The Little Mermaid is not the kids Disney remake we thought it was going to be

This film is scarier than the original, and a key plotline has changed, but there is one reason everyone should see this movie which justifies retelling the beloved, iconic animation.

The Little Mermaid is different and much scarier than the original we all grew up with, but it’s easily the best live-action film by Disney.

Fans were given hints that the new version of the 1989 animation, would be a more modern - and maybe disappointing - interpretation of the iconic tale.

There was backlash when singer Halle Bailey was cast as Ariel - which I will get to later - and the trailer with dark underwater scenes and an emotionless Flounder sent chills up people’s spines.

Halle Bailey plays Ariel in the 2023 The Little Mermaid. Source: Disney.

But on the big screen, none of this is an issue, the new version is colourful and bright, the songs are magical and the film is a joy to watch.

There has been changes to the story, with new songs and scenes, but as director Rob Marshall explains, the 2023 film is a reimagining for a new generation of Disney fans, it’s not a remake. 

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What’s changed about the story?

The core plot remains the same, focusing on a headstrong Ariel intrigued by humankind, and her crush Prince Eric.

But the film is much longer, running for two hours and 15 minutes, almost an hour longer than the original.

Many scenes are a copy and paste of the animation, but there is lot more development to Eric and Ariel’s connection - so it's not just about her sacrificing her voice for a guy.

Instead the movie alters the key plotline to show how Ariel and Eric are similar in feeling out of place in their royal families, and tells more about their dreams for exploration and discovering new cultures.

RELATED: Mums’ viral clips after backlash to The Little Mermaid

Jonah Hauer-King plays Eric and Halle Bailey is Ariel in new film. Source: Disney.

What did we like about it?

I’m yet to see a Disney remake that captures the magic of the original - and sadly The Little Mermaid is no exception.

But this is the best live-action adaption Disney has created, because it stays true to the core of what people loved about the tale, and adds necessary depth to the story and characters.

I don’t even remember anything about Eric in the cartoon. Did he have lines? This movie explains his ambitions, gives a back story about his mum, and he even gets a shirtless song and dance number - which is a bit cringey - but it adds personality to one of the most bland Disney princes.

One of the most exciting castings is Melissa McCarthy as the treacherous sea witch, Ursula, and she is outstanding.

The Hollywood star is equal parts terrifying and brilliant, and her comedic timing is impeccable.

She admitted she was "terrified" to perform Ursula's classic villain song, 'Poor Unfortunate Souls', but she does the delicious tune justice. 

Melissa McCarthy plays sea witch Ursula. Source: Disney.

Halle Bailey is the perfect Ariel

The star of the show - and the reason everyone should see this retelling - is Halle Bailey as Ariel, who justifies creating a new mermaid princess for younger generations. 

With her big Bambi eyes, enchanting energy, and princess smile, she is the perfect Ariel, and its wild anyone ever thought she couldn’t be suitable for the role.

The songwriter's voice is phenomenal and her stirring rendition early in the film for 'Part of Your World' gave me full body chills. Bailey's cover is a clear standout of all of the songs in the film, and she truly makes it her own.

The original songs are dazzling

The rest of the original songs are beautifully done, but as with most Disney remakes, nothing can beat the animated tunes which are far more vibrant in cartoon.

'Under the Sea’ is a feast for the eyes as Sebastian and Ariel swim among colourful coral, jellyfish, turtles and dolphins, and was a big hit with my five-year-old daughter. 

While ‘Kiss the Girl’ is charming and funny - with Eric giving off Ryan-Gosling-in-The Notebook- vibes as he rows Ariel down a lagoon.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, who created the banger soundtracks for Disney hits Moana and Encanto , is the brains behind three new tracks in the film - but there's one song that isn't getting a great response. 

New rap number 'The Scuttlebutt', sung by eccentric seagull Scuttle, seems unnecessary and is being criticised online, but it did leave my daughter in hysterics - maybe because it says ‘butt’ a lot.

Flounder has put off some fans. Source: Disney.

The downfall is the CGI sea life characters

Which brings me to the downfall of the film. Sorry fans, but the live-action counterparts of Sebastian, Flounder and Scuttle do look as bizarre as their preview pictures.

While the underwater scenes are beautiful, and life-like, the adorable Flounder and Sebastian from 1989, just do not translate to a live reimagining - and they look even worse above water.

Throughout the film Sebastian’s look bugged me, Ursula's eels, Flotsam and Jetsam, don’t even get a single line, and Flounder flapping about out of water is a little creepy.

Sebastian did make the kids in the room laugh a lot, and my daughter believed he was real, so maybe the younger fans won’t mind, but I just can’t connect with these awkward computer animals with no emotion on their faces.

Sebastian is awkward looking in the new film. Source: Disney.

Is it scary for little ones?

One part I didn’t expect was how scary it was, mostly the final battle scene with a giant Ursula.

There is explosions, fire, near-drownings and a booming witch voice and haunting face, which might be too much for under five-year-olds. 

Older kids will be fine, but my nearly six-year-old was on the cusp of it being nightmare fuel for her.

There’s also the shark scene early on in the film, which was impressively life-life and might frighten little ones afraid of giant jaws. 

Kids might be a bit scared of Ursula in the new film. Source: Disney.

What's the verdict?

If you’re a traditional Disney fan, offended by modern alterations, or under five years old, stick to the classic. 

But if you love the songs and core story, and are happy to see extensions to characters (and aren’t put off by CGI sealife) you will leave the cinema smiling.

At the very least, families will walk away in awe of Halle as Ariel, who has gifted us a new and exciting princess mermaid for kids to love and aspire to be.

The Little Mermaid is in cinemas from Friday May 26.

Originally published as The Little Mermaid is not the kids Disney remake we thought it was going to be