Ariel, Sweetie, What Were You Thinking?! (But Also...Iconic)

Okay, rom-com lovers, let's talk The Little Mermaid. I know, I know, it's animated, but hear me out! It's basically the ultimate 'girl gives up everything for a guy' trope, dialed up to eleven. Ariel literally trades her VOICE for legs! Like, girl, talk about not knowing your worth! I'm screaming! But I also can't help but love it. Maybe it's the nostalgia talking, but Ursula is such a deliciously evil villain (and her song SLAPS), and Flounder is the most loyal, albeit slightly neurotic, best friend a mermaid could ask for. And Eric? He's...fine. Like, prince-charming-with-zero-personality fine. Honestly, the dog, Max, has more charisma. But I guess that's the point, right? Ariel's not thinking straight, blinded by that whole 'love at first sight' nonsense. The whole 'Kiss the Girl' scene is so cute and romantic, though, even if it's also playing into the whole silencing-women-for-the-sake-of-men thing. Complicated feelings, people! Plus, she's sixteen! Ugh, a whole other can of worms. Visually, it's stunning – that 'Part of Your World' sequence is just pure magic. And who hasn't tried to brush their hair with a fork pretending it's a dinglehopper? (Don't lie!). Overall, it's a flawed but fabulous film. I totally get why it's a classic. It's beautiful, the music is incredible, and it's got just enough drama to keep you hooked. I will say though, rewatching it as an adult, I kinda wanted her to stay a mermaid and tell Eric to get over himself. Just saying! Rating wise? I'd give it an enthusiastic 7.5/10 because nostalgia, but objectively speaking... maybe closer to a 6. But who am I kidding? I'll still cry every time she gets her voice back. So yes, I love it, even if I judge Ariel's life choices pretty hard.