Last Friday, I revisited Schwack Cinema in Hulhumale to watch The Little Mermaid again. I had noticed certain aspects about the film and wanted to share the experience with my loved ones. This outing helped me realize certain aspects that had been overshadowed by the negative opinions of some individuals who either haven't watched it or have valid reasons for not planning to.
Among various factors, I would like to highlight three reasons why Disney Studios has faced criticism for their decision to produce live-action adaptations of their successful and beloved animated films:
1. The live-action movies are seen as repetitive retellings.
2. Disney is accused of capitalizