Movie Review: The Little Mermaid (2023)

Critic Rating:
4.5/5

Halle Bailey is Ariel in Disney’s live-action reimagining of The Little Mermaid which is breathtaking and shines throughout the film. 

The youngest of King Triton’s daughters, Ariel (Halle Bailey) is a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. Longing to learn more about the world beyond the sea, Ariel visits the surface and falls for the dashing Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King). Following her heart, she makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula (Melissa McCarthy), to experience life on land.

Director Rob Marshall has created a visually stunning piece of film, and with some Disney magic, transports us to a world where fantasy meets reality. The underwater kingdom of Atlantica is brought to life with such attention to detail. Each scene is painted with mesmerizing colors – from the sparkling coral reefs to the magnificent sea creatures, every frame feels like a work of art. It immerses the audience into a world of pure imagination with no limits. 

Halle Bailey is Ariel and her performance is nothing but extraordinary. Her beauty and grace breathe life into an iconic character, adding a fresh and modern perspective to the mermaid we all love. Bailey’s voice is angelic and powerful and effortlessly carries the film’s mesmerizing melodies, pulling audiences deeper under the sea. 

The supporting cast also delivers some awesome performances that are just as good. Melissa McCarthy is devilishly delicious as the sea witch Ursula and is such a revelation, blending charisma and menace making her a force of nature. Javier Bardem commands the screen as King Triton with authority and a depth of emotion that pulls at your heart. And we cannot forget about the trio that is Flounder (Jacob Trembly), Sebastian (Daveed Diggs), and Scuttle (Awkwafina) whose comedic timing and infectious energy help add some much-need moments of pure joy. 

But, it’s ultimately the music that steals the show. The original songs we love are reinvented with a fresh and contemporary vibe. The added bonus of new and still mesmerizing compositions from original composer Alan Menken, adds more depth and emotion to the story and will still leave you humming the tunes. 

Overall, The Little Mermaid is a breathtaking and magical adventure that reminds us why we fell in love with the story, to begin with. Halle Bailey’s portrayal of Ariel is a revelation and she sparkles and shines the entire film. The visuals are stunning, and the music is a symphony of pure delight. Prepare to dive into a world of wonder and nostalgia in this extraordinary cinematic adventure that will leave you with a song in your heart

 

Disney’s The Little Mermaid is now playing in theaters.

What did you think of the film? Let us know in the comments below

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