Rob Marshall is the director of this film. The Little Mermaid represents Disney’s most recent endeavor to transform a cherished animated classic into a live-action spectacle. What’s particularly amusing is the makeover they’ve given to the endearing sidekick characters it’s like “Enter Sandman” met Disney.
Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel, not only possesses a fantastic voice but also captures the essence of the character beautifully. And let’s not forget about Prince Eric, portrayed by Jonah Howard King. He delivers an impressive performance, giving us a glimpse into his character’s hopes and dreams. I was delighted to see the depth and dimension they added to his role, making it all the more enjoyable.
Exploring the Pros and Cons
“The Little Mermaid” in its animated form is an absolute classic, but by the end, you can’t help but feel that Ariel and Prince Eric’s romance is somewhat rushed, like a spontaneous Vegas wedding after a weekend fling. In this live-action adaptation, the story still unfolds quickly over three days, but you do get a better sense of their connection.
I do have some criticisms about this film, and they are valid. However, what truly shines is the on-screen chemistry between the lead characters, which is a crucial element of the story and provides the movie with its infectious energy. The positives outweigh the negatives, although it’s true that the negatives do exist and can be likened to a “Death By A Thousand Cuts” situation. In my opinion, those who dislike the film might do so because of numerous small flaws that accumulate over time.
Let’s start by addressing some of the more apparent issues and gradually move to Jeremy’s specific complaints. One of the most glaring issues is the difference in animation style. “The Little Mermaid” naturally fits into the animated style, and at times, this live-action adaptation struggles to replicate that charm. Some scenes in the film do indeed look animated, and it’s evident that there’s a gap between the two mediums. For instance, the “Under the Sea” sequence, while lively, doesn’t quite achieve the same level of live-action authenticity. It almost feels as animated as the classic Mary Poppins penguin segment.The Little Mermaid
“Analyzing the Impact of Details in ‘The Little Mermaid’ Live-Action Adaptation”
In the original musical segment set in the sea, Sebastian introduces various marine life-playing instruments. In the animated version, this is visually captivating because you can actually see the marine life playing the instruments. However, in the live-action rendition, while Sebastian lists off the different marine life musicians, you don’t get to witness them in action.
Although it may seem like a small detail, showing sea turtles walking while listing other aquatic animals that can play musical instruments would have made more sense and added to the overall visual appeal. This live-action rendition of “Under the Sea” feels somewhat rushed, akin to quickly drinking a cup of coffee in the morning just to move on to the next task. These might seem like minor nitpicks, but in my view, these details can significantly impact the world and characters within it.
For instance, consider Ursula’s open use of the word “pathetic” when singing about the people who seek her assistance. This alteration affects both Ursula and Ariel. Ursula becomes less crafty, losing some of her mystique, while Ariel comes across as somewhat less intelligent due to her association with Ursula’s use of the word. These seemingly small changes can influence how we perceive the characters and the story as a whole.
“Navigating Darker Themes and the Melissa McCarthy Factor in ‘The Little Mermaid’ Live-Action Adaptation”
“The Little Mermaid” live-action adaptation raised some concerns, and it’s clear that these issues contribute to the “Death by a Thousand Cuts” effect. In a Disney world where playing it safe is often the norm, it’s crucial to address these details.
One of the noticeable changes is in how the film handles certain dark elements. In the original animation, Disney opted to turn unfortunate souls into little seaweed slaves on Ursula’s bathroom floor instead of killing them outright.
However, the live-action version takes a darker turn, with the merpeople meeting their demise rather than undergoing transformation. This shift in tone adds a darker layer to the narrative.