporary, Morgana sends Melody to Atlantica (where King Triton lives) to fetch King Triton?s Triton (confused yet?).
And in about 5 min, you?re done! The credits will roll and you will turn off the tape... You get the idea :o)
My recommendations?
Perhaps my enjoyment level was brought down because of the fact that I am 19 years old. On the other hand, I also rented The Little Mermaid (original) and received the same delight as I had many years ago. In my personal opinion, this one flopped (like a fish out of water!).
Family Video
Barnes and Noble
