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The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning (NR, 2008)

common sense media says

Before the prince, Ariel discovers music's magic.

parents & educators say
  • 50% say violence is an issue
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that younger kids might be distressed by the opening scene of this direct-to-DVD prequel to Disney's The Little Mermaid: A pirate ship is seen descending on a happy mermaid family, and Ariel's mother is captured. The scene is emotional -- King Triton and his daughters are scared, and Triton in particular is anguished -- but the event isn't explicit; only a boat and ocean waves are shown. The rest of the movie is very kid-friendly.

Positive messages: Ariel disobeys her father, but she ultimately proves to be wiser than he is -- she doesn't want to erase the memory of her mother or banish happiness from her life. Triton himself comes to see the light after years of mourning, over-protectiveness, and uncompromising sternness. The sisters are typical teens, fighting over hairbrushes, etc., but eventually they all make peace. Even villain Marina Del Ray redeems herself at the last second.
Violence & scariness: It's not really clear whether Ariel's mother is killed or just captured by pirates. Viewers see only pirates with nets, a descending boat, and crashing waves.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Ariel is a very popular Disney Princess, whose brand reaches far and wide. Expect to see Princess branding on consumer merchandise, food products, etc. as well as in books, websites, and other media.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about Ariel's disobedience and King Triton's unreasonable rules. Why does he ban music? Was it right for Ariel to disobey him? Families can also discuss how this movie fits in with the original Little Mermaid. Does it change how you see that story at all?

What's the story?

What's the story?

Ariel's family life was the very model of mermaid domestic bliss. She and her sisters wiggled and giggled as daddy Triton (voiced by Jim Cummings) and mommy Athena (Lorelei Hill Butters) danced and sang in their underwater kingdom -- and then Queen Athena is captured by pirates, and the now-joyless Triton bans music from the kingdom. When Ariel (Jodi Benson) discovers an underground underwater jazz club where the sea nightlife bops, she re-learns the magic of music. But with a furious father, a dastardly nanny, and a flock of bickering teenage sisters to cope with, Ariel is soon in hot water. It's up to her -- and fish friends Flounder (Parker Goris) and Sebastian (Samuel E. Wright) -- to bring harmony back to her family.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

For a direct-to-DVD movie seemingly made to capitalize on The Little Mermaid's popularity, ARIEL'S BEGINNING is actually pretty darn good. Romance-happy kids may find the lack of a prince in this tale a weakness, but this story is a nice break from the typical formula. In lieu of amour, music becomes the sought-after but forbidden aspiration, making room for much deep-sea musicality and witty visual humor with sea critters jamming on inventive undersea instruments.

Parents will particularly enjoy Sebastian's rendition of Harry Belafonte's infectious Calypso "Jump in Line" -- a real show-stopper. Kids will also appreciate the amusing sibling rivalries and spats between Ariel's six very different mermaid sisters. As a bonus, Sally Field takes on the role of villainous nanny Marina del Rey with juicy malice.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Director: Peggy Holmes
Cast: Jodi Benson, Sally Field, Samuel Wright
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 100 minutes
Theatrical release: August 20, 2008
DVD release: August 25, 2008
MPAA Rating: NR
This review was written by Erika Milvy
 
 

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What parents & educators say

6
Based on 4 parent & educator reviews:
  • 50% say violence is an issue
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Most useful reviews by all members

golden96
teen, 15 years old
2
 
The little mermaid 3
Love it and im 12 good for babysitting
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helped me decide (16) | had useful details (15) | read my mind (17)
FumblingAngel
parent of 3 year old
2
 
Not Appropriate for Toddlers
This movie, although it's Disney, is too scary for kids. My 2 year old son happened to come in the room when it was being played for our roommate's daughter, watched the scene when the pirated come with their ship and is "killed", basically. Not physically, but you don't see her after. He was very concerned and continued to ask "Ariel's Mommy ok? Mommy ok"? He was very worried and scared. Definitely NOT OK for 2-3 year olds.
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Skylar123
teen, 14 years old
5
 
Loved it!
I cried MULTIPLE times during the movie. Once because the mother was gone, once when music was banned, once when Ariel decides to bring Triton's gift back to him. I thought the saddest parts were with her and the angry Triton! As well as having sad morals, parts were funny! Like Flouder... and the strict Sabastian disobeying the rules and going CRAzy!!!!! A definite must-watch! Little kids might be scared though, as I was at the first Little Mermaid... If you're my age, though, don't let it stop you from watching this!!!
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andy89
adult
16
 
i love it
i think it's cool and wonderful and a great way to show how ariel's story begins and i think it'good for all ages and you will have good time with this movie
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rebma97
teen, 14 years old
6
 
A good prequel to The Little Mermaid
This was a good prequel to The Little Mermaid. We get to see Ariel's mother and what she was like. Unfortantly, it looks like she was killed by pirates (now we know why Ariel's father hates humans). And Ariel's sisters have larger roles so it's cool to see their personality's. But in this movie Flounder and Ariel meet when Ariel's a teen, however in the series they met when Ariel was just a kid. But that's not as confushing as the making Flounder brave! Why? But other than that it's a really good prequel, not as good as the first but still good.
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qtnn
parent of 10 and 11 year old
5
 
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helped me decide (12) | had useful details (12) | read my mind (12)
danielleb
adult
2
 
Skip The First Scene!
We skip the opening scene when we watch this movie because my daughter is only 2 and very sensitive to when "bad things" happen in movies. She doesn't fully understand the absence of Ariel's mommy, but I just tell her Ariel and Ariel's Daddy miss her. She seems to accept that and enjoy the movie after. As a parent, I don't appreciate that Ariel's dad is (once again) portrayed as an unyielding drill sergeant. However, in the end the family comes together and music is allowed back in the ocean. The villain in this movie is harmless, has cute songs of her own, and turns good at the end. A rather innocent film featuring my daughter's favorite Princess.
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Dominicboo1
teen, 16 years old
5
 
Fun Disney Prequel Doesn't Ruin The Original
Again as is very often with Disney sequels they are fun but not that great. Flounder acts out of character (imagine Alvin the chipmunk from his new movie version and turn him into a fish). Queen Athena (Ariel's mother) probably dies from an attack from a ship. All the good guys especially Ariel are kind and loving. Sally Field as Marina Del Ray was wonderful.
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