So. I have to be honest. I was a little hesitant about going to see this movie at the cinema. Not because of any particular dislike of Disney (I grew up watching Disney movies, including the animated Little Mermaid), or of the actors, but because I was worried I’d just be watching a shot for shot remake like when I went to see The Lion King. Still. I did end up going to see it, because the trailer made me think it would be visually appealing, at the very least. Again, just like The Lion King – which was beautifully made and shot, but added nothing to the actual story.
I wasn’t wrong. At least, not about the visual beauty. The film was absolutely stunning, especially the under the sea parts. Yes, it was obviously CGI; but it was still all very pretty to look at.
I was wrong about the movie basically being the same as the original animated classic. Yes, the core storyline was the same. It’s still a Disney movie, after all. But it was different enough that I didn’t feel bored while watching it.
One of the things I really liked about this movie was the fact that Eric’s character was really well developed. It was really good to see him as more than just the Disney prince who Ariel happens to fall in love with. I also really loved Halle Bailey as Ariel. When she sang Part of Your World, I got goosebumps.
I also particularly liked Scuttle in this movie, although a lot of that is probably because I truly love Awkwafina in whatever role I see her in, whether it’s live action or voice acting. I did find it a little bit weird that Scuttle could apparently breathe (and talk!) under the water to Ariel, but although I was wondering how that was possible, it didn’t really detract from my enjoyment of the movie.
I also really loved being able to see more of the island that was Eric’s home. And considering that Ariel sings she wants to see people dancing in Part of Your World, it was great to see her getting to do that…as well as the culture shock that was to be expected, since Scuttle wasn’t nearly the expert on humans she believed she was.
All in all, I really did enjoy this movie. It was visually beautiful and I loved the songs, especially Part of Your World and Kiss The Girl. I would definitely recommend going to see this movie, particularly if you’re a Disney fan, and especially if you’re a fan of The Little Mermaid.
Ink of Blood 