Gladly Part of This World: Review of Disney’s Live Action Remake of “The Little Mermaid
Prepare to be swept away into a wonderful feel-good oasis under the sea with Disney’s live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid”. This delightful film takes the beloved animated classic and infuses it with a new level of charm and magic. As a fan of the original and great remakes alike, I couldn’t help but fall head over heels for this enchanting retelling.
The visuals in “The Little Mermaid” are simply breathtaking. The underwater realm comes alive with vibrant colors and stunning details, creating a mesmerizing and whimsical backdrop for Ariel’s extraordinary journey. From the sparkling underwater landscapes, to the endearing and fantastical sea creatures and also to Prince Eric’s amazing tropical castle, every frame is a visual treat that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. And most importantly for me: It’s a great escape! You’ll just love spending time in this fantastical world, with this lovable characters and their captivating stories.
Halle Bailey’s portrayal of Ariel is nothing short of amazing. Her infectious charisma and heartfelt performance bring a whole new dimension to the beloved character. Not only does she capture Ariel’s yearning for adventure and independence, but her mesmerizing voice also beautifully captures the emotions and melodies of the iconic songs we all hold dear. Bailey’s performance, coupled with a talented ensemble cast, brings the charming characters of “The Little Mermaid” to life in the most delightful way. Kudos also go to Melissa McCarthy who knocks her Ursula out of the park. I’m a fan of her since movies like The Heat, Identity Thief and Bridesmaids — amazing humor, just hilariously stupid — but now she leveled-up tremendously. She kept all that was good about the character, the sassy evil sea witch, infused it with her own trademarks and made her version of “Poor Unfortunate Souls“ a spectacle to behold!
Speaking of the soundtrack, it was, of course, a delight. The classic songs by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman we know and love have been reimagined with a fresh and modern twist, making them irresistibly catchy and undeniably adorable. Each musical number is filled with joy and will have you singing along and tapping your feet in no time. We even got two new songs with lyrics by the one and only Lin-Manuel Miranda and while they don’t necessarily fit perfectly to the others, they definitely add to the mix well. Miranda sneaking in a rap could be considered blasphemy but I respect that bold choice and today’s kids will certainly love it!
The heartwarming story of “The Little Mermaid” remains intact in this live-action remake, with some delightful additions that bring even more depth and emotion to the narrative. It’s a tale of self-discovery, true love, and the pursuit of dreams that will warm your heart and leave you with a smile. While there are a few moments that feel slightly rushed (even though the movie got an additional 45 minutes!), the sheer beauty of the film more than makes up for it. What stood out for me most was the reinvention of how Ariel and Eric fall in love with each other. They changed a lot in that regard and took a lot of the additional time exploring that connection and I absolutely love it! This is such an important change and highlights what these remakes should all be about: Retelling a beloved story by aligning it with important, social and cultural changes that happened since it was last told. Let me tell you that much: Ariel doesn’t fall in love immediately anymore because of how handsome Eric is. And even Eric’s feelings are not based on pretty looks and a sweet voice. Shocker!
Disney’s live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid” is an absolute gem. With its adorable characters, stunning visuals, and catchy music, it is a joyous celebration of the original animated classic. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering the story for the first time, this film is guaranteed to captivate your heart and leave you enchanted. Dive into this magical underwater adventure and prepare to be swept away by its irresistible charm.
Title: “The Little Mermaid“
Release Date: 26.05.2023
Runtime: 2h 15min
Teaser Trailer: The Little Mermaid | Official Teaser Trailer
Trailer: The Little Mermaid | Official Trailer
For more infos on ratings and reception see Rotten Tomatoes and the IMDb
