The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea

The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea is a 2000 enchanting American animated direct-to-video musical film released by Walt Disney Pictures and Television. It breathes fresh life into the once-familiar folklore of mermaids, with familiar characters and new faces. As the sequel to the 1989 film The Little Mermaid, it offers a thematic reversal, defying our previous expectations and plunging us once more into the magical undersea kingdom.

This captivating sequel continues the adventurous saga of the original characters Ariel (Jodi Benson), a former mermaid now human princess and her husband, Prince Eric, but shifts the focus of the story to their independent and curious young daughter, Melody (Tara Strong). With her striking curiosity and adventurous streak, Melody stands as a character reminiscent of her mother, Ariel, from the first film.

Underlying the brisk narrative and colorful imagery is a narrative of love and protection from Ariel to Melody. Ariel, now a mother, is posed with the challenge of sheltering her daughter from the sea's potential harm, resulting in Melody not even knowing that her mother was once a mermaid. This element of the plot adds a layer of interconnectedness to the storyline, beautifully showing the cycle of life and the changes that come with time.

However, this seemingly peaceful existence is threatened by the vengeful sea witch, Morgana (Pat Carroll), who aims to exploit Melody's curiosity about the sea. Morgana, the sister of the deceased Ursula, imbues the film with a chilling exhilaration that keeps the audiences engaged. Samuel E. Wright takes a reprisal of his role as Sebastian, the loving and fiercely protective crab who continues to provide comedic relief, showcasing his unwavering loyalty to Ariel's family.

The film holds onto the engaging musical aspects from its predecessor, contributing to a lively and entertaining viewing experience. The songs, while being beautifully crafted, are also significant markers of pivotal moments within the plot. A defined progressive rhythm is maintained through the whole duration of the movie, enveloping the viewers in a sense of familiarity and joy.

Return to the Sea's animation is a nostalgic trip reminiscent of the late-'80s to 90's Disney era, keeping in line with the original movie's aesthetic. Every frame of the movie is filled with colorful imagery, detailed animation of each character, and the hypnotic play of light and shadow. Spectators are invited to partake in a visual feast as they embark on a roller-coaster ride of fun, mishap, and magic along with the characters.

The character development of Melody bridges the gap between generations of viewers as we watch her venture out and prove her bravery, much like her mother. Through her, the audience can witness the appeal of the original film presented in a new light, making her an endearing character to the audience, both young and old.

As is common with Disney, The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea underlines valuable life lessons while not compromising on entertainment. The themes of self-discovery, bravery, and familial bonds lie at the heart of this film. It beautifully presents how one's curiosity can lead to adventure, but also the importance of understanding and valuing the love and protection of our loved ones.

Jodi Benson, Samuel E. Wright, Tara Strong, and Pat Carroll offer heartfelt performances that unite us once again with the world of Ariel. Their brilliant voice acting breathes life in their respective characters, contributing greatly to the appeal of the film. They all excel, providing depth to the characters with their voice acting, making them feel even more real and relatable.

In a nutshell, The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea is an unbelievably appealing movie that is overflowing with charm and vibrant visuals that serve as a magnificent ode to the original film while still standing proudly on its own. It's an absolute must-watch for fans of the original film, as well as anyone seeking a well-rounded animated film full of adventure, melody, emotion, and, above all, heart.