The Little Mermaid 2023 Full Movie

“The Little Mermaid” remake brings impressive animation, a talented cast, and modernized characters to immerse audiences in Ariel’s world. Rest assured, this beloved animated movie is not botched, although it stays quite close to the original’s blueprint. With time, you’ll get used to the animation of Sebastian (Daveed Diggs) and Flounder (Jacob Tremblay), and all your favorite songs are performed spot-on.

While Disney’s live-action “Little Mermaid” has few differences from the 1989 animated movie, the standout distinction lies in the diverse and talented cast. However, fans of the original could easily select frames from the 2023 movie that are identical to the 1989 version. Certain scenes, like Ariel’s (Halle Bailey) iconic rendition of “Part of Your World,” appear as if the filmmakers copy-and-pasted the animated version with live-action actors. Initially appealing to older audiences seeking nostalgia, it eventually feels uninspired.

Nevertheless, the additions made to the live-action movie, such as Scuttle’s (Awkwafina) song, reminiscent of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s classic musical style, and the extra interactions between Ariel and Eric, enhance the story. However, the striking similarity between the two movies raises the question of whether this remake was truly necessary.

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Entertaining? Yes. Yet, the 2023 “Little Mermaid” lives in the shadow of its animated predecessor, with minimal effort made to set it apart from the deeply ingrained animated version we all know.

One remarkable aspect of the remake is the inclusion of new music from the talented duo of Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton,” “In the Heights”) and Alan Menken (“Newsies,” “Beauty and the Beast”). They composed a handful of new songs while ensuring the fan-favorites still shine. Audiences will hear a heartfelt solo from Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King), expressing his emotions for the life ahead and the woman he has fallen for. Menken explains that the song is a love song to her, to the sea, and to Eric’s uncharted waters, becoming a significant theme throughout the movie. Additionally, Ariel has her own song as she experiences her first time on land, and Scuttle has a rap in Miranda’s distinctive style.

Writing new music while honoring the Academy Award-winning music of the original was a daunting task, as director Rob Marshall acknowledged during a Q&A. The search for an Ariel who could deliver the iconic “Part of Your World” was crucial, and Grammy-nominated artist Halle Bailey proved her worthiness with an audition that moved Marshall to tears.

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In 2023, Ariel emerges as an empowered modern mermaid, setting her apart from previous Disney princesses who relied on handsome princes to save them. Ariel’s independence, courage to stand up to her father, curiosity for different cultures, and willingness to take the first step with Prince Eric make her an inspiring character for a new generation of young audiences. Bailey maintains Ariel’s bubbly personality while introducing a deeper character than the sea princess of the ’80s.

Ariel, still a mermaid, makes mistakes but no longer depends on her father’s power to clean up her mess. Instead, she harnesses her own power to confront Ursula (Melissa McCarthy), earn sympathy and understanding from her father, King Triton (Javier Bardem), and unite two misunderstood worlds. Despite losing her voice to Ursula, Ariel forms meaningful connections with Eric, who is drawn to her playful disposition and curious nature. Their relationship carries major Romeo and Juliet vibes, as their feuding kingdoms nearly jeopardize their love but ultimately prove that their worlds are more similar than different.

Ursula and Scuttle provide plenty of laughter, with McCarthy striking a perfect balance between a hilarious meddling sea witch and a power-hungry monster. However, for younger audiences, Ursula might be a tad too scary. Her menacing presence, realistic tentacles, and willingness to kill for power could potentially leave children with nightmares. It’s worth considering if your kids might find her too frightening.

In summary, “The Little Mermaid” (2023) is worth watching. Adult audiences will appreciate the nostalgic approach to this remake, and children will be captivated by the impressive visuals. The film offers a fresh take on the classic love story, complemented by enjoyable new musical numbers.

“The Little Mermaid” is set to hit theaters on Friday, May 26.

The Little Mermaid Movie Detail

The Little Mermaid 2023 Movie Trailer

Screenshots of The Little Mermaid