Grade: B
The Little Mermaid’s release in 1989 sparked a delightful renaissance for the Disney movie musical. It paved the way for a handful of classics in the 1990s, many of which have gotten live action remakes in the last ten years. They have generally been successful. It was inevitable that The Little Mermaid would get the same treatment. I liked it just as much as 2017’s Beauty and the Beast, and a little better than 2019’s Aladdin. The Lion King (2019) remains my favorite of these new ones.
There was a period where I had the 1989 film memorized, and even once recited the whole thing for a friend who asked. I did it in installments. This 2023 Little Mermaid is 52 minutes longer than its predecessor from 34 years ago, but the extra time is welcome and easy to sit through. It allows for more depth and fleshing out for the characters. We meet Eric’s parents, and learn more about what makes him tick. He’s not your typical Disney one-dimensional love interest, who swoops in for the sole purpose of marching toward that happy ending. He gets a couple of songs here. Scuttle (a wonderful Awkwafina) gets a song. Unfortunately, they couldn’t fit in one of the most entertaining numbers from the 1989 film. If you’re wondering which one I mean, look at the track listing and say “Zut alors! They have missed one.”
But everything else we know and love is here. Part of Your World packs the same emotional punch, and Halle Bailey as Ariel adds a few extra notes to the melody, but not to a Christina Aguilera degree. It’s just right. Under the Sea, which won the Best Original Song Oscar all those years ago, is just as fun here, with the background vocals, coralography, and cleverly-placed final button. And I will always chuckle when I see a scene set underwater that involves sparks, flames, something red-hot, or any type of fire.
You could never truly replace the brilliant voice talent of the original Sebastian (the late Samuel E. Wright), but Daveed Diggs simultaneously makes it his own and pays tribute. Melissa McCarthy is entertaining as Ursula. Jacob Tremblay, so great as Brie Larson’s son in Room, is Flounder. Javier Bardem is King Triton. Jessica Alexander is very memorable as Vanessa, the human form that Ursula takes on with Ariel’s stolen voice. With no scary makeup or other changes to her appearance, when she cackles “You’re too late!” after Ariel and Eric fail to kiss before their deadline, it’s terrifying. This Little Mermaid is a worthy addition to the canon. There’s a reason why it’s become so iconic.
Grade: B
Film Reviews by Mark 
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