Review : The Little Mermaid : Halle Bailey excels in this photorealistic remake!
In 1989, Disney’s original The Little Mermaid was hugely appreciated and is termed classic now. The latest live-action remake of the same may not have the original’s charm but still is enjoyable. The song and dance number from the originals too were fascinating and the remake The Little Mermaid’s songs too go close to the original. The director Rob Marshall has dished out an entertaining product. The comparisons are bound to happen but the director has presented the story keeping in mind today’s young generation. Importantly his vision in this photorealistic remake is beautifully translated on big screen by everyone including the lead actress Halle Bailey.
Ariel (Halle Bailey) is the youngest mermaid princess of ocean-word who is a beautiful singer too. Her father King Triton (Javier Bardem) is the ruler of seven seas and detest human race as he thinks that they are eroding oceanic wealth for their selfish benefit. But Ariel has fascination towards land and humans residing there. Despite her father’s warnings she visits wrecked ships and collects human belongings. Once when she is on a visit to check out what’s happening beyond water, she witnesses a ship sinking. She saves drowning Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) and falls in love with him. She returns to her base but keeps thinking about him and the Prince too deploys people to find out the girl who saved his life. Ursula (Melissa McCarthy), who is Aries’s aunt is famous as Sea Witch tricks her and takes away her voice for offering her legs on a condition that if Ariel is unable to kiss the Prince in three days she’ll be her slave for life. Ariel visits earth and what transpires next forms the crux of the story, obviously many of us are aware of.
The Little Mermaid played by Halle Bailey is a perfect casting as she delivers with suitable expressions and a fantastic voice. Her rendition ‘Part of your World’ stands out and her innocence win hearts. Her chemistry with Jonah Hauer-King’s Prince Eric is believable and cute. This time Eric too has a back story. But the extended versions of songs and a few additions up in the screenplay makes it a bit lengthy thus making the film losing the grip in between. But the last half an hour is pacy and keeps viewers engaged throughout. The CGI is good but had a chance for improvement. The light humour created by cranky Crab Sebastian (voiced by Daveed Diggs) and the energetic Seagull Scuttle (voiced by Awkwafina) helps the film dropping. Talented Javier Bardem and Melissa McCarthy give ample support.
The Little Mermaid is reasonably good film and the new generation kids along with their parents (who were kids when the original released) will enjoy it.
***1/2
Keerti Kadam.