As with Disney's other made-for-video sequels, The Little Mermaid II looks and sounds wonderful (and reunites much of the same vocal talent). Four- to nine-year-olds who grew up with the original will certainly enjoy seeing the friends again. A new set of artists has come up with four catchy tunes and some fun new characters, including Tip and Dash, a pensive penguin and his blubbery walrus friend. Yet, where Beauty and the Beast had a deliberate Christmas-themed sequel, and Pocahontas told the tale of her historical trip to England, the plot here is very forced. It is pretty much a rehash of the first film with different characters. Tip and Dash are a reincarnation of Timon and Pumbaa, and Morgana is exactly like her sister, except thinner. Besides the stellar music, this unneeded sequel also misses another important aspect of the original--heart. --Doug Thomas

Surprisingly, this made for video sequel is not too bad. It helps that many pf the original actors came back to reprise their roles. A good sequel, especially for the younger set.


Rent before you buy.   October 17, 2000
 49 out of 58 found this review helpful

Before I saw this movie, I knew it wasn't going to measure up to the original movie so I didn't have high expectations. This is probably why I ended up liking the movie to a certain degree instead of being completely disappointed.

It's basically the same plot as the first movie - Ursula's sister wants to rule the sea and uses Melody's desire to become a mermaid to her advantage. While the movie is predictable, there were certain parts that gave me a warm glow. It was nice to see Ariel change from her proper-and-prim attire and return to the sea as a mermaid. There's a nice duet between Ariel and Melody about "sharing one moment" in time. It almost captures Ariel's original wistfulness and longing. Prince Eric, as usual, isn't capable of saving the day or even himself. Sebastin's schtick seems to be old to the point where his whining can be grating. However, on the plus side, there are two new song-and-dance characters which serve as a comic relief to detract from the predictable plot.

I recommend renting this movie first before making a purchase. I got the DVD as a belated wedding present and I'm glad I have it, but I can't honestly say I'd have personally bought it myself - not without a huge markdown in the price. Keep in mind that while it's not the greatest movie ever, it's not exactly bottom-of-the-barrel either.


Ariel's back, more than ten years later   July 3, 2000
 29 out of 47 found this review helpful

It was 1989 when Disney Pictures reinvented, once again and quite succesfuly, the animation motion pictures. The storyline, the technique and the music made "The Little Mermaid" an enjoyable film for both young and adult. Everything that has come since then is obviuously modeled after that (Disney and non-Disney). In this follow up, produced especifically for Video and DVD, the much beloved characters are back (and not in the much inferior TV-Show version), many of them with their original voices: Jodi Benson as Ariel and Samuel E. Wright as Sebastian. The DVD version is obviously the best option, considering the high quality of earlier Disney animated DVD releases such as "Tarzan" or "A Bug's Life". Four new songs and a new version of "Part of Your World", that will play homage to the original music composed by Alan Menken and late Howard Ashman.


As superb as the first movie   September 20, 2000
 19 out of 26 found this review helpful

In this video, Ariel and Prince Eric now have a daughter named Melody. Melody is very much interested in the sea, and Ursula's evil sister Morgana, knows it, and wants to try and trick Melody into becoming a Mermaid as revenge against Ariel, but will she succeed? Or will Ariel be a heroine? You'll need to get the movie and see for your self. But I will let you know the movie is filled with action, drama, and comedy, just like the first movie "The Little Mermaid". Adults and children alike of all ages can enjoy this wonderfully animated motion picture. Most of the original characters are featured in the movie along with some new faces. As with the first movie, (which by the way was released over 9 years ago) this one contains fun music which the kids can enjoy. If you want a film you and the kids can enjoy for years to come, "The Little Mermaid II" is one to get.


A Rare Disney Film   September 17, 2000
 18 out of 22 found this review helpful

This is a pleasant sequel to "The Little Mermaid", but when my wife and I talked about the film after watching it, we realized something: It ultimately shows a POSITIVE mother/daughter relationship.

How many other Disney animated films show this? Actually, how many Disney animated films show a mother that is still ALIVE?

Not many. Good for them, for finally showing this.