"The Little Mermaid: A Charming Performance by Halle Bailey Anchors an Otherwise Average Remake"
Disney's live-action adaptation of "The Little Mermaid" may not capture the enchantment of the original animated classic, but it does showcase the talent of Halle Bailey, who delivers a winning performance in the titular role. Supported by a strong cast, the film offers an innocuous, if somewhat bland, experience.
The announcement that Halle Bailey, an African American musician and actor, would portray Ariel in the remake sparked a wave of racist backlash with the #NotMyAriel hashtag. However, now that the film has been released, it is clear that the controversy was unfounded. "The Little Mermaid" proves to be a harmless and unremarkable retelling of the beloved story.
Directed by Rob Marshall and written by David Magee, who previously collaborated on "Mary Poppins Returns," the film attempts to recreate the magic of the original animated feature. Lin-Manuel Miranda, the current titan of musicals, serves as co-producer and songwriter, alongside the legendary composer Alan Menken, who worked on the original film. The film boasts a strong supporting cast, with Daveed Diggs and Awkwafina injecting some comic energy into their roles as a crab and a bird, respectively. Javier Bardem brings parental protectiveness to his portrayal of King Triton, while Melissa McCarthy channels the spirit of Divine as the Sea Witch Ursula, culminating in a visually impressive finale.
Despite its star-studded ensemble and creative team, "The Little Mermaid" falls short of recapturing the timeless charm of its animated predecessor. The film's reliance on CGI sometimes results in underwhelming visuals, and there are moments that feel unsettling due to the "uncanny valley" effect. Additionally, the lengthy two-and-a-quarter-hour running time stretches the story thin, making it feel bloated and lacking in narrative depth.
Nevertheless, Halle Bailey's portrayal of Ariel shines through as the film's highlight. She brings a freshness and authenticity to the character, captivating audiences with her performance. Bailey's talent and charisma help elevate the overall viewing experience, making her the true star of the film.
In conclusion, while Disney's live-action adaptation of "The Little Mermaid" may not live up to the magic of its animated predecessor, it offers a harmless and average retelling of the beloved story. Halle Bailey's standout performance, supported by a talented cast, adds a spark of charm to an otherwise lackluster remake. Fans of the original may find themselves longing for the animated classic's timeless appeal, but newcomers to the story can still appreciate the film's entertainment value.
What aspects of Disney's live-action adaptation of "The Little Mermaid" differentiate it from the original animated classic?
In the live-action adaptation of "The Little Mermaid," there are several aspects that differentiate it from the original animated classic. Firstly, the casting of Halle Bailey, an African American actress, as Ariel sparked significant discussion and brought a fresh perspective to the character. This casting choice added diversity to the film and prompted conversations about representation in mainstream media.
Additionally, the film incorporates updated visual effects and CGI technology to create a more realistic underwater world. While the original animation was visually vibrant and imaginative, the live-action adaptation aims to bring a different level of visual spectacle to the screen.
Furthermore, the film features new musical arrangements and performances, with Lin-Manuel Miranda serving as co-producer and songwriter alongside the original composer, Alan Menken. This collaboration brings a contemporary musical touch to the film, infusing it with new energy and interpretations of the beloved songs.
Overall, the live-action adaptation of "The Little Mermaid" seeks to reimagine the story and characters in a way that reflects modern sensibilities and engages audiences in a fresh and visually stunning manner.
The little mermaid (2023) - info
- Release date: May 26, 2023
- Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
- Director: Rob Marshall
- Writers: David Magee, Hans Christian Andersen, John Musker
- Stars: Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy