'Little Mermaid' swims into theaters

With the return of Disney's "The Little Mermaid" to theaters this week, the war has officially begun. In an attempt to end Disney's monopoly of the animated feature business, Twentieth Century Fox is releasing "Anastasia" in time for the holiday season. Probably because it resembles a Disney film, the story of a Russian commoner turned princess looks like a sure- fire hit.

REVIEW
	The Little Mermaid 4 Stars At Showcase

But Disney is not letting Fox challenge its supremacy without a fight. The company has summer successes "Hercules" and "George of the Jungle" playing in second-run theaters, and is opening Robin Williams' "Flubber" around Thanksgiving as well.

Yet the most interesting decision made by Disney executives is the re-release of "The Little Mermaid," a movie that made nearly $200 million worldwide in 1989, and brought life back into a genre that was fading fast. Disney is hoping that, combined with the other movies, the already-on-video "Little Mermaid" will help spoil Twentieth Century Fox's foray into the market.

Based on Hans Christian Anderson's fairy tale, "The Little Mermaid," is the wonderful story of aquatic princess Ariel who, after falling in love with handsome Prince Eric, wishes to become part of the human world. Despite the objections of her father, King Triton, Ariel makes a deal with Ursula, the evil sea witch. She exchanges her beautiful voice for a pair of legs, which she will use to search for Eric. If Ariel can get her prince to kiss her within two days, she will live happily ever after

Ariel is The Little Mermaid.

on land. But if Eric does not kiss her, she belongs to Ursula, who plans on using her to usurp the sea kingdom from Triton.

Only eight years after its initial release, the animation in "The Little Mermaid" looks surprisingly dated, especially in comparison to the more recent animated Disney films. The colors aren't quite as sharp and bright, and the characters and movements aren't as realistic as in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," for example.

But what makes the film so thoroughly entertaining and consequently timeless is the superior writing of both the story and the music. Without being condescending or preachy, "The Little Mermaid" refreshingly deals with the issues of open-mindedness, curiosity, loyalty and maturation. The conflicts presented are dramatic without being overwhelming, and are always open to bits of comic-relief that perfectly soften the occasionally tense moods.

In addition, the original songs push the film along, nicely setting up its action and augmenting its atmosphere. The music varies from being catchy, comical, beautiful or any combination of the three. The sequence featuring the delightful "Under the Sea" is enchanting both to the ears and the eyes. There may not be a better musical number in any animated film ever, except for possibly "Kiss the Girl," when King Triton's loyal crab, Sebastian, tries to coax Prince Eric into kissing Ariel.

Sebastian is only one of the several memorable characters in "The Little Mermaid." Placed in the difficult position of having to look out for Ariel, and thus always worrying, he has the funniest lines in the movie and sings the two aforementioned songs.

Others helping Ariel include the guppy Flounder, who is always scared, and Scuttle the seagull, whose confidence in his intelligence is only matched by his lack of knowledge.

The film is named "The Little Mermaid" and thankfully the main character is worthy of her status. With her angelic voice and stunning looks, Ariel is unquestionably a babe. Yet it is her personality that makes her such a wonderful heroine. She is intelligent, curious, idealistic, loving and imperfect. Her independence leads her to act in ways that make her and her loved ones vulnerable. While she has so many admirable traits, the problems that these characteristics cause truly make her endearing.

"The Little Mermaid" is probably the best of Disney's recent animated movies. The combination of the story, music, humor, characters and atmosphere make it appealing to all ages. And, regardless of how "Mermaid" fares against the competition's challenge, its legacy will at least remain as the film that made "Anastasia" possible.

Ursula, a sea witch, cuts a deal with Ariel, who must give up her voice in exchange for a pair of legs.

Sebastian and Flounder

11-18-97