The Little Mermaid is the newest Disney live action remake, but have no fear, this time they get it right with a truly magical movie.
The Little Mermaid is the latest classic Disney animated film to be remade into live action. While the heart of it remains the same, the story has evolved, allowing fans to dive deeper into Ariel’s world. Not only are the musical numbers still breathtaking, but there is much more to Eric and Ariel’s love story.
Scuttle (Awkwafina), Sebastian (Daveed Diggs), and Founder (Jacob Tremblay) are the trio we didn’t know we needed as they continue to provide comedic relief that will have the audience laughing through their tears. When it comes to Melissa McCarthy’s Ursula, she is absolutely terrifying, and a woman we don’t want to cross anytime soon.
Yes, Jodie Benson is Ariel, but so is Halle Bailey now. Get ready to fall head over heels in love with this young actress who has earned her spot as Disney’s newest Princess.
Halle Bailey Proves Herself Time & Time Again
Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that Halle Bailey can sing. She proves herself as Ariel the very first time she opens her mouth during this movie, and never stops giving it her all. There will not be a dry eye in the house by the time Part Of Your World ends, and that won’t be the only time tears are shed.
Besides having an incredible set of pipes, Halle is a great actress as well. She perfectly embodies Ariel and is easy to believe that she is like this in real life as well. To be able to let the audience in as she delivers a performance that allows us to see exactly how she is feeling and what she is thinking, without ever saying a word, is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
When she does get to speak, it only heightens her performance. Little girls, and boys, everywhere will be looking up to her. And I can’t think of another actress more worthy of this praise than her.
Melissa McCarthy Proves Why She Got The Part
Melissa McCarthy has some big tentacles to fill as the Disney villain Ursula. Not only does she deliver a stellar yet terrifying performance, her rendition of Poor Unfortunate Souls is sure to send chills down everyone’s backs. It is no surprise that there are stories of young viewers that were at the Hollywood Premiere that were scared to meet Melissa because of how fantastically scary she is as Ursula.
The only real complaint here is that with the additions to the story, she feels underused. The parts of the movie that take place in her lair are dark and creepy. Melissa adds a snarkiness to Ursula that only she could pull off. It is easy to peg her as a true villain. However, with a lot of the story taking place on dry land, we don’t get to see nearly as much of her as we should have.
Eric & Ariel’s Relationship Is Deepened
Disney animated films set high expectations when it comes to love, this is no secret. Usually done in the interest of time, Princesses fall in love at the drop of a hat in these movies. They marry their Princes in less than ninety minutes and then the credits roll.
That is why what The Little Mermaid (2023) does with Prince Eric and Ariel in this version feels so much more realistic. Sure, it is still rushed a little bit, but the two take the time to build a relationship and get to know each other It is a friendship first, and a love second. Eric and Ariel’s relationship is deepened in the live action version of the story.
Their relationship is not based solely on looks, they actually have things in common. Eric is not only portrayed as an adventurer and collector himself, he is also kept behind castle doors by an overbearing parent. The two connect on a deeper level when they go exploring his island, which makes their love story feel so much more real than the animated version gave them.
The Changes Fit The Story
Besides the evolution of Prince Eric and Ariel’s relationship in this version, there are many more additions to the film. It went from an eighty minute long movie to one that clocks in at over two hours, so surely fans knew there were going to be some changes and updates.
The biggest one being that there are three new songs – two of which are great, and one that is forgettable. Unfortunately the forgettable one belongs to Ariel. I already raved about Halle Bailey’s voice, but this song doesn’t really find its footing in the film. Ariel sings it when she first comes to the island with her legs. This means that she, of course, cannot talk. So she is singing it in her head and we don’t get to see her actually perform it (not really anyways), which takes away from the power of it.
Prince Eric’s song, however, is quite the opposite. It proves that Jonah Hauer-King can hold his own against Halle. The song tells us how he is feeling in that moment and trust me when I tell you that he makes the audience feel it too.
Besides this great addition, the animals get a new song. Trust me when I tell you that Awkwafina and Daveed Diggs rapping is the team up that you never knew you needed, and that you will never forget. Easily the best of the new songs, this one will be on repeat for fans of all ages once the soundtrack drops.
There is also a completely new character, the Queen, who adds more to Prince Eric’s story. This not only gives him a bit more of a backstory, but it allows him to connect on a deeper level with Ariel, as he can understand exactly what she is going through with her father.
The CGI Doesn’t Always Work
The biggest complaint about the 2023 version of The Little Mermaid is easily the CGI. Putting the bizarre look of Flounder aside, nearly every underwater scene looks off. We have been spoiled by the likes of Avatar: The Way of the Water and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Their ability to seamlessly pull off these types of scenes is something we shouldn’t think about, but it is hard not to.
Luckily, it doesn’t take long before viewers will more or less forget about the CGI issues, as they become swept away with the story. This is largely in part due to the large scale sets and phenomenal performances the cast delivers. Not to mention the spot on humor that will have you laughing until your belly and cheeks hurt.
Once the movie hits dry land you will be taken aback by the massive sets and incredible story, and forget all about those pesky underwater issues. That is until Ursula becomes a giant but hey, at least she isn’t on the screen too long then.
Overall Thoughts
When it comes to the additions that were brought into The Little Mermaid, I love them. Eric and Ariel’s relationship makes so much more sense than in the animated version. It is easy to see why they are so good for each other, and why they fell in love.
At the same time, the core messages of the original are here. About taking risks to get where you want to be in life and about letting your children go when you know you need to. It is very much the same story, yet slightly different. The things that were changed and brought in evolve the story, but the original is still there should you ever want to go visit it. This is not a replacement, it is a compliment.
Scuttle and Sebastian are hilarious together, which is no surprise when you consider the actors. Time and time again they will have the viewers in stitches. Melissa McCarthy nails it as Ursula. She is scary and snarky and does not take no for an answer. She has her goals and she is willing to do anything to accomplish them.
It isn’t all prefect, but The Little Mermaid is the best of Disney’s live action adaptations yet — and it’s not even close. Halle Bailey has proven herself as a Disney Princess over and over. She is captivating every time she is on screen and is the perfect choice for Ariel.
See for yourself when The Little Mermaid swims into theaters everywhere on May 26th.
Rating: 4 out of 5
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About The Little Mermaid (2023)
The Little Mermaid is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric.
While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.
The Little Mermaid hits theaters on May 26th.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. She is also a Freelance Writer. Tessa has been in the Entertainment writing business for ten years and is a member of several Critics Associations including the Critics Choice Association and the Greater Western New York Film Critics Association.
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