Did the Little Mermaid Bomb?
The Little Mermaid, a beloved Disney classic, has been enchanting audiences for decades with its captivating storyline, lovable characters, and stunning animation. However, at the time of its initial release in 1989, the film received a mixed reaction from critics and audiences. So, the question remains: did The Little Mermaid bomb? Let’s dive into the facts and figures to explore the answer.
Critical Reception
The Little Mermaid premiered on November 17, 1989, and received mixed reviews from critics. Rolling Stone magazine panned the film, stating it was "a disappointment" and that the "music is forgettable and the songs are not memorable." Variety magazine also expressed disappointment, calling it a "musical mess." However, not all reviews were negative. The New York Times praised the film, stating that it was "a remarkable achievement" and that Jodi Benson, who voiced Ariel, "delivers a performance that is both endearing and credible."
Box Office Performance
The Little Mermaid opened at number one at the box office, but its performance was not spectacular. According to Box Office Mojo, the film grossed $84 million in its opening weekend in the United States, which was a decent start, but not a record-breaker. The film ultimately grossed $235 million domestically, which was decent but not outstanding. To put this in perspective, Batman (1989) grossed $411 million domestically in its opening weekend, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) grossed $287 million domestically.
| Grossing Disney Films (1989-1990) | |
|---|---|
| Batman (1989) | $411 million |
| The Little Mermaid (1989) | $235 million |
| Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) | $287 million |
| Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) | $201 million |
Awards and Legacy
Despite the mixed critical reception and modest box office performance, The Little Mermaid went on to win two Academy Awards for Best Original Score (Alan Menken) and Best Original Song ("Under the Sea," Howard Ashman and Alan Menken). The film also received Golden Globe nominations for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Original Score.
Re-Release and Mermaid’s Resurgence
In 1997, The Little Mermaid was re-released in IMAX theaters, which gave the film a new life. The re-release sparked a resurgence in popularity, and the film has since become a beloved classic, with Mermaid-themed merchandise and Attractions popping up at Disney theme parks. The Little Mermaid’s 30th-anniversary re-release in 2019 solidified its status as a cultural phenomenon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while The Little Mermaid did not exactly bomb at the box office or receive universal acclaim from critics, it still managed to become a classic Disney film. The film’s modest box office performance and mixed critical reception have been largely overshadowed by its enduring popularity and timeless appeal. The Little Mermaid has continued to captivate audiences with its enchanting storyline, memorable characters, and catchy music, cementing its place as one of the most beloved Disney films of all time.
Postscript
In 2019, Disney released The Little Mermaid (Live-Action), a live-action remake starring Halle Bailey as Ariel. The film received mixed reviews from critics, but fans were divided on the choice of Halle Bailey to play the iconic role of Ariel. Despite this, the film performed well at the box office, grossing over $400 million worldwide.
