Structurally, I can see some similarities and aspects found in the story of the "Little Mermaid" were (probably) used as inspiration. From similar family tension, to a prominent set piece and even an important object being. But the focus is completely different, it's also more modern (and all that entails, like ASMR) and plenty of energy and fluidness to the animation (which is one of my favorite things to come out of modern CGI movies)! DreamWorks offers nothing but quality in that department. But when it comes to storytelling, it reminds plenty of "Turning Red" and even some parts of Spider-Man's Homecoming.
In short, it does feel simple and predictable.. and some might even say generic. Thankfully it's around 1 hour and 20 minutes and the pacing is rather swift, so you barely feel it (which can be a good or a bad thing). Still, I quite liked the characters (being very distinctive, charming and likeable), as well as seeing them turn a "trope" on its head.
It certainly warrants a view if not for the Animation alone! Even if it doesn't wow with everything else, like the last Puss in Boots did.. it's also not as memorable or lasting (one viewing is probably enough). And while it breaks my heart to have seen it do so poorly on the box-office returns, I can see why. Hopefully it will do better digitally.
In short, it does feel simple and predictable.. and some might even say generic. Thankfully it's around 1 hour and 20 minutes and the pacing is rather swift, so you barely feel it (which can be a good or a bad thing). Still, I quite liked the characters (being very distinctive, charming and likeable), as well as seeing them turn a "trope" on its head.
It certainly warrants a view if not for the Animation alone! Even if it doesn't wow with everything else, like the last Puss in Boots did.. it's also not as memorable or lasting (one viewing is probably enough). And while it breaks my heart to have seen it do so poorly on the box-office returns, I can see why. Hopefully it will do better digitally.