The movie has only just had it’s world premier, but the early reviews are labelling the film one of “the best live-action remakes” ever!
23 year old actress Halle Bailey, who plays the lead character Ariel, has received glowing praise for the “incredible emotion” that she brings to the famous character, with critics saying “they got chills” watching her splash and sing her way through the tale.
Disney’s #TheLittleMermaid is definitely one of the better live-action adaptions. Halle Bailey pours incredible emotion into Ariel and I got chills watching her, while Melissa McCarthy’s Ursula and Daveed Diggs’ Sebastian steal scenes all day. pic.twitter.com/DHhIkbIj8s
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) May 9, 2023
The movie succeeds not just as a piece of nostalgia but also as a “stunning film in it’s own right” says film critic Grace Randolph.
She went on to say that while it’s not perfect, the Disney magic is there and “should definitely be seen in the big screen.”
#TheLittleMermaid is #Disney's best live action adaptation, in that it succeeds not just as nostalgia
— Grace Randolph (@GraceRandolph) May 9, 2023
but as an often stunning film in its own right.
Not PERFECT, but it's got the Disney magic!
And should definitely be seen on the big screen.
Review embargo lifts 5/22 9am EST pic.twitter.com/7Yquwk82eK
While some early criticism has been pointed towards the CGI and extended plot, but Bailey and Melissa McCarthy, who plays the coveted role of Ursula, portray their roles with so much power and emotion all is forgotten.
The Little Mermaid hits Australian Cinemas from May 25th and is also expected to be available on Disney+ shortly after.