Collette’s Review: The Little Mermaid

Any time there is a live-action remake, there’s a slew of comments ranging from, “Why would they remake a classic?” To, “I’m so sick of studios being unoriginal.” To be frank, the truth is that just because it’s nostalgic doesn’t mean it’s perfect. The world has changed, and so has Hollywood. What was put out 20-plus years ago may not have the same impact on kids now. Animation has improved, and films have bigger budgets. Also, to bring representation to the big screen through the magic of a Disney classic is something wonderful.

The story is the same. A mermaid named Ariel is obsessed with humans and dreams of walking on land. Just as Ariel longs to be a part of our world, we get to see a new one because this version ties in the time and location of where the movie is set. This version brings us to the Caribbean through sights and sounds.

Bringing an Animation to Life

Rob Marshall knows how to bring magic to musicals. The underwater scenes are gorgeous. Sure, there are a few times where the CGI looked off, but for the most part, you don’t even notice it because the production is stunning. He knows how to make a musical number theatrical. After every performance, you want to jump to your feet to give a standing ovation. Then you, unfortunately, realize you are in a movie theater and can’t really do that.

How Do You Update a Classic?

Well, you start with the music. Alan Menken’s classic songs are bigger and better than ever with the help of Lin-Manuel Miranda. There are noticeable changes to the orchestrations and added songs, especially for characters like Eric (played by Jonah Hauer-King), who never sang in the original. The music is lush and cinematic. Eric’s song, “Wild Uncharted Waters,” has a deep melody that will give you body chills. And Halle Bailey’s version of “Part of Your World” will almost bring you to tears.

The Phenomenal cast

Halle Bailey is breathtaking as Areil. Not only does she have the voice of a nightingale, but the wonderment and joy on her face throughout the film are perfectly in character. It’s challenging to have a character with a beautiful voice not be able to sing through most of the movie; luckily, Marshall, Miranda, and Menken brilliantly weaved her voice into the score as well as having a song that is sung from inside her mind.

Melissa McCarthy is truly transformed as Ursula. There is only a tiny hint of the usual McCarthy humor; other than that, she has cemented a solid performance that stands out from any previous roles. Not to mention she steals the show with her rendition of “Poor Unfortunate Souls.”

Daveed Diggs and Awkwafina are scene stealers as Sebastian and Scuttle. Diggs has hilarious lines throughout the film and will be a fan favorite for many children. The two also perform a new song together, “The Scuttlebutt” written by Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Miranda’s notable voice is on the song, and it’s a breath of fresh air for the underwater movie.

Conclusion

Is The Little Mermaid a perfect film? No, there are a few pacing problems, the CGI doesn’t look too great in a few spots, and it could’ve benefited from more musical numbers. That being said, the music we were given was fantastic, and the new songs were a treat. Halle Bailey gives a breathtaking performance as Ariel, McCarthy is transformed as Ursula, and Diggs is a scene stealer as Sebastian. Rob Marshall has once again created a magical musical that will leave you grinning throughout. This new version of the fish-out-of-water story will bring joy to a new audience. It’s a refreshing spin with a fantastic amount of representation. It may not be perfect, but this is truly an excellent live-action remake.