Night at the Movies
The Little Mermaid (1989) (Disney)
Synopsis:
    Ariel, a mermaid, has fallen in love with Eric, a human.  Her father, the king of the merpeople, has forbidden any of his people, including Ariel, from going to the surface and dealing with anything human.  When he destroys her collection of human artifacts, Ariel goes to Ursula the Sea Witch, who gives Ariel legs in exchange for her voice.  Ariel goes to the surface and meets Eric, and they slowly fall in love.  However, they must kiss within three days, or Ariel becomes the full property of Ursula.  When it looks like Ariel is about to succeed, Ursula casts a spell on Eric, and in a human disguise, convinces him that she is the one he should marry.  Ariel, broken hearted, almost gives up, but with the help of her friends, she is able to get Eric to realize who she is.  Unfortunately, they do not kiss before the sun sets.  Ariel, with the help of her father and Eric must now defeat the megalomaniacal sea witch.

Availability:
Currently on VHS

Cast/Crew:
Jodie Benson                    Ariel
        Flubber

Buddy Hackett                 Scuttle
        It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World
        The Love Bug

Miscellaneous:
    The Little Mermaid began the resurgance in Disney Films.  Only five animated films (including this one) were released by Disney during the eighties, and only 9 were released since the seventies.  The success of the Little Mermaid led to Beauty and the Beast (nominated for Best Picture), The Lion King, and lately, Mulan.
    The latest version on VHS in the US includes a video (alongside the end credits ala television credit "squash") with Jodie Benson lip synching Part of Your World.  The previews at the beginning of the video involve her discussing the upcoming releases with two goldfish.  It's best to fast forward through both of these intelligence insulting acts.  (Okay, I've said my peace)

MPAA Rating:
G

My Rating:
    Okay, so I don't like what they did with the latest version on VHS, but this is an enjoyable movie.  Younger girls will fall in love with Ariel (much like many younger girls already have) and adults like the humor.
    ***1/2
J-R                      Night at the Movies 1