The first reviews of the live film “The Little Mermaid” have just fallen! Are the first spectators of this new version conquered by this modern re-reading?
Ready to go back under the ocean with Ariel, Flounder and Sébastien? The preview of Disney live The Little Mermaid took place last night in Los Angeles as well as the French press screening. What do the first spectators think of Rob Marshall’s aquatic feature film?
In the film, Halle Bailey plays Ariel, Jonah Hauer-King lends his features to Prince Eric, Melissa McCarthy is the sea witch Ursula, Javier Bardem slips into the skin of King Triton while Awkwafina doubles Eureka, Jacob Tremblay lends his voice to Flounder and Daveed Diggs is the Sebastian crab.
This modern version of the film by Ron Clements and John Musker takes us to a fictional island in the Caribbean in the 19th century. Ariel, the youngest daughter of King Triton, is a young mermaid with an adventurous temperament. Rebellious at heart, she is constantly drawn to the world that exists beyond the waves. During her escapades, she will fall under the spell of Prince Eric.
While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel still feels she must follow her heart. She then makes an agreement with Ursula, the terrible witch of the seas, which grants her the power to live on dry land, but without suspecting that this pact puts her life – and the crown of her father – in danger.
During the first, Halle Bailey wore a silver dress mimicking a mermaid outfit. The singer and actress is enthusiastic in a tweet.
“Lots to love about The Little Mermaid. Halle Bailey is fantastic and Melissa McCarthy and Daveed Diggs were so good they had the audience laughing. I also thought Rob Marshall did a good job with the underwater scenes.
But… My problem with the film is the lack of respect given to the original in the credits. When we quote the screenwriter of the new film before mentioning Ron Clements and John Musker, we cross a line.
This new live-action movie wouldn’t exist without their amazing animated film and they shouldn’t be forgotten in the credits. I had to study the credits to find their names. They deserve more. That said, it’s a movie everyone will enjoy and families will love. I just wish Disney had done better with the credits.”
American journalist Chauncey K. Robinson praises Halle Bailey’s performance and warns critics that they were wrong.
“I’m so happy to tell you to run (or swim) not walk to see The Little Mermaid! Amazing. Halle is a STAR. There are wonderful renditions of the classic songs and some (wonderful) new surprises. A well-crafted script, solid performances and a magical tone, they got it right.
I still can’t believe I saw that, nor the quality of this show (…) The actors were incredible, the music, the LOOK. There’s so much vibrancy and culture spilling out of the screen. To speak truth, the detractors will have to make up their minds on this one.
Halle’s vulnerability in her acting was second to none. There are so many chemistry between her and Prince Eric. Speaking of which, Jonah Hauer-King is sure to be your new favorite lead actor. The supporting cast were amazing. 4 years of work. Congratulations to all !“
Alan Menken, music composer is indeed back in service and has composed new titles with Lin Manuel-Miranda including a song by Prince Eric and 2 songs that Ariel sings in her head when she is human and therefore mute. The website EntertainmentTonight has also unveiled an extract of the title “Under the Sea”.
The Little Mermaid: 2 songs changed by Disney to include notions of consent and female emancipation
Some journalists nevertheless regret certain visual problems, especially during underwater scenes and in CGI.
“I was blown away by The Little Mermaid Apart from a few visual issues, it’s the most romantic and, dare I say, magical movie Disney has produced in years. It’s by far the best live-action remake. Daveed Diggs is best actor. Halle Bailey is a superstar, and his role in ‘Part of Your World’ is a true masterstroke.”
An opinion shared by Tessa Smith of the site Rotten Tomatoeswho regrets that the visual effects are not always successful.
“The Little Mermaid is magical. Halle Bailey is absolutely phenomenal. This girl has a lot of ideas! Scuttle and Sebastian are hilarious and kept me laughing throughout the movie. I love the new songs and new elements some plot issues! A few CGI issues, but they don’t detract from the movie.”
On the side of the French press, the film was also appreciated even if it is not worth the animated version according to some who nevertheless underline the importance of the representation on the screen, main interest of this remake in live action.
The little Mermaid will be released in theaters on May 17.