The formula has been (over)used by Disney in recent years. The prolific studio is drawing on its hoard of blockbuster animated films to create a new live-action adaptation. After Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King And Mulan (to name a few), it’s the turn of The Little Mermaid to come to life in the cinema.
If on the one hand we deplore the lack of originality of this approach which seems destined to reap box office receipts, on the other hand, we are surprised to rediscover with great pleasure the story of Ariel that we loved so much as a child.
From the first minutes, when you dive under the ocean among the corals and fish, you marvel at seeing mermaids “in flesh and bone”. An emotion linked to childhood memories, we can imagine.
In cinemas, however, we can bet that many young spectators will also have bright eyes at the sight of these legendary creatures, especially when they see Ariel, played by Halle Bailey.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY DISNEY
Halle Bailey as Ariel in the movie The Little Mermaid
The 23-year-old actress is amazing when it comes to upping the ante in this musical-like film. As her character dreams of emancipation and living on dry land alongside the man she saved from drowning, she offers a remarkable interpretation of Part of Your World.
In the role of the wicked Ursula, Melissa McCarthy also impresses us with her talent as a singer. When she offers a Machiavellian bargain to Ariel in exchange for a human appearance, Ursula is terrifying as she intones Poor Unfortunate Souls. Because of this scene, the film is not recommended for toddlers.
Interesting additions
If this adaptation follows the narrative thread of the 1989 film rather faithfully, there are still some interesting additions.
First, as the media have reported in recent months, The Little Mermaid gives way to a great diversity, both among the main and secondary characters.
New scenes show the evolution of the relationship between Ariel and Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King), which now goes beyond mere physical attraction. They are seen to share common interests, which is rather essential when considering forming a couple.
The character of the young heir, discreet in the animated film, gains slightly in depth as we discover his passion for travel and adventure, notably through one of the three new songs signed by Alan Menken and Lin- Manuel Miranda.
Inevitable comparison
As with any adaptation, comparison between the new film and the original is inevitable.
In this case, the use of real shots and computer-generated images makes it possible to show the beauty and immensity of the seabed.
The scenes where the sea rages are among the most beautiful in the feature film. It must be said that the director Rob Marshall acquired experience in this area during the filming of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.
This desire to approach reality does not, however, bring only good. The endearing aspect of Ariel’s two comrades, the crab Sebastian (Daveed Diggs) and the dabbling fish (Jacob Tremblay), have completely disappeared in this adaptation. Fortunately, their comic contribution remained intact. With the hatch bird (Awkwafina), they provoke laughter on more than one occasion.
Like its predecessor, the feature is good family entertainment that many die-hard fans will enjoy listening to with their offspring. One wonders, however, if it is necessary to recreate in live action all the animated films of Disney. To this question, the studios seem to answer in the affirmative since a new project is already in preparation: Moana.
Indoors
Adventure movie
The Little Mermaid (V.F.: The little Mermaid)
Rob Marshall
Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy
2:15 a.m.