“The Little Mermaid” (2023) is Disney’s live-action reimagining of the beloved 1989 animated classic. Directed by Rob Marshall, the film stars Halle Bailey as Ariel, Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, and Javier Bardem as King Triton.

The story remains faithful to the original, following Ariel, a curious and adventurous mermaid who dreams of living on land. She makes a risky deal with Ursula, the sea witch, trading her voice for legs in hopes of winning the heart of Prince Eric. Alongside her iconic friends Sebastian (Daveed Diggs), Flounder (Jacob Tremblay), and Scuttle (Awkwafina), Ariel embarks on a journey of love, self-discovery, and courage.

Halle Bailey’s performance is the film’s highlight, delivering a stunning portrayal of Ariel with powerful vocals, especially in “Part of Your World.” The visual effects bring the underwater world to life, though some CGI elements received mixed reactions. Melissa McCarthy’s Ursula adds a fun yet menacing presence, and Jonah Hauer-King’s Prince Eric gets more character depth compared to the animated version.

Critics and audiences were divided; while some praised Bailey’s performance and the music, others found the CGI and pacing uneven. However, the film successfully captures the heart of the original while introducing fresh elements.

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