The Little Mermaid (2023): Best and Worst of the Remake

Dive into the ocean of excitement with the live-action reboot of 'The Little Mermaid'! Here's the reel of all the fantastic upgrades and a few not-so-lucky ones:

🚨 Hold your breath, for there be spoilers ahead for both versions of The Little Mermaid! 🚨

1. Best: Ariel's Fin-tastic Transformation into a Badass Mermaid!

Ariel takes her plucky, badass status to a whole new level in the 2023 movie, showcasing some seriously impressive moves that set her apart from the original cartoon. It's safe to say this change takes the crown as the most exhilarating transformation between the two versions. Shark Trickery: Instead of relying on pure luck, Ariel cleverly outwits the shark that attacks her and Flounder by using a mirror to create a daring escape. No accidental anchor entanglement this time. Name-Dropping Masterclass: During the enchanting "Kiss the Girl" scene, Ariel cleverly figures out how to communicate her name to Eric without any outside help. Sebastian may have whispered it in the original, but our heroine takes matters into her own hands! Ariel's Epic Showdown: Ariel fearlessly engages in a physical battle with Vanessa/Ursula to reclaim her precious voice. She charges forward, tackles her nemesis, snatches the necklace, and dramatically throws it to the ground. Say goodbye to relying on Scuttle's luck! Role Reversal on the High Seas: Prepare for a jaw-dropping twist during the final battle against Ursula. This time around, it's Ariel who takes control, steering the boat that skewers the devious sea witch. Talk about turning the tables! With these exhilarating changes, Ariel emerges as an even more courageous and proactive protagonist. Get ready to be swept away by her boldness and unstoppable spirit!

2. Best: Ariel and Eric share numerous similarities even before their eventual encounter.

Brace yourselves for an even more swoon-worthy 2023 Eric (played by the charming Jonah Hauer-King). This updated version of Eric is no ordinary prince; he's an orphan, snatched up by the caring Queen Selina after a tragic shipwreck claimed the lives of his parents. Just like our beloved Ariel, he experiences a sense of displacement in his own life. And guess what? He shares another similarity with our favorite mermaid: both Eric and Ariel engage in lively arguments with their overprotective guardians. Moreover, Eric possesses a treasure trove of trinkets collected during his thrilling escapades across the high seas, just like Ariel's unique collection. So, be prepared to be swept off your feet by this enchanting, new and improved Eric!

3. Best: In the movie, you'll delve deeper into Ariel's family history, uncovering a more intricate backstory that sheds light on Ursula's connection to Triton.

In the original film, Ariel's mother's cause of death remains undisclosed, but the reboot unveils a gripping revelation: she was tragically slain by a human, adding fuel to Triton's deep-seated animosity towards them. Not only that, but a surprising twist emerges as it is revealed that Triton and Ursula are siblings. The timing of Ursula's banishment coincides with the heartbreaking loss of Ariel's mother, hinting at a connection between these pivotal events.

4. Best: It turns out that Scuttle is not actually a seagull but a clever gannet!

Okay, be ready for some mind-boggling news that had me scratching my head in utter confusion! Remember Scuttle from the trailers? Well, get this: he's not your typical seagull. Nope, he's a smarty-pants gannet! And guess what gannets do? They dive and hold their breath underwater! Who would've thought, right? Now, you might be wondering why on earth this seemingly random change matters. Well, hold onto your flippers because here's the kicker: since Scuttle can swim and chat underwater, Ariel doesn't need to constantly pop up to the surface to hang out with him. And guess when she finally takes her first-ever trip above water? It's the same magical night she rescues Eric from that gnarly shipwreck. Talk about a fishy twist of fate!

5. Best: Get ready for some extra screen time with our beloved duo, Ariel and Eric!

Ariel and Eric are about to take their connection to a whole new level! Picture this: Eric proudly shows off his impressive collection of knick-knacks and maps, and guess who's there to add an extra sprinkle of magic? Ariel herself! She not only teaches him the mysterious powers hidden within some of his sea artifacts but also charms him with a heart-melting moment where she reveals her name using the twinkling constellations above. Talk about an adorable scene that will make your heart skip a beat! Forget the original version where Eric found Ariel amusing—this time around, he actively encourages and embraces her curiosity because it resonates with his own. It's official: we've got soulmates and a romance that proves love is alive and well under the sea!

6. Best: In the reboot, get ready for a delightful twist that emphasizes Ariel's insatiable curiosity and fascination with humans, surpassing her infatuation with Eric.

Ariel's curiosity and fascination with humans have always taken center stage! Even in the original story, she sang her heart out in "Part of Your World" long before catching a glimpse of Eric. However, in the reboot, her infatuation with Eric is toned down a bit, placing less emphasis on mere physical attraction. Remember how the animated Ariel was head over heels for that statue of Eric? Well, this time around, things have taken a slight detour. Get ready to witness a new dynamic where Ariel's captivating allure for the human world shines brighter than ever before!

7. Best: Prepare to be mesmerized by the revamped version of "Poor Unfortunate Souls"! These changes not only amplify Ursula's menacing presence but also ingeniously address a plot hole from the original movie.

