The Little Mermaid was released in 1989. It is a captivating animated musical that continues to enchant audiences of all ages. Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, this Disney masterpiece marked the renaissance of the studio's animated films, ushering in a new era of storytelling and unforgettable characters.

The film takes us on a magical underwater journey to the depths of the ocean, where we meet Ariel, a curious and spirited young mermaid with an insatiable longing for life on land. Voiced by the talented Jodi Benson, Ariel's character embodies innocence, independence, and a yearning for adventure that resonates with viewers even today.

The storyline is based on the timeless fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen and successfully infuses it with Disney's signature charm and whimsy. The narrative strikes a perfect balance between lightheartedness and emotional depth, exploring themes of sacrifice, self-discovery, and the power of true love. It captivates the audience from the opening scene and holds their attention until the very end.

Plans for a remake of 1989's The Little Mermaid were confirmed in May 2016. In December 2017, Disney announced Marshall was being courted to direct the film. Bailey, Tremblay, Awkwafina, and the rest of the cast signed on between July to November 2019. After a delay by the COVID-19 pandemic, the filming ultimately took place primarily at Pinewood Studios in England and on the island of Sardinia, Italy, from January to July 2021. Composer Alan Menken, who worked on the original film's soundtrack, returned to compose the score and write new songs alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda, who serves as a producer with Platt, John DeLuca and Marshall. The film was released in the United States on May 26. Critics praised the performances of the cast and the musical sequences but criticized the visual effects and character designs.

But which one is the best? This is the subject that Rachel and Jeremiah tackle on this week's episode of Mouse House Weekly. They compare plots, characters and music, giving each subject a score. At the end they tally up and find out which film is best.

 

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