Disney's AMAZING rite of passage into modern times

Rating: 10/10 (20 February 2002)

Where to start? I have always loved this movie, and like all Disney, it probably had a lot to do with shaping who I am. Is this why I am vegetarian now? who can say!
I just celebrated my 24th birthday listening to a 3-volume set of Disney music, which I had bought at Disney World years ago, since they didn't have the Little Mermaid soundtrack by itself.
And I gleamed something magical. I felt like a chimney sweep on the London rooftops gazing into the soul of Disney: Just as Mickey is the very heart of Disney, Ariel is the very-human voice of us Disney children.
It all started with Mickey Mouse, all endless, innocent antics. The characters in Disney movies hence became more diverse, but the style and music was fairly consistent.
Now, I quiver at films like Return to Neverland, which make it seem like you HAVE to have rock stars re-hash the old magic since the times are a-changin' and you can't top perfection.
But it isn't so! Never has a fantasy character been as pure as Snow White and as introspecting as Hamlet, at the same time. And never has a movie soundtrack been such a captivating symphony of all-to-familiar styles, with new-born heart-melting melodies.
This movie proves that no matter what, Disney has an endless arsenal of pixie dust that can be taken to anybody's living room, ANY time.
The world faces harsh times now, but if you listen, you can hear Ariel singing about the promised land.