The Little Mermaid – Film Review

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

The Little Mermaid is a timeless classic that has been adapted into various forms of media, from books to movies to musicals. The latest adaptation is the live-action movie directed by Rob Marshall. As a fan of the original animated movie, I was excited to see how the live-action version would compare. After watching it, I can confidently say that it exceeded my expectations.

First and foremost, the casting for the movie was spot-on. Halle Bailey was the perfect choice for Ariel, capturing the character’s curiosity and adventurous spirit. Her singing was also outstanding, especially in the iconic song “Part of Your World.” Alongside her, Jonah Hauer-King portrayed a charming and passionate Prince Eric. The chemistry between the two actors was palpable, making their romance all the more believable.

The supporting cast was equally impressive. Melissa McCarthy played Ursula, the villainous sea witch, with a perfect balance of humor and menace. Awkwafina and Jacob Tremblay also stood out as Ariel’s friends, Scuttle and Flounder, respectively. Their comedic timing and energy added to the overall enjoyment of the movie.

One of the aspects that stood out to me the most was the film’s visuals. The underwater scenes were breathtakingly beautiful, with vibrant colors and intricate details. The costumes and makeup were also a standout, especially in the case of Ursula’s iconic tentacles. The movie’s production design was top-notch, creating a visually stunning world that was both familiar and fresh.

Another element that I appreciated was the movie’s approach to the story. While it still followed the original plot, there were some changes and additions that made it feel more modern and relevant. For example, Ariel’s desire to explore the human world was expanded upon, highlighting the importance of curiosity and open-mindedness. The movie also tackled themes such as acceptance and identity, making it more than just a simple fairy tale.

Of course, the music was also a highlight of the movie. The classic songs from the original movie were included, but with some new arrangements and additions. The new songs were also a standout, especially “Wild Uncharted Waters,” which was performed by Hauer-King. Heck, I didn’t even mind listening to the new song “The Scuttlebutt,” performed by Awkwafina and Daveed Diggs. The music added an extra layer of emotion and magic to the movie.

Overall, The Little Mermaid directed by Rob Marshall is a fantastic adaptation of the beloved story. The casting, visuals, music, and storytelling were all exceptional, making it a must-see for fans of the original and newcomers alike. It’s a movie that captures the spirit of the original while also adding its own unique flair, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a magical and heartwarming experience.