The Little Mermaid: Movie Review

Cast: Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Art Malik, Javier Bardem, Melissa McCarthy, Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay

Director: Rob Marshall

Disney continues its back catalogue plundering with its longest entry yet, the human remake of its fantasy musical from 1989, The Little Mermaid.

But it's a reinvention that offers limited pleasures despite an extremely strong lead actress as well as some new songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda, which unfortunately pale when compared to the originals.

For those unaware of the classic animation, it's the story of mermaid Ariel (a resplendent Bailey) who longs to be part of the human world after her father King Triton (Bardem, flat and uninspiring) has forbidden it. But when sea witch Ursula (McCarthy, all sass and menace) offers her a chance to trade in her scales for legs to spend time in the world above the sea, Ariel jumps at it.

The thing with the 2023 remake of The Little Mermaid is that it's a little too safe in its depiction of the story, and were it not for the performances of Bailey, McCarthy and Diggs, the film would have felt limp and uninspired.

Perhaps it's the fact the original is such a superlative blend of vibrant animation and show-stopping numbers, but the latest's generic take on the story feels a little creatively limp and certainly feels its 135 minute length in the initial stages.

It's not helped by Hauer-King's weaker Prince Erik who seems adrift in this adaptation and seems to lack some of the chemistry needed for the romance side of the story. Certainly some of the character adjustments aren't quite explored enough for Erik, and leave him feeling somewhat tepid - as is demonstrated by his new song coming moments after Under the Sea. Added to the mix is a generic feel to the Caribbean locale, which feels like a holiday advert writ large at times with its idyllic and stereotyped shots.

Fortunately, Bailey's charismatic, vibrant performance as the mermaid who longs for more, complete with her powerhouse singing make the 2023 version of Ariel a character for many to admire. 

From her Part of This World opening number to the internal singing monologues she's given when muted, Bailey makes her Ariel empathetic and warm. It's something which is matched by Diggs' turn as the comedy crab fussing over the future of his charge - their duet on Under the Sea, the film's Oscar-winning song, is a delight - a wonderfully choreographed sequence that sparkles with sea-life and charm as it unfurls its Calypso beats.

Equally McCarthy's wicked witch complete with tentacles, sass and some killer lines proves to be a formidable foe for Ariel and a career best for her.

While the 2023 reimagination of The Little Mermaid may disappoint some, it will also thrill many - led largely by its lead. If Disney had just had the wherewithal to cut some of the saggy running time and make a few creative tweaks and risks to the film, The Little Mermaid would have been a much-needed revival of the Disney live action movies. 

As it is, it's perfectly enjoyable but can't help but leave you feeling it could have been more.