Film FreeQ: EXTENDED REVIEW: "The Little Mermaid" (2023)

WRITER'S NOTE: The following review was originally posted on my Instagram page, @be.kerian, on May 27th, 2023.

Let me be up front about this (and I think many people would agree): Disney doesn't need to remake all of their classic animated features into live-action movies. True, there have been exceptions (2015's Cinderella and 2016's The Jungle Book, among others), but there's a growing sense of oversaturation--or should I say overflowing waves?--and it seems to be showing no signs of slowing down. (A prequel to The Lion King and a Snow White remake are scheduled for next year.)

That being said, this update of the 1989 animated musical, based on Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairy tale about a young mermaid who longs to be human and live on land, swims with flying colors. And while it doesn't exactly sink, it does tread waters that are both nostalgic and predictable.

To me, the best live-action Disney pics work because they do something fresh and profound with their source material (hence, the aforementioned films). Others, meanwhile, fall short because they try to be currently relevant with certain agendas (looking at you, 2017's Beauty and the Beast). And while some moments in this new Mermaid are unmistakeably shot-for-shot replicas of its 2D predecessor, it mostly stands on its own two feet--and without pushing on its audience.

The musical arrangements (along with original composer Alan Menken's enchanting score) are wonderful if a bit overdone, while new songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda (a fan of the original) give the story a profound and witty spin. (Highlights in this roster include a new song for Ariel, and an additional, bittersweet reprise of one famous ballad.) And let's not forget actress Halle Bailey's awe-inspiring rendition of "Part of Your World".

The casting is ideal, with Javier Bardem as a fitting King Triton, Melissa McCarthy as the campy and cunning sea witch Ursula, and Daveed Diggs (who originated the role of the Caribbean-accented Lafayette in Miranda's Broadway smash Hamilton) nearly stealing the show as sea crab Sebastian. Prince Eric (played by Jonah Hauer-King) is even given surprising layers and connections with the titular heroine. But its Bailey (of the Grammy-nominated music duo Chloe × Halle) that beautifully and soulful makes the role of Ariel her own, and carries the film. (Original voice actress Jodi Benson even makes a cameo.)

Speaking of Ms. Bailey, I do believe the criticisms (and online trolls) towards her casting from Day One have been completely unfair and mean-spirited. But the film has generated other forms of controversy since its release last month. Black activist Marcus Ryder wrote a blog post criticizing the film for overlooking the harsh realities of slavery in the Caribbean Islands in the 1800s, where this particular story is set. This same writer, however, did also say he enjoyed the film as a fantasy-adventure, and commended it for celebrating Black beauty, but implored readers by saying, "We owe it to our children to give them the most amazing fantastical stories possible to help their imaginations grow." Ryder continues, "We do not do this by ‘whitewashing’ out the difficult parts of our history. We do it by embracing our rich history and empowering them with the truth.” Ryder adds that, had the story been set in another country like Haiti (after slavery was overthrown), it would've improved the story "without sacrificing historical accuracy." A solid point, and something to think about.

All controversy aside, others have praised the film for improving on the original in many ways, including making Ariel a more proactive and self-aware, even feminist, lead. To her credit, Halle Bailey adds a more layers and "nuances" to Ariel's character arc, giving her a thirst for adventure and not just a mere romance. (Her new song in the film is a great example of this.) Regardless of how you feel about the new movie, I think most of (if not all of) us who have seen it can agree that Bailey is absolutely amazing! Her voice is incredible. Her personality is infectious. And she's already making a big impression on little girls and people of color who are seeing themselves onscreen. (One adorable video on social media sees her meeting a young fan at Disneyland.) That fills me with joy, and I couldn't be happier for this young lady and the many uncharted waters she has yet to explore. And the fact that Bailey has gone through this whole journey with such grace and humility speaks volumes to her integrity and character. Now, that's something to be admired.

All in all, this new Mermaid is both fresh, familiar, and, in its own way, exceptional. It's also a lovely commemoration for the Mouse House's 100th anniversary. (Just look at that new company logo if you don't believe me.) Now if only they could use more discernment and calm the tides of their live-action remake assembly line.