The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning (2008)
Synopsis:
The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning takes us back to a time before Ariel met Prince Eric. The underwater kingdom of Atlantica is ruled by King Triton, who has banned music following the loss of his wife. Ariel, the youngest of his seven daughters, discovers a secret music club and becomes enchanted by the melodies. She befriends the club's leader, Sebastian, and other sea creatures who share her love for music. As Ariel becomes more involved, she faces challenges from the strict rules of her father and the scheming of the villainous Marina Del Rey, who seeks to replace Sebastian as the king's advisor. Ariel's journey leads her to uncover secrets about her family and the power of music in their lives.
Where To Watch: The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning
Parental Feedback
The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning, released in 2008, is an animated fantasy film rated G, making it suitable for kids. This prequel to the beloved classic explores themes of family, friendship, and courage, set in a vibrant underwater world. Parents generally appreciate its positive messages and engaging storyline, though some note it lacks the original's charm.
Why Kids Should Watch The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning
The movie is praised for its heartwarming story and positive messages.
- Emphasizes the importance of family and unity.
- Ariel's determination and bravery are inspiring for young viewers.
- Colorful animation and catchy songs captivate children's attention.
- Promotes the idea of standing up for what is right.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning
Some parents express concerns about the film's lack of originality and depth.
- The theme of loss may be emotionally challenging for sensitive children.
- Some scenes might be perceived as repetitive or less engaging.
- May not hold the same appeal for older children familiar with the original.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers positive family values, engaging characters, and delightful visuals.
What Parents Should Know About The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Ariel shows courage and determination in standing up for her beliefs. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The theme of losing a loved one is present and may require discussion. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Characters who act selfishly face consequences, reinforcing accountability. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Ariel and her friends work together to overcome challenges, highlighting teamwork. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The film teaches the value of family and the courage to follow one's heart. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning is generally well-received for its positive messages and engaging animation. While it may not reach the iconic status of its predecessor, it offers valuable lessons in family and courage. Parents can enhance the viewing experience by discussing the film's themes with their children. For those seeking similar content, other Disney classics like "The Lion King" or "Beauty and the Beast" are recommended.
Official The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning Trailer
The Core Values Learned From The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning
The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning's most common core values include Family love, Courage, and Being yourself. Kids watch as Ariel navigates her relationships with her six sisters and her father, King Triton. They see how Ariel shows her courage by standing up for her Beliefs, even when faced with strict rules. Throughout her Adventure, Ariel learns the importance of staying true to herself by embracing her passion for Music despite the ban. These experiences help Ariel forge her own path and connect with the people she cares about.
Ariel's journey is a great example of family love when she tries to bring her siblings and father closer through music. Her courage shines when she bravely visits the secret music club, knowing it could get her in trouble. Despite the risks, she follows her heart. There's a moment when Ariel stands up against Marina Del Rey, showing that being yourself sometimes means facing those who try to change you. Ariel proves that staying true to who you are and having the courage to follow your passion can create harmony among loved ones.
Other Core Values Explored: Friendship | Determination | Finding your voice | Standing up for what's right | Empathy | Forgiveness | Respect | Teamwork
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning
Following Your Passion: Ariel's undeniable love for music drives her to discover a secret music club, even though it goes against her father's rules. This passion for melodies becomes a guiding force that helps her find joy and connections with others who share her interest.
Importance of Family: Ariel's journey underscores the value of family bonds. Despite King Triton's ban on music, Ariel's connection to her family remains strong, and she ultimately strives to bring them together through the very art they are forbidden to enjoy.
Being True to Yourself: The movie emphasizes Ariel's commitment to staying true to her inner self. Despite the risks, she embraces her love for music and finds her own voice, showing that authenticity is powerful.
Standing Up for Others: Ariel's story is also about standing up for friends and loved ones. She challenges Marina Del Rey's schemes, showcasing the power of defending those who are important to us.
Supporting Your Friends: Ariel's alliance with Sebastian and the other sea creatures at the music club highlights the importance of supporting those who share your dreams. Together, they show how teamwork and friendship can lead to positive change.
Other Lessons Learned: Embracing Differences | Finding Courage
Why Kids Love The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning
The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning dives into an enchanting underwater world where kids embark on a whimsical journey through vibrant coral reefs and spooky shipwrecks. A lively bunch of sea creatures, including Ariel’s animated fish friend Flounder and the charming crustacean Sebastian, fill the story with comedy and excitement. Ariel sneaks off to a secret music club where the beats are irresistibly catchy, drawing young viewers into a world where melodies create magic beneath the waves. The underwater adventure is full of twists and turns, surprising alliances, and the ever-present thrill of getting caught exploring forbidden territories.
The excitement doesn't stop as Ariel's daring spirit leads her through bustling ocean parties with her newfound pals. Kids are drawn to the thrill of adventure when she explores hidden nooks and crannies of the ocean, uncovering secrets long buried. The crafty Marina Del Rey adds a dose of fun villainy, stirring up the story with her sneaky plans. Through these playful shenanigans, kids experience the exhilaration of making brave choices and rallying together with unique sea animals to overcome obstacles. Each scene offers a splash of action and humor, making this journey an unforgettable dive into the depths of imagination.