The reboot addresses some intriguing details that left us scratching our heads in the 1989 version. Remember how Ariel signed her name on a contract with Ursula and we wondered why she didn't just write a note to Eric? Well, director Rob Marshall swoops in to save the day with a clever twist! In the reboot, Ariel "signs" the contract with a drop of her own blood and a scale from her tail. Talk about a creative way to resolve that plot hole! But wait, there's more! Ursula takes her villainous game to a whole new level. Instead of keeping souls in her garden, she unveils a bone-chilling revelation as she flaunts a bunch of skulls, hinting that she straight-up eliminates anyone who dares to break a deal with her. And as if that's not enough, her lair reveals a complete merperson skeleton lurking in the depths. How spine-tinglingly fun! Reboot that not only answers burning questions but also adds thrilling twists and eerie surprises to the mix. It's a treasure trove of dark secrets and curious delights!

8. Worst: The removal of the "body language" verse wasn't necessary.

I've always believed that Ursula was attempting to persuade Ariel to accept the deal rather than promoting values for young girls to follow. After all, Ursula is known for her deceitful and manipulative nature. Additionally, the verse in question happens to be the most captivating part of the song. It's unfortunate that we don't get to experience Melissa McCarthy's rendition of those lines, as she portrayed Ursula perfectly.

9. Best: Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda collaborated on three new songs.

"Wild Uncharted Waters" showcases Prince Eric's obsessive search for Ariel, delivering a soulful and angsty performance reminiscent of "Bet On It" from High School Musical 2. This comparison serves as the highest compliment I can offer. "For the First Time" is a captivating song sung by Ariel on her first day on land, serving as an inner monologue due to her loss of voice. It not only allows us to relish in Halle Bailey's angelic voice but also provides a beautiful glimpse into Ariel's mix of excitement and anxiety as she embarks on her journey as a human. Furthermore, Ariel treats us to a poignant second reprise of "Part of Your World" upon discovering Eric's engagement to Vanessa.

10. Worst: "The Scuttlebutt"

"The Scuttlebutt" has received a rather polarizing response, and it may even be an understatement. Lin-Manuel Miranda's distinct style of musical theater rap appears to be a mismatch with the other songs in the film and feels out of sync with the overall plot. While it earns credit for its clever wordplay, the two minutes devoted to this song could have been better utilized elsewhere.

11. Best: The decision to remove "Daughters of Triton" and "Les Poissons"

While "Daughters of Triton" is not inherently flawed, its removal allows for a more impactful experience as Ariel's "Part of Your World" becomes the first song we hear. Regarding "Les Poissons," considering Disney's emphasis on realistic CGI animals in these reboots, it is arguably a wise decision to exclude a song that portrays the enjoyment of killing fish.

12. Worst: Ariel's sisters had minimal presence on-screen

In the original movie, Ariel's sisters didn't have a significant role, but they did have a song. The reboot initially hinted at the possibility of giving the Daughters of Triton more screen time by introducing them with different names and ethnicities, with Princess Indira portrayed by Bridgerton's Simone Ashley. Additionally, in this version, the mersisters serve as Triton's emissaries who report back to him annually across the ocean, adding an intriguing element. However, it is regrettable that these exciting developments received limited attention due to the inclusion of Scuttle's rap scene.

13. Best: Vanessa's spell has only a minimal effect on Eric

In the reboot, just like in the original, "Vanessa" is Ursula's human guise, using Ariel's voice to enchant Eric. Jessica Alexander delivers fantastic performances as Vanessa, and Halle Bailey flawlessly sings the captivating and sinister siren song. However, in contrast to the cartoon, the spell has a minimal effect on Eric in the reboot. His deep love for Ariel renders him almost immune to Vanessa's enchantment. Throughout their time together, Eric continuously queries Grimsby about Ariel's whereabouts because, in the 2023 version, Eric can be described as infatuated and smitten with Ariel, a true romantic.

14. Worst: Ursula cunningly alters the conditions of her agreement with Ariel, ensuring that Ariel will forget about the possibility of kissing Eric.

As Ursula transforms Ariel into a human, she includes a touch of amnesia within the spell, ensuring that Ariel will forget about the three-day time limit to kiss Eric. This addition by the writer/director aimed to eliminate any hidden agenda on Ariel's part during her interactions with Eric, making their connection more authentic and genuine. Although the intention was well-meaning, it unfortunately leads to confusion as it remains unclear what Ariel does and doesn't remember from her encounter with Ursula. Ultimately, this particular detail has little impact on Eric and Ariel's relationship, rendering it somewhat unnecessary in the grand scheme of things.

15. Best: Ariel and Eric's "happy ending" extends beyond their wedding ceremony.

Following their heartfelt reunion after the intense battle with Ursula, Ariel and Eric do proceed with their marriage. However, in a departure from the previous depiction, the movie fast-forwards to a later time, revealing Ariel and Eric embarking on a shared adventure. They fulfill their long-held desires of exploring the world, immersing themselves in different cultures, and doing so with the support and blessings of their respective families.

Feel free to comment below to share your agreement or disagreement with me. And while you're considering your thoughts, here is the trailer if you still didn't see the movie: