Somto BisinaIn the realm of beloved Disney classics, there are few tales as captivating as “The Little Mermaid.” The story of Ariel, a young mermaid yearning to explore the human world, has enchanted audiences for generations.
And now, Disney is bringing this magical tale to life once again in a spectacular live-action remake. With the remarkable talent of Halle Bailey as Ariel, the film captures the essence of the original while delivering a fresh and captivating experience.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelOften, girls who watch “The Little Mermaid” dream of diving into the depths of the ocean as mermaids or becoming animated Disney princesses themselves.
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It’s the allure of escaping to a world where dreams come true and anything is possible. The key to remaking this beloved classic lies in maintaining that enchanting fantasy, and Halle Bailey’s exceptional performance proves that anyone can embody the spirit of Ariel.
Disney has faced skepticism with its recent string of remakes, prompting many to question the need for revisiting these treasured films. However, “The Little Mermaid” stands out among the rest, as it was the film that kickstarted Disney’s renaissance in the ’90s, spawning a series of iconic hits.
Director Rob Marshall has found his perfect Ariel in Halle Bailey, setting the stage for a captivating retelling of the story that fans of all ages will adore.
Bailey’s rendition of the iconic song “Part of Your World” is filled with heartfelt emotion, reminiscent of Jennifer Hudson’s career-defining performance in “Dreamgirls.” A star is truly born, and her talent shines through as Marshall positions Bailey against crashing waves, symbolizing our discovery of this extraordinary actress.
The familiar story follows Ariel’s rebellious nature as she ventures into forbidden parts of the sea, fascinated by the human world. She collects human trinkets in her secret cave, even rescuing the handsome Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) and swimming him back to land.
Despite their blossoming connection, their worlds are vastly different. With the help of the sea witch Ursula (Melissa McCarthy), Ariel must secure true love’s kiss from Eric within three days, risking her own soul and the wrath of her father, Triton (played by the brilliant Javier Bardem).
Director Rob Marshall expands the original tale, creating a visually stunning and immersive world. “The Little Mermaid” surpasses its animated predecessor, adding depth to the above- and below-water realms set in the vibrant Caribbean. Additional songs and characters, including Noma Dumezweni as the Queen, are seamlessly integrated, enriching the overall experience.
However, some beloved scenes like “Daughters of Triton” and “Les Poissons” are omitted, a choice that may leave some longing for the nostalgia of the original film.
While the trend of elongating these remakes may not resonate with all viewers, it has become a signature style of Disney’s reimagined classics, evident in the reported high production costs that rival blockbusters like “Titanic.”
Taking cues from his collaboration on “Chicago,” Marshall presents the fairy tale in visually stunning widescreen vistas, meticulously crafted with digital technology.
Every detail is meticulously rendered, immersing the audience in a sea of intricate visual splendor. Ariel’s rainbow-bright and gracefully flowing tail, reminiscent of a betta fish, showcases the technological prowess behind the film. While early glimpses from trailers raised concerns about garishness, in the context of the film, it seamlessly integrates into Marshall’s maximalist vision.
Amidst the lavish production, Halle Bailey’s captivating presence shines through. Her bright eyes, fluttering lashes, and radiant smile embody the essence of a live-action cartoon character, adding a delightful contrast to the more naturalistic animal companions, Flounder (voiced by Jacob Tremblay), Sebastian the ghost crab (Daveed Diggs), and the dim-witted Scuttle the gannet (Awkwafina), who appear convincingly real.
However, Marshall’s decision to apply distracting visual effects to the deep-sea sequences may momentarily detract from the film’s magic. The attempt to mimic underwater scenes with flowing CGI hair, peculiar reflections, and an aquarium-like filter can occasionally disrupt the immersion.
Yet, the film truly shines in its audacious sequences, such as “Under the Sea,” which rivals the complexity of Busby Berkeley’s iconic choreography.
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These moments, while visually breath-taking, do not overshadow the charm of the enchanting “Kiss the Girl” scene, where Marshall simplifies the visuals to ensure the audience can fully grasp Sebastian and his companions’ efforts to unite Eric and Ariel.
Among the film’s exceptional cast, Melissa McCarthy’s portrayal of the villainous Ursula is a standout performance. Adorned in divine green attire, McCarthy brings a delectable wickedness to the character, paying homage to the original portrayal by Pat Carroll while infusing her unique comedic timing.
McCarthy’s ability to meet the expectations of die-hard fans while delivering surprises in her delivery is a testament to her talent. With Halle Bailey’s mesmerizing performance and Melissa McCarthy’s unforgettable portrayal of Ursula, “The Little Mermaid” breathes new life into the cherished tale. Unlike other lackluster Disney remakes, this film captures the hearts of young audiences, allowing them to connect with a character who embodies their own dreams of magic and transformation.
It inspires a new generation of mermaid dreams, reminding us that within all of us lies the potential to pursue extraordinary adventures and become the heroes of our own stories.
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