This is the 1st live action Disney movie I liked, so going into it I totally expected Disney to screw this up. Imagine my surprise when I didn't just like it, I loved it!
First of all, I was disappointed when I heard Ariel wouldn't be a red head. She's such an iconic character I thought that might be a terrible decision, but Halle Bailey did a fantastic job and made me fall in love with Ariel all over again. Fleshing out Eric's character was enjoyable, and seeing him spend more time with Ariel, giving their relationship an opportunity to grow on screen, was also welcome. And I loved most of the new songs. Eric & Ariel's new songs fit in so well it was like they belonged all along.
It wasn't all an improvement, though, there's a few things I didn't like. First, Javier Bardem's performance as King Triton was emotionally subdued, which very likely could have been the fault of the director. Scuttle's hip-hop song did not fit with the rest of the movie and took me out of the moment. And the finale was robbed of much of its dramatic excitement because there's no wedding to stop. Eric and Vanessa are just hanging out on a balcony when they're assaulted by scuttle and max. It was a bit disappointing.
But overall, I'm so happy to be surprised that Disney got this one right. And I can't wait to go see it again.
First of all, I was disappointed when I heard Ariel wouldn't be a red head. She's such an iconic character I thought that might be a terrible decision, but Halle Bailey did a fantastic job and made me fall in love with Ariel all over again. Fleshing out Eric's character was enjoyable, and seeing him spend more time with Ariel, giving their relationship an opportunity to grow on screen, was also welcome. And I loved most of the new songs. Eric & Ariel's new songs fit in so well it was like they belonged all along.
It wasn't all an improvement, though, there's a few things I didn't like. First, Javier Bardem's performance as King Triton was emotionally subdued, which very likely could have been the fault of the director. Scuttle's hip-hop song did not fit with the rest of the movie and took me out of the moment. And the finale was robbed of much of its dramatic excitement because there's no wedding to stop. Eric and Vanessa are just hanging out on a balcony when they're assaulted by scuttle and max. It was a bit disappointing.
But overall, I'm so happy to be surprised that Disney got this one right. And I can't wait to go see it again.