AS squeals of delight and frantic hand-clapping might indicate, "Little Mermaid" has been a big hit with the kiddies. Who could resist the doe-eyed, flaming-haired, irrepressibly curious Ariel (Jodi Benson)? This little mermaid just can't keep away from the world of humans, especially when it boasts a dreamy prince for whom she's willing to make a big sacrifice.

This movie has all the right ingredients: an Oscar-winning score; the villain you love to hate, Ursula the Sea Witch (Pat Carroll); the loyal companion, Sebastion the crab (Samuel Wright); and a prince only slightly less naive than the heroine herself. Great animation and catchy tunes combine to make a movie as enjoyable for adults as for kids... almost.