After the disappointment that was “Peter Pan & Wendy” I was hopeful and optimistic about the remake of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.” I say remake because Disney has not bothered to really deviate from their successful formula. They haven’t borrowed from Hans Christian Anderson’s original story, but instead just remade their classic animated version from 1989. “The Little Mermaid,” despite my utter optimism and enthusiasm for it is yet another dull, assembly line repackaging of one of their classic interpretations that’s given a new coat of paint and is extended, for some reason. Because nothing signals “sophisticated” than making a movie longer–right? That makes it Oscar worthy–maybe? Simply stretch every nuance and sincere moment from the original animated movie and Bob’s your uncle.
The youngest of King Triton’s daughters, and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea, and while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land, but ultimately places her life — and her father’s crown — in jeopardy.
“The Little Mermaid” had my support from out the gate. Rob Marshall’s remake looked great, it sounded great, and I loved the casting. But sitting through it, there’s just so much more of the usual flaws that plague all of the Disney remakes so far. There are superfluous added sub-plots, the movie is just way too long (you’re marketing this to kids but you hand them a movie clocking in at over two hours?), and there’s the tendency of over explaining. The original Disney gems had the sense of moving the narrative along, all the while displaying confidence that the audience was smart enough to catch up. But “The Little Mermaid” over explains everything.
There’s the over explanation about Ariel’s mom, the over explanation about Prince Eric and his royal lineage, and even an over explanation about Sebastian watching over Ariel. Here he’s no longer a dutiful guardian, but more a put upon servant who is forced to chase after Ariel. And I don’t know why they felt the need to make Ursula relate to Ariel and Triton. She was already an iconic, purely evil, and devious sea witch, but to add the back story that she’s some kind of outcast is just pointless and contributes nothing. That said, most the cast are at least great. Davide Diggs (replacing the immortal Samuel E. Wright) is great as Sebastian, Jacob Tremblay is fun as Flounder, Melissa McCarthy is fine as Ursula, and as for Halle Bailey?
Halle Bailey is incredible. Bailey deserves huge credit for basically taking “The Little Mermaid” and carrying it on her back the whole time. She’s stunningly beautiful, vulnerable, sweet, sincere, and has an amazing singing voice. Her interpretation of my favorite Disney number of all time, “Part of Your World,” is gorgeous. She really packs in so much charisma and enthusiasm in a movie that sags and drags constantly. Poor Javier Bardem. He looks so bored here. I can’t rave enough about Bailey, who’s casting as Ariel is just fantastic from beginning to end. If you have any reason to watch this pallid (why is Disney so afraid of color now?) remake of the 1989 film, watch it for Halle Bailey. As for me, I’ll stick to the animated classic.