Disney's live-action remakes range from inspired reinterpretations (Cruella) to almost shot-for-shot adaptations of beloved classics (The Lion King). Directed by Rob Marshall (Chicago, Mary Poppins Returns), The Little Mermaid sits squarely in the middle. At times it lovingly recreates moments from the '89 animation; at others there are new twists in the mermaid tale. The result is a lively, vibrant, joyous reimagining that's strong enough to surpass the original.
Halle Bailey shines as Ariel, the curious, headstrong young mermaid who's lovesick for the surface world. Her soaring rendition of 'Part of Your World' is the goosebump-raising pearl in the film's oyster. Melissa McCarthy is another standout as baddie Ursula: giving a campy, deliciously evil performance, she owns every sly look and extravagant swish of her bioluminescent tentacles.
