The long-awaited, live action movie version of “The Little Mermaid” is finally here. Was it worth the wait? Our JP reviews the Halle Bailey, Javier Bardem and Melissa McCarthy feature film.
The Little Mermaid (2023 Live Action)
Walt Disney Pictures
- Directed by Rob Marshall
- Screenplay by David Magee
- Based on Disney’s The Little Mermaid by Ron Clements, John Musker
- The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen
- Produced by Marc Platt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, John DeLuca, Rob Marshall
- Starring Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, Noma Dumezweni, Art Malik, Javier Bardem, Melissa McCarthy
Studio Synopsis:
“The Little Mermaid” is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden from interacting with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy. The film stars singer and actress Halle Bailey (“grown-ish”) as Ariel; Jonah Hauer-King (“A Dog’s Way Home”) as Eric; Tony Award® winner Daveed Diggs (“Hamilton”) as the voice of Sebastian; Awkwafina (“Raya and the Last Dragon”) as the voice of Scuttle; Jacob Tremblay (“Luca”) as the voice of Flounder; Noma Dumezweni (“Mary Poppins Returns”) as The Queen; Art Malik
(“Homeland”) as Sir Grimsby; with Oscar® winner Javier Bardem (“No Country for Old Men”) as King Triton; and twotime Academy Award® nominee Melissa McCarthy (“Can You Ever Forgive Me?” “Bridesmaids”) as Ursula.
J.P.’s Take
1989 saw the release of Disney’s magical and spirited animated feature, “The Little Mermaid.” It was a phenomenon with young girls around the globe. In the 34 years since, Disney sees fit to reintroduce the classic in live-action form, with a diverse cast and what they believe is a more politically correct narrative. However, the only reason to see the 2023 version is for nostalgia and the oddball cast of characters.
Despite my minor complaint about a few dimly lit underwater scenes, I wasn’t completely disappointed. With all its technical marvels, pairing live actors with CGI enhancements, the theatrical appearance looked colorful and lively. Yet, that’s not the issue I have with this revamping. It’s mainly Disney’s hodgepodge storytelling when trying to concoct a love story between a human and a mermaid. Something about this remake just felt a little off-kilter. It tries to squeeze a social-political / environmental narrative into a 2 hour, 15 minute time frame. And, even though Disney does its best to be more inclusive and politically correct, sometimes they struggle with telling the story behind the story.
One case in point is the moment with King Triton’s (Javier Bardem) seven daughters, which don’t seem to add up. And if I, as an adult, am left with a vague description, how are children to know? His daughters are of different races and represent the seven seas, yet their connection feels disjointed. One of the daughters is named Tameka. Hmmm …
“The Little Mermaid” also tries to etch out an environmentalist stance, with humans being destructive and uncaring of their surroundings … especially the ocean. Again, an element that will float over the heads of many kids; just looking to have a laugh and a good time with family. The tales of the merpeople and those of the human world seem to coincide, as the family dynamic is the undertone.
From a performance standpoint, the limited, star-studded cast does have its standouts:
- This being Halle Bailey’s first starring role as the pivotal character of Ariel (she will soon be on the rise). Her vibrant singing voice touchingly rings throughout the film. Although, there were times when her emotional expressions felt a bit restrained.
- Melissa McCarthy truly earns kudos for her wicked portrayal of Ursula.
- I felt Daveed Diggs voicing Sebastian and Awkwafina voicing Scuttle were the highlights. Their jesting back and forth leaves viewers cackling like hyenas. When the two break out into a rap battle, we viewers couldn’t help but bop to the beat. It was cleverly presented and smooth.
- Jonah Hauer-King also belted out a few songs and was charming as Prince Eric.
- Jacob Tremblay voiced the adorable Flounder.
- Norma Dumezweni and Art Malik do a clean and simple job of shoring up parental duties as Queen Selina and Sir Grimsby, respectively.
- Jodi Benson, who is the original voice of Ariel in the animated film, makes a cameo appearance as a market vendor.
- And last but certainly not least, Bardem does a solid job of portraying the majestic King Triton.
The overarching image of “The Little Mermaid” has this feel-good family time feel, if a bit forbidding in its tone and statements. Yet, I doubt younglings will get any more out of it than a few good laughs and dazzling imagery. Adults, on the other hand, may find this Disney rehashing of a Hans Christian Andersen story as fodder. It looks great on the big screen, yet I didn’t feel overjoyed after having watched it.
Official Site: The Little Mermaid