ReelBob: ‘The Little Mermaid’ ★★★

By Bob Bloom

Disney’s record has been inconsistent with its live-action remakes of animated feature films.

Thus, I went into “The Little Mermaid” with low expectations and some trepidation — mostly because of the new movie’s running time. The live-action version is 135 minutes compared to 83 minutes for the animated original.

My worries were unwarranted. Under the capable direction of Rob Marshall (“Chicago,” “Into the Woods,” “Mary Poppins Returns”), this “Little Mermaid” does not feel padded. It flows smoothly and assuredly.

“The Little Mermaid” follows the counters of its animated predecessor rather faithfully. It includes a couple of new songs and a bit-too-long, but lively, dance sequence, but they do not detract from the overall production.

The movie rarely lags; it moves as swiftly as an ocean current.

The film’s inconsistencies lie in its cast. Halle Bailey as Ariel is wholesome and wonderful, with a beautiful singing voice that conjures memories of Jodi Benson. As Prince Eric, Jonah Hauer-King is a bit wooden and bland. Melissa McCarthy lacks menace and is too hammy as Ursula, the sea witch.

The vocal talents of Daveed Diggs as Sebastian, Jacob Tremblay as Flounder and Awkwafina as Scuttle bring energy to the proceedings.

Javier Bardem as King Triton brings a solid gravitas to his brief screen appearances.

Bailey carries the picture. She is appealing, childlike and courageous as the young mermaid longing to learn the wonders of the surface world and daring to pay a steep price to find her answers.

Dion Beebe’s cinematography is superb; the movie is saturated with bright colors that jump off the screen. Alan Menken’s bouncy Caribbean-flavored score — refurbished from his original — has you tapping your toes or humming along with the music.

The CGI work is obvious but not intrusive, With underwater scenes and talking crabs, fish and birds, there is a lot of it, but it is not a distraction.

Overall, “The Little Mermaid,” whether live-action or animated, is fun, heartwarming, tuneful and entertaining. It is a movie that the entire family can enjoy.

I am a founding member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. I review movies, 4K UHD, Blu-rays and DVDs for ReelBob (ReelBob.com), The Film Yap and other print and online publications. I can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com. You also can follow me on Twitter @ReelBobBloom and on Facebook at ReelBob.com or the Indiana Film Journalists Association. My movie reviews also can be found at Rotten Tomatoes: www.rottentomatoes.com.

THE LITTLE MERMAID
3 stars out of 4
(PG), some scary images, action, danger