A live-action rendition of “The Little Mermaid,” the movie that set off Disney’s animated resurgence in 1989, is loaded with high expectations. Carrying the film masterfully, the commendable performance of star Halle Bailey enables it to stand firm under these anticipations, maintaining the original’s core while enhancing underdeveloped elements and riding on a deeply appealing nostalgic wave.
While older children might be somewhat indifferent towards the idea of another undersea journey, there’s plenty for parents and younger kids to enjoy in Disney’s recent venture to use its intellectual property fully. Despite the hit-or-miss outcomes of live-action remakes, “The Little Mermaid” fortunately veers closer to the success of “Beauty and the Beast,” rather than the likes of “Dumbo” or the recent Disney+ disappointment “Pinocchio.”
Initial reactions from the audience might be questioning why this retelling adds nearly an hour to the original animated success, probably recalling more of its vibrant musical numbers than its tale of love at first sight.
Director Rob Marshall, partnering with writer David Magee and producer/Broadway star Lin-Manuel Miranda (who has added new lyrics to complement Howard Ashman and Alan Menken’s classics), addresses this query by further developing not only Bailey’s Ariel but also her love interest, Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King), who receives a new song and an expanded backstory.
The announcement of the movie stirred an unfounded and racially charged uproar in the darker corners of social media regarding Bailey’s casting. However, her remarkable portrayal of Ariel, marked by her youthful innocence and the vibrant rendition of songs such as “Part of Your World,” confirms the producers’ excellent choice. This discerning selection extends to Melissa McCarthy’s portrayal of the malicious Ursula, who manipulates Ariel’s desires to gain power, and Javier Bardem, who effortlessly sports a crown and trident as King Triton.
Marshall floods the screen with “Aquaman”-esque imagery from the start, effectively portraying the magnificence of the undersea realm and Ariel’s longing for more. When she finally sings, the familiarity of the signature tune, “Part of Your World,” immerses the audience, inciting applause as if witnessing a live musical.
The playlist has undergone some changes, including a rap sequence for the forgetful bird Scuttle (Awkwafina), a modernized version of “Kiss the Girl,” and excluding the song about cooking the beloved Sebastian (Daveed Diggs), whose role is otherwise unaffected. Early concerns about the sea creatures’ appearance prove to be much ado about nothing, although scrutiny is expected with such endeavours.
The soul of “The Little Mermaid” is largely preserved. On the bright side, allowing Ariel and Eric to spend more time together on land makes their love story feel more natural. On the other hand, the showdown with Ursula could be more impactful, but it was one of the weaker aspects of the original as well.
Tackling a project like “The Little Mermaid” comes with many associated considerations for Disney, ranging from merchandise to theme parks. The film successfully navigates the tricky task of treating the story with sincere respect without being entirely constrained by it.
From this perspective, “The Little Mermaid” is both polished and pleasing, achieving the fundamental goal of allowing parents and kids to build shared experiences around it. Even if we overlook other qualities, Bailey’s stellar performance delivers an engaging spectacle that justifies a break from the summer heat, and in terms of enduring enjoyment, it may well have lasting appeal.
