Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid has been one of the most anticipated movies of 2023, ever since the casting of Halle Bailey as Ariel was announced in 2019. The film, directed by Rob Marshall and featuring new songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, promises to be a modern and diverse adaptation of the beloved animated classic. But does it live up to the hype, or does it sink under the weight of expectations?
The story is familiar to anyone who has seen the original: Ariel, a curious and adventurous mermaid, falls in love with Prince Eric, a human, and makes a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula to trade her voice for legs. She has three days to make Eric kiss her, or else she will lose her soul to Ursula. Along the way, she is helped by her friends Flounder, Sebastian, and Scuttle, while also facing danger from Ursula’s minions and Eric’s scheming advisor.
The film follows the basic plot of the original, but also adds some new twists and details that make it more relevant and engaging for today’s audiences. For example, Ariel is given more agency and personality, as she is not only interested in Eric, but also in exploring the human world and pursuing her passion for music. Eric, on the other hand, is not just a handsome prince, but also an adventurous explorer who wants to see the world beyond his kingdom. He even gets his own song, “Beyond the Horizon”, which expresses his longing for adventure.
The film also expands on the backstory and motivations of Ursula, who is revealed to be Triton’s sister and a former ruler of Atlantica. She was banished by her brother for using dark magic and now seeks revenge by taking over the underwater kingdom. Melissa McCarthy plays Ursula with relish and flair, delivering a wickedly fun performance that balances humor and menace. She also gets to sing a new song, “Poor Unfortunate Souls (Reprise)”, which reveals her true plan and power.
The film’s biggest strength is its cast, especially Halle Bailey as Ariel. She is a revelation in the role, bringing charm, charisma, and emotion to every scene. She has a beautiful voice that suits both the classic and new songs, and she makes them her own with her unique interpretation. She also has great chemistry with Jonah Hauer-King as Eric, who is equally charming and likable. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Javier Bardem as Triton, Daveed Diggs as Sebastian, Jacob Tremblay as Flounder, Awkwafina as Scuttle, and Noma Dumezweni as Carlotta.
The film’s visual effects are impressive, creating a vibrant and colorful underwater world that feels realistic and magical at the same time. The film also uses practical effects and costumes for some of the characters, such as Ursula’s tentacles and Flounder’s puppet. The film’s cinematography is stunning, capturing both the beauty and danger of the sea. The film’s musical numbers are well-staged and choreographed, especially “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl”, which are full of energy and joy.
The film is not without its flaws, however. Some of the new songs are not as memorable or catchy as the original ones, and some of them feel unnecessary or out of place. For example, “In Harmony”, a song sung by Triton and his daughters at the beginning of the film, does not add much to the story or character development. Some of the scenes also feel rushed or underdeveloped, such as Ariel’s transformation into a human or Ursula’s final confrontation with Triton. The film’s tone is also inconsistent at times, shifting from light-hearted comedy to dark drama without much transition.
Overall, The Little Mermaid (2023) is a solid and enjoyable remake that pays homage to the original while also adding some freshness and diversity. It may not be perfect or groundbreaking, but it is certainly worth watching for its cast, music, visuals, and heart. It is a film that celebrates love, curiosity, adventure, and freedom in all their forms.
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