The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning

The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning is a beloved, animated musical fantasy movie that serves as a prequel to the 1989 Disney classic, The Little Mermaid. The film, released in 2008, offers the audience a chance to discover the origins of Ariel, the vivacious young mermaid who cut a striking figure in the hearts of millions around the world. The title character Ariel is voiced by Jodi Benson, who vividly conjures up the spirit of the character with her remarkable vocal talent. Adjacent to Benson, the film features the voice talents of Samuel E. Wright, Jim Cummings, and Sally Field, who bring life to various other characters in the movie.

The film pivots around the kingdom of Atlantica, under the Sea, with King Triton, voiced by Jim Cummings, dictating the fate of the merfolk. Samuel E. Wright gives life to Sebastian, the crab, reprising his original role, and is a key figure in the unfolding narrative. Ariel, the youngest of the seven daughters, is shown as a free spirit with an insatiable curiosity – a trait that fans will recognize as a key aspect of her character. As she matures, Ariel becomes mesmerized by the forbidden world above the ocean, and the plot takes the audience on an emotional adventure as she discovers and defies her father's ban on music within the kingdom.

Ariel's Beginning introduces a host of new characters to expand the underwater world of Atlantica. Marina Del Rey, voiced impressively by Sally Field, is a new antagonist who becomes part of Ariel's world. Her role brings a fresh, exciting dimension to the ongoing narrative showcasing a mix of treachery, conspiracy, and power-play. Furthermore, the film offers a deeper look into Ariel's relationships with her sisters, thereby establishing a unique dynamic that saturates the audience with a sense of rich and deep familial ties.

The music in Ariel's Beginning is reminiscent of the original, with 'Down to the Sea' and 'Jump in the Line' standing tall among the whimsical tunes. Every fan of the original film will appreciate the thrills and spills of the prequel, with the music playing a pivotal role in setting the tone of the movie. The film’s commitment to the musical roots of its illustrious predecessor demonstrates the creative team's emphasis on remaining true to the essence of the Little Mermaid franchise.

The animation utilized in Ariel's Beginning is filled with as much glamour and fluidity as the original. The film showcases the underwater kingdom in a grand manner, highlighting the beautiful, vivid colors of the sea and its numerous creatures. The cinematic journey is akin to a dive deep into the ocean where you meet the most distinct and dazzling marine lifeforms.

With its journey into Ariel's past, Ariel's Beginning opens a door for viewers to perceive character motivations and storyline developments from a fresh perspective. Ariel's love for the world above, her fascination for oddities, her struggles with her father's expectations, and his ultimate love for his darling daughter – all are elucidated as part of this backstory.

Overall, The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning is crafted to resonate with its audience. The mix of well-evoked emotions, kinetic animation, and unforgettable music ensures it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with its classic predecessor. The performances by the voice cast shape up the charisma of the characters, making them relatable and causing us to invest our attention and emotions in their stories.

The film is recommended for fans of the original movie who have a penchant for understanding their beloved characters' backstory. The film promises to captivate viewers as they step back into their childhood to relive the magic of Ariel's world. Children and adults alike will be entranced by this tale as it spins magic with every scene, maintaining the aura and essence of the underwater kingdom that has immortally remained etched in the hearts of many.