Why It’s Good: The Little Mermaid (2023)

Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid has been one of the most anticipated movies of 2023. The film, which is based on the 1989 animated classic, follows the story of Ariel, a mermaid princess who longs to explore the human world and falls in love with Prince Eric, a daring adventurer. The film has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, but I think it is a good remake that pays tribute to the original while also adding some new twists and depth. Here are some of the reasons why I enjoyed The Little Mermaid 2023.

The Visuals

One of the most striking aspects of the film is the visual effects. The movie displays a bright and vivid array of colors that capture the beauty and diversity of the marine and terrestrial worlds. The underwater scenes are especially stunning, with realistic and detailed animations of fish, coral, seaweed, and other creatures. The film also uses CGI to create the iconic characters of Sebastian, Flounder, and Scuttle, who are voiced by Daveed Diggs, Jacob Tremblay, and Awkwafina respectively. The CGI is not perfect, and sometimes it looks a bit unnatural or uncanny, but overall it does not detract from the enjoyment of the film.

The Diversity

Another commendable aspect of the film is the diversity of the cast and the cultures. The film features actors of different races, ethnicities, and backgrounds, which reflects the reality and richness of our world. Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, is the first Black actress to portray the character in a live-action adaptation. She delivers a stellar performance that showcases her charisma, talent, and voice. She also brings a new perspective and depth to Ariel, who is more than just a rebellious teenager who wants to be part of another world. She is also a curious and adventurous explorer who wants to learn about different cultures and people.

The film also explores the cultural differences between the merfolk and the humans, as well as within each group. For example, King Triton’s kingdom is shown to be diverse and inclusive, with mermaids and mermen of different colors, shapes, and sizes. The film also introduces new characters and elements from different cultures, such as Ariel’s friend Kida, who is a Polynesian mermaid, and Ursula’s henchmen Flotsam and Jetsam, who are based on Japanese yokai (supernatural beings). The film also incorporates music and instruments from various regions, such as Caribbean steel drums, African drums, Asian flutes, and European violins.

The Music

Speaking of music, the film does not disappoint in this aspect either. The film features the classic songs from the original film, such as “Part of Your World”, “Under the Sea”, “Poor Unfortunate Souls”, and “Kiss the Girl”, which are sung by the cast with passion and emotion. The songs are also updated with new arrangements and styles that suit the tone and mood of each scene. For example, “Part of Your World” is sung by Bailey with a soulful and powerful voice that conveys Ariel’s longing and determination. “Under the Sea” is sung by Diggs with a rap-like flow that adds humor and energy to the song. “Poor Unfortunate Souls” is sung by Melissa McCarthy, who plays Ursula, with a sinister and seductive voice that reveals her cunning and manipulative nature.

The film also features new songs written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also serves as a producer for the film. Miranda is known for his musicals Hamilton and In the Heights, which blend hip-hop, pop, R&B, and other genres to tell stories of diverse characters and cultures. Miranda brings his signature style to The Little Mermaid , creating songs that enhance the story and the characters. For example, he wrote a new song for Prince Eric called “Beyond My Horizon”, which expresses his desire to explore new lands and seas. He also wrote a new song for Ariel called “In Harmony”, which celebrates the diversity and unity of life under the sea.

The Story

The last reason why I think The Little Mermaid 2023 is a good remake is the story. The film follows the basic plot of the original film, but it also adds some changes and twists that make it more interesting and relevant. For example, the film gives more backstory and motivation to Ursula, who is revealed to be Triton’s sister who was banished for trying to overthrow him. The film also gives more agency and personality to Eric, who is not just a handsome prince who falls in love with Ariel at first sight , but also an adventurous explorer who wants to learn more about her world. The film also addresses some of the issues and themes that were present in the original film such as identity, freedom, love, sacrifice, family, friendship, acceptance, and respect.

The film also has a different ending than the original film, which I will not spoil here, but I will say that it is more satisfying and realistic. The ending also leaves room for a possible sequel, which some may be interested to see.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Little Mermaid 2023 is a good remake that honors the original film while also adding some new elements and depth. The film has amazing visuals, diverse cast and cultures, catchy and meaningful music, and an engaging and relevant story. The film is not perfect, and it has some flaws and weaknesses, such as the CGI, the pacing, and some plot holes. However, the film is still enjoyable and entertaining, and it is worth watching for fans of the original film and for new audiences alike. The Little Mermaid 2023 is a film that celebrates the magic and wonder of the sea and the land, and the beauty and diversity of life.