Director Rob Marshall pulls out all the stops for this captivating, live-action version of the 1989 animation The Little Mermaid.
This new retelling of the underwater fairy tale is backed up not only by some jaw-dropping live acting and effects works, but is given extra heavyweight heft by the addition of icons Javier Bardem and Melissa McCarthy, who join the impressive Halle Bailey as Ariel. It stays true to the core of what people loved about the 1989 original, with Ariel longing to find out more about the world beyond the sea, and falling for the dashing Prince Eric. It also expands the story and characters in necessary ways.
The classic Howard Ashman and Alan Menken tunes, which provide the heart and the backbone of the film, mostly remain intact here, including the insanely catchy, Oscar-winning “Under the Sea.”
Here, Ariel has greater depth and complexity, and Bailey is radiant in the title role: expressive, energetic and infinitely likable, with a mixture of girlish sweetness and womanly spine.
The film features strong vocals that are guaranteed to distract you from the big, scary moments. But if you are watching with a few younger children in tow, be prepared to shield their eyes and hold their hands.
Overall, it’s a visually gorgeous film, buoyed by a strong ingenue in Bailey with enough laughs for the kids and nostalgia for the adults. For fans of the original and for a new generation of viewers, the movie works as a fantastical new journey into one of Disney’s most loved stories.
The Little Mermaid, rated PG, plays at the Patricia Theatre from June 23 to 29 at 7 pm, with a matinee on Sunday, June 25, at 1:30 pm. Running time is two hours and 15 minutes.
Gary Shilling is executive director of qathet Film Society.
