THE LITTLE MERMAID II: RETURN TO THE SEA

This is a pleasant sequel with a strong family center. Ariel’s search for her daughter gives the story emotional weight, while the animals provide humor that remains as funny as in the first movie. The songs are decent, though they are not as much fun as the original’s tunes.

The story also understands the struggles and ideals of a 12-year-old. Loving parent-child relationships and the mending of conflict give families something worthwhile to discuss. The concern is the film’s use of magic, special powers, and vengeance, especially for younger children.

So, watch it with middle schoolers and older children, and use your own discernment with younger viewers.

Ariel and Eric’s daughter, Melody, is now 12 and increasingly curious about the sea and her mother’s heritage. Ariel has tried to keep Melody away from the ocean to protect her from Morgana, the sister of Ariel’s former nemesis, Ursula.

When Melody discovers something connected to her family’s past, Morgana sees an opportunity to answer the girl’s questions before her parents can. Ariel must return to the sea and explain the truth to her daughter before it is too late.

Three stars means an amusing, worthwhile family sequel with clear limitations. The animal humor works well, and the story’s focus on a 12-year-old’s struggles and ideals gives it vivid relevance for pre-teen viewers.

The songs are decent but do not match the fun of the first film’s music. Still, the loving parent-child relationships and the mending of conflict give the movie a warm emotional foundation. It is entertaining without reaching the level of its predecessor.

The film presents a mostly moral worldview centered on restoring a mother-daughter relationship and good overcoming evil. It values family love, honesty, reconciliation, and the repair of conflict. Lying, stealing, and revenge are ultimately rebuked.

At the same time, the story’s moral framework includes magic tridents, spell-casting, magical powers, and a magic potion. Both good and evil characters use supernatural abilities, so the film does not present power as belonging only to a righteous God. Some carefree but disobedient behavior by a child is also part of the story.

The family restoration at the center of the film aligns with Scripture’s call toward forgiveness and reconciliation. The Bible says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

This sequel offers warm family relationships, funny animals, and a story that speaks directly to pre-teen struggles. Its magic and vengeance call for discernment with younger children. For middle schoolers and older viewers, WORTH THE TRIP — MIDDLE SCHOOL AND UP.