Hey yall, wassup? I have been wanting to come on here and talk about The Little Mermaid since it was released because like I mentioned here, I saw it twice within its first 48 hours of being out. However, I’ve been having some technical difficulties… But all that matters is everything is back working fine and we can get right into it. So here we go!
Quick Summary
The Little Mermaid is a classic that has been loved by and for generations. It tells the story of a young mermaid who falls in love with a human prince and makes a deal with a sea witch, (who happens to be her auntie … talk about family drama), to become human herself. The story has been adapted into various forms of media, including movies, TV shows, and even stage productions. And most recently, a new version of The Little Mermaid has been released, with Halle Bailey playing the lead role of as Ariel.
My Thoughts
Halle Bailey is a talented actress and singer who is best known for her work with her sister in the R&B duo Chloe x Halle. From the beginning, the news of her casting was met with both excitement and controversy, with some fans expressing their disappointment that the character of Ariel will be played by a black actress.
But despite the critics, I believe that Halle Bailey was the perfect choice for the role of Ariel. Not only is she a talented performer, but she also represents a much-needed change in the entertainment industry. For far too long, black actors and actresses have been subjected to stereotypical roles that do not showcase their full range of talent.
By casting Halle Bailey as Ariel, Disney is sending a message that black actors and actresses have RANGE. And we can play any role, regardless of what we look like or where we come from. And let me just say this… Halle Bailey did an amazing job as Ariel. She brought a fresh energy to the character, and her singing was absolutely beautiful.
Not to mention her chemistry with Prince Eric!
Her chemistry with Jonah Hauer-King, who played Prince Eric, was also great. I’ve seen so many people trying to ship them as a couple in real life since the release of the film, it’s ridiculous. Newsflash everyone, according to the last thing I’ve heard, they are both in relationships. 😂
For the people in the back who do not know what it means to ship someone, it’s just Gen Z’s way of saying it’s a couple that they’d like to see together.
The Music
One of my favorite songs from the movie was Eric’s solo song, “Wild Uncharted Waters.” It was a beautiful and catchy song that Jonah did a great job singing. But my absolute favorite song in the movie was “The Scuttlebutt,” sung by Scuttle and Sebastian. It was a cute little jam that was stuck in my head for a good two weeks… and counting.
Melissa McCarthy also did an excellent job as Ursula. She brought a different take on the character, which I can appreciate. In the scene where Ursula charges at Ariel who just got her voice back, she really sold me. Because at that moment, I knew … I hated her.
Ursula, not Melissa. LOL
My Grievance
One main grievance I had with the movie was that I wish it had more action. I think it would’ve been more interesting to see Ursula not only take King Triton’s power but also harm Eric in some way. This would have put Ariel on defense and attack mode for not only her father, but the love of her life as well. It would’ve added more tension and excitement to the story.
But also like, I get it. It’s a children’s movie. A princess at that, so they can’t make it too gruesome. But still, that would’ve added a bit more pizzazz in my eyes.
Final Thoughts
I believe that having Halle Bailey as the new Little Mermaid is a step in the right direction, and hope to see more films and TV shows that bring more black people into fantastical roles in the future. It’s time for Hollywood to embrace diversity and inclusivity.
Again, I’ll stress the importance of black children seeing people that look like them in roles that are majestic and beautiful. Seeing someone who looks like you in a role that is traditionally played by white actors can be empowering. It can inspire young black children to dream big and believe that they too can achieve greatness and I’m excited to see what the future holds.
Overall, I give the movie an 8.5 out of 10. Halle Bailey did an amazing job as Ariel, and the rest of the cast was great as well. The music was beautiful, and the visuals were stunning. While I wish there was more action, I still enjoyed the movie and would recommend it to anyone who loves The Little Mermaid.
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