‘Perfect’ remake of Disney classic with ‘enchanting’ star | Films | Entertainment

“I wish I hadn’t waited so long to see it, brought me to tears at the end,” reads one audience review of this Disney fantasy musical, and perhaps it’s the most apt description of the film itself.

This live-action adaptation of a beloved classic left audiences spellbound at the time of its release in 2023, and now, the film is once again set to enchant viewers as it hits airwaves tonight on Christmas at 6.30pm on E4.

The Little Mermaid is the official live-action remake of Disney’s 1989 animated film of the same name, with the original film itself loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen’s popular 1837 fairy tale.

Helmed by Rob Marshall with a screenplay penned by David Magee, the film stars Halle Bailey as the titular character, Ariel, paired opposite Jonah Hauer-King who takes on the role of Prince Eric.

Melissa McCarthy, Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, Noma Dumezweni, Art Malik, and Javier Bardem join the cast in supporting roles.

The film’s production budget was initially mounted at around $240 million, however later filings put it at around $355 million, making it Disney’s twenty-third most expensive to date.

The Little Mermaid was a smash hit at the box office, grossing over $569 million worldwide and becoming the tenth-highest-grossing film of 2023.

The movie’s official summary says: “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.”

With a near-perfect 93 per cent audience approval rating on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, The Little Mermaid was well-loved by viewers.

One impressed fan said of the film: “I liked it better than the original! Halle Bailey is a star on the horizon! Perfect casting! Melissa McCarthy’s performance of Ursula had me laughing so hard! It keeps the nostalgia of the original while adding some new elements, especially ones that add to the chemistry of Ariel and Eric that I absolutely loved. Definitely Disney’s best live-action remake thus far!”

While another glowing audience review said: “The best live-action remake alongside Cruella, Aladdin, and Cinderella. The Little Mermaid featured a fantastic performance by Halle, whose musical numbers were phenomenal. Melissa was amazing as Ursula. The chemistry between Jonah and Halle was palpable; giving them similar interests was a great choice that elevated their romance. Casting a singer like Halle as Ariel was a brilliant decision and should be a standard for future live-action remakes.”

Yet another happy fan wrote: “The Little Mermaid is a must-see film. The casting is superb, and the development of Prince Eric’s character is particularly well-done, setting this version apart. Halle Bailey shines as Ariel, embodying the role perfectly. The film is highly recommended.”

Critic reviews were mixed, with the film scoring a 67 per cent critics approval rating, as one reviewer wrote: “All the film’s flaws and miscalculations can be forgiven by its most impressive saving grace: Bailey’s performance is as remarkable as it is enchanting.”

Praise for Halle Bailey’s spell-binding performance ran abound, with one critic writing: “Halle Bailey’s Ariel is the heartbeat of this remake, proving that a classic can evolve without losing its soul. She doesn’t just make a splash; she carves out a space for a new generation to see themselves in Ariel’s story.”

Another critic said: “It can go without saying but Halle Bailey as Ariel is the most perfect casting for a live-action remake Disney has ever done. The way she was able to capture Ariel’s child-like inquisitiveness, stubbornness & yearning is something that should be studied.”

The Little Mermaid will air tonight, December 25, at 6.30pm on E4.

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