The Little Mermaid movie review

MOVIE TITLE: The Little Mermaid

This newly reimagined version of the beloved animation is now playing in theaters.

RATING: PG

LENGTH: 2 hours 15 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: A-

IN A NUTSHELL:

Disney has received a lot of terrible reviews of their previous live-action remakes in recent years; however, this one is actually their highest-rated one! Despite audiences mostly loving it, there has been a lot of criticism about various elements in the remake from Hans Christian Anderson purists to the drag community, finding fault with casting and makeup and everything else about it. Disney doesn’t seem to care, as they already have two more live-action remakes scheduled to hit the Big Screen in the near future.

This version of the popular Disney musical was directed by Rob Marshall. Writing credits go to David Magee.

Just like the original animation, the story is about a young mermaid who makes a deal with the sea witch to trade her beautiful voice for human legs so she can discover the world above water and impress a prince.

With all of its controversy, what did YOU think of the movie?

On a personal note, I watched the original animated movie with my children when they were very young. I have a melancholy attachment to it, so my expectations were extremely high. I still favor the original, but this one is still a nice addition to the Disney collection.

THINGS I LIKED:

This remake features the lovely Halle Bailey as Ariel. She has a beautiful voice and truly captures the look of wonder as she discovers the world of humans. When it was revealed that she got the leading part in the movie, the hashtag #NotMyAriel went viral. The controversy wasn’t necessarily because she’s African American but because a Black Ariel wasn’t true to the Danish origin of the story by Hans Christian Andersen. If you’ve seen the movie, do you agree or disagree with that sentiment?
I LOVE that this film includes a cute cameo with Jodi Benson, who voices the original Ariel in the animation. In this movie, the actress/singer is seen as the person who gives the new Ariel a fork (“dinglehopper”).
Jonah Hauer-King compliments Ariel as Prince Eric. I wish we could have gotten to know his personality a little better.
The rest of the talented cast includes Melissa McCarthy, Javier Bardem, Awkwafina, Noma Dumezweni, Daveed Diggs, Jacob Tremblay, Art Malik, and more.
Lizzo auditioned for the role of Ursula and even wore an octopus costume. I’m a fan of Melissa McCarthy and thought she did a fine job, even doing all of her own singing after being coached by Eric Vetro. It just made me wonder if Lizzo might have even been a stronger Ursula, certainly in the singing department. Bette Midler would have also been absolutely fantastic (I adore Ms. M), but Disney didn’t even reach out to her.
This version honors the original animation while giving new legs to a new generation of little girls who don’t look like the typical Disney Princess of old.
It’s so colorful, vibrant, and imaginative.
I love all of the undersea creatures and how they interact with Ariel…except the sea snakes. Ick.
The costume designer, Colleen Atwood, worked very hard to ensure all of the merpeople had accessories that were actually made from the sea.
Disney swapped out the Old English Sheepdog for a Bearded Collie, just like it did in the 2006 movie The Shaggy Dog.
We get four new songs in this version. The music was written by Alan Menken, just like in the original, but the lyrics were created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the talented creator of the huge Broadway hit “Hamilton.” He also did the lyrics for Moana and several other musicals.
Fun fact: It took 4 years to film the movie because production had to shut down during the Covid-19 pandemic.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

I admit that I’m completely biased in favor of the original The Little Mermaid because I have so many special memories of watching it with my children. That being said, this version isn’t as bad as some people are saying. It just doesn’t have quite the Disney magic and spark as the original…for me.
One of the biggest complaints I’ve been hearing about this remake addresses the pacing. I tend to agree. There was no need to make this movie so long.
I wish Sebastian’s little face could have been more expressive.
If you struggle with vertigo as I do, you might get dizzy during a few scenes when the camera spins through seaweed and coral really fast under the sea.
Now as a mother watching this story, it just made me laugh at how quickly and easily Ariel fell in love with someone she had never even met or talked to.
Some of the mermaids look super CGI.
I was sad that two songs from the original animation were removed: “Daughters of Triton” and “Les Poissons.” Sadly, also missing is the adorable Chef Louis.
Since this is the age of feminism, Scuttle, the male seagull in the original animation is now a female.
The song “Scuttlebutt” song was more annoying than charming.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

People and creatures are in perilous situations.
Dishonest conversations
Jealousy is shown.

THEMES:

Love
Family
Sacrifice
Wanting to see what else is out there in the world
Finding your place in the world

INTERESTING LINES:

“I’m trying to reach out to other cultures so we don’t get left behind.” – Price Eric (Jonah Hauer-King)
“Don’t be held back by what should be. Think only about what is.” – Sir Grimsby (Art Malik)
“Thank you for hearing me.” – Ariel (Halle Bailey) “You shouldn’t have had to give up your voice to be heard.” – King Tritan (Javier Bardem)