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Why you should take the kids to Little Mermaid (2023) movie

By on June 5, 2023

A big part of why Disney’s 1989 The Little Mermaid became a big hit with family audiences is the memorable soundtrack: Part of Your World, Under the Sea, and Kiss the Girl written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman.

Well, these tunes remain intact in this 2023 version directed by Rob Marshall including four new songs (courtesy of Lin-Manuel Miranda), the Ariel-focused “For the First Time” and the second reprise of “Part of Your World” which work well.  The Scuttle-Sebastian duet “Scuttle” is forgettable but forgivable, thanks to Diggs’ brief rapping. Prince Eric’s “Wild Uncharted Waters” is earnest, and Hauer-King has a good voice, but, let’s be honest, viewers want to sing along to their favorites, even if the lyrics have been slightly tweaked (especially in “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” but it’s for the better).

Bailey’s stunning performance as Ariel makes this nostalgic live-action Disney adaptation worth watching, even with an overlong runtime. The 1989 “The Little Mermaid” movie had a total run time of one hour and 23 minutes. This live-action version of the film is two hours and 15 minutes long. If you’re planning to see the movie with small kids, you might want to let them have long naps!

The Beyoncé protégé makes Ariel’s siren songs her own, hits all the right notes, earning the film an extra star thanks to her must-see portrayal.

McCarthy is entertaining as the greedy Ursula, and Tremblay and Diggs are adorable as Ariel’s faithful sidekicks. Hauer-King’s handsome Prince Eric is simultaneously broodier and cornier than his animated counterpart, and Awkwafina is, true to form, extra as goofball Scuttle.

Bardem adds punch to the role of Triton, while Ariel’s beautiful, multicultural (they represent the Seven Seas) sisters — even Simone Ashley of Bridgerton season two fame — have little to do but look like an underwater version of Tinkerbell’s fairy besties.

While the film is essentially a reboot version, there’s a lot to appreciate about the nostalgic tunes and story in Disney fashion!

In theaters June 9.  Age 8+

Watch clip here.

 

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