Are you getting ready to watch the latest live release from Walt Disney Studios? This live action little mermaid review from our whole family will help you to decide what ages and WHO this film is best for!
Hold on to your dinglehoppers…….we saw it. The live action version of the Little Mermaid has been one of the most anticipated releases from Disney Studios in the last decade. It officially releases in theatres on May 26th, but our family had the opportunity to screen the film early. And WOW do I have a lot of thoughts.
We’ve had a number of Little Mermaid releases since original 1989 Disney animated film was released. The little mermaid live performance released on Disney Plus a few years ago (we were actually in the audience live when it was filmed) and it featured a fun cast including john stamos and queen latifah . That live television special stayed VERY true to the original film so I wondered if the live action little mermaid film would as well. No spoilers but……WOW Disney did this live action RIGHT. They made subtle, beautiful shifts while paying homage to the original story. I love that we got a mature version of the fairy tale on the big screen.
live action little mermaid review
This review of the new live-action remake of the little mermaid should help YOU to learn a little more about this beloved story of ariel and why it’s such an important film.
Little Mermaid Plot
Overall, disney’s live-action remake of this disney classic stays very true to the story in the original film. The Little Mermaid is based on the hans christian andersen fairy tale about a young mermaid who falls in love with a human prince . She comes to an agreement with an evil sea witch so that she has a chance to meet and fall in love with him in person. The agreement? She sacrifices her voice, her siren song for a chance to explore true love. Fun fact, in the original tale the mermaid wasn’t known as the young mermaid ariel . In fact, she didn’t have a name at all. Ariel was a name that Disney gave her in the animated film.
The animated version of the Little Mermaid had it’s theatrical release in 1989 and became an instant classic. I remember seeing the film in theatre with my family, and trust me when I say that iconic songs from the soundtrack feel like instant childhood nostalgia. Out of all the disney films, this one holds a special place in my heart. And now? Seeing the soul of the story in a new and updated way? Even more so.
Little Mermaid Cast and Creators
This film was created by an amazing group of creatives. From director rob marshall (who also directed mary poppins returns and is no stranger to disney live musicals ) to lin-manuel miranda creation of some very entertaining new songs to the little mermaid cast itself, this star studded group truly brought their a game when paying homage to some of our favorite animated characters .
Little Mermaid Running Time
The film has a 135 minute running time. This is one of my ONLY concerns, it’s definitely a bit long for younger children. My daughter is 9 years old, and was perfectly fine in a longer film. But I do think children under 5 may struggle with the length a bit.
Little Mermaid Rating
This film is rated PG due to Sex & Nudity, Violence & Gore, Profanity, Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking, Frightening & Intense Scenes.
I think it’s important to clarify this, because these are very broad terms. Sex and Nudity? You see Ariel take a bath (from the shoulders up) and you do see characters kiss. Violence and Gore is shown during the scenes where they fight with Ursula (similar level to the animated feature). The only alcohol, drugs or smoking I saw were during meals and it was extremely minimal (in fact, I had to think back to where it even was). There was also a sailor smoking on the pirate ship. Frightening and intense scenes? Similar to the animated film, you do see a shark chasing Ariel and Flounder. You see the eels who work with Ursula and they are a bit creepy. And you see Ursula get loud and angry during the poor unfortunate souls song.
I hope this helps to clarify how this feels for YOUR family.
Our First Reactions : Little Mermaid Live Action Review
My Thoughts:
This may just be my favorite of all the live-action disney remakes , it’s absolutely stunning. I think that halle bailey’s performance is impeccable, and am just so impressed with her work. They did a beautiful job of blending our beloved original songs in with the new additions to the soundtrack.
I think that the casting for the main characters was stellar ( melissa mccarthy makes a FABULOUS ursula). I love that they recreated SOME of the shots and camera angles from the original film (the way I sobbed during part of your world when that iconic wave crashing moment happens), and I think that this will bring this beloved story with some good changes to an all new generation. I honestly can’t wait to watch it again.
Lydia’s Thoughts:
“I think the Little Mermaid is really, really good. I loved the new things they added, especially the new songs. I thought the new Ariel was really pretty and Scuttle is really funny. I really liked the new Eric ballad and I thought the Kiss the Girl scene was great.”
Robbie’s Thoughts:
“I was a huge fan of the Scuttle song <scuttlebutt>, I think it added more to the character and gave her more depth. Overall, I think the soundtrack was stellar. I really enjoyed it!”
Is it Scary?
I think this is a great full family film, aside from Ursula and the Eels there is nothing overtly scary. If your child is comfortable with them in the animated version, they’ll love this too.
What Ages Is the Film Good For?
All in all, we’ve got a great all ages film. I think the length is the only thing that will slightly limit that. If your child is comfortable in a movie theatre for a little over two hours….then they’ll have a great time!
Little Mermaid Merchandise
There is some SUPER fun Little Mermaid Merchandise…..perfect for fans of the movie and characters!
I hope that this Live Action Little Mermaid Review helped you to decide if seeing the movie should be on your to do list.
Little Mermaid opens in theatres on May 26th.
