I was really psyched to get this one when it came out. I know Disney has done a lot of direct-to-video sequels that have been disappointing, but some were actually very good (and some came so close...). I'm huge on Ariel and TinkerBell, so this is a big DVD year for me with their new prequel releases. As for Ariel's Beginning. I felt some inconsistencies, like Flounder's personality, which is only true to the original film in one deleted scene, make the whole thing feel more like it takes place in a parallel dimension. I didn't think Cummings worked as the voice of Triton (though he IS a Disney treasure, don't get me wrong), didn't feel the original songs were memorable, and didn't care for the villain's sidekick, ha. I also hate that when they make feature sequels they often disregard the TV shows that have already been created. As a prequelization, I much prefer Little Mermaid the series. As a stand alone film though, this was very good, hence the 4 stars. Jodi's voice is straight from heaven, as always, I loved Arista and that we got to see more of the sisters, and the visuals were beautiful. For a more detailed review of this one from me though, check out my amazon.com review under the name of my comic strip character, Monty_Moonlight.
So, I just saw Mamma Mia with my parents. It was actually pretty enjoyable. I challenge a guy to watch it and not fall in love with Amanda Seyfried. Always had a thing for her, but that movie really shot her up on my dreamgirl list, ha. At times it does feel too much like a "chick flick", but not to an intolerable level. It was very lively and colorful and had good humor and music and everything to keep it interesting. I didn't care for Amanda Seyfried's friends much at the beginning though, and there were more moments of just the 3 older ladies than I cared for, ha.
Simply an amazing movie! Can't wait to see it again! Maybe not flawless, but darn close! I felt the ending was definitely a "to be continued" kind of thing, and was surprised that my friends who went with me didn't get that impression. I also am surprised whenever I hear people think the villains in these films have been dying. I don't believe Ra's is dead and I don't believe any of the famous villains in Dark Knight were killed. If you don't see a villain in pieces, they're probably not dead...