The Little Mermaid (2023) Review!!

Synopsis – A young mermaid makes a deal with a sea witch to trade her beautiful voice for human legs so she can discover the world above water and impress a prince.

My Take – Considering how much I hated Mulan (2020), Pinocchio (2022) and Peter Pan & Wendy (2023), I had no specific expectations from Disney‘s latest attempt to re-imagine its stable of beloved classics as soulless, all CGI heavy carbon copies.

Sure, the 1989 animated film written and directed by John Musker and Ron Clements, which itself was loosely based on the 1837 fairy tale of the same title by Hans Christian Andersen, isn’t my favorite Disney Renaissance film.

But it is indeed an undisputed classic that saved the animation studio at a crucial juncture in its storied history. And like most boys at the time, I too crushed on Ariel and devoured the colorful look of the film, as well as several of the iconic songs.

In a surprising turn of events the $250 million budgeted event film is arguably one of the better live action Disney remakes to come out till date. Directed by Rob Marshall (Chicago, Into the Woods) and written by David Magee (Finding Neverland, Life of Pi), the remake modernizes the classic tale for a new generation of the audiences, while staying faithful to the spirit of the original.

All the while striking a balance with ample drama and effective music, ensuring that it feels like a complete cinematic experience for everyone.

Yes, the film is marred by some bizarre special effects, but is also effectively updates some of the songs and dialogue to reflect more contemporary sensibilities and humor. Led by a star-making performance from Halle Bailey as Princess Ariel, the film is undoubtedly going to be another money spinner for the Mouse House.

The story follows Ariel (Halle Bailey), a spirited mermaid princess and the youngest daughter of King Triton (Javier Bardem), ruler of the merpeople of Atlantica. Frustrated by her life’s confines and thirst for adventure, Ariel is fascinated with the world above the sea inhabited by humans.

But since King Triton has forbidden his citizens from interacting with them, Ariel spends her time with her aquatic friend Flounder (voiced by Jacob Tremblay) collecting human artifacts from ship wreckage, which she stores in a secret cave.

That is until one day, despite pleas from Flounder and Sebastian (voiced by Daveed Diggs), a loyal crab and the King’s chief steward, Ariel swims to the surface and discovers a ship and Eric (Jonah Hauer-King), a prince of a nearby Caribbean island kingdom.

But when the vessel is battered and destroyed by a fierce storm, Ariel ends up rescuing him. An act which angers her father. Desperate to find a way around her father’s rules and spend more time with Eric, Ariel ends up making a deal with Triton’s banished sister, Ursula (Melissa McCarthy), a wicked sea witch. A deal which allows her to become human for three days, but at a severe cost.

This sets into motion a by-the-book rebellious love story about free spirits who just want to love and live as they choose. Without a doubt, the remake is a feast for the eyes and ears, with stunning visuals and catchy tunes that will enchant viewers of all ages. Showcasing the beauty and diversity of the ocean world, as well as the charm and splendor of the human realm.

The film features new scenes and characters that explore the cultures and backgrounds of Ariel and Eric, as well as their relationship and motivations. Naturally, Eric and Ariel’s romance is improved as a result of this focus on beefing up their characters.

There’s a genuine bond here as we learn more about him, and they truly get to know each other. Their kingdom adventures are charming, and you care if they end up together. I wanted things to work out in the animated film, but it was out of appreciation for Ariel’s plucky curiosity. Animated Eric isn’t anything special except for his bond with his dog Max and the scene where he impales Ursula.

The music doesn’t stray too far from fan-pleasing familiarity, after all it is composed by Alan Menken, who returns to score the film and write new songs with Lin-Manuel Miranda, whose presence adds a welcome rap and steel-pan funk to a soundtrack that contains a show-stopping rendition of Part of Your World.

Nevertheless, the film is not without its flaws. Though some of the changes made to the story may not sit well with fans of the original animation or the fairy tale source material. Its biggest problems lie in lackluster underwater sequences, realistic sea creatures missing cartoonish charm, and additions to the story that are quaint but not necessarily memorable. Some of the creature designs are also less than appealing or realistic, especially compared to other recent Disney live-action remakes.

However, the film boasts of some impressive performances from the cast. Halle Bailey is unquestionably a powerhouse. She brings a fresh and captivating take on Ariel. She sings with grace and power, expressing Ariel’s longing and joy with every note. Inspiring sympathy even as she’s silent for the latter half.

Melissa McCarthy also delivers a memorable turn as Ursula, who is both menacing and hilarious in her schemes and songs. Jonah Hauer-King makes a decent fist of the debonair Prince Eric, while Javier Bardem is commanding in his role as King Triton Ariel’s kind but strict father.

Although Flounder, Scuttle and Sebastian appear more realistic than anything else in the film, Jacob Tremblay, Awkwafina, and Daveed Diggs seem to be having a blast in their roles. On the whole, ‘The Little Mermaid’ is a decently entertaining Disney remake that does enough to make a splash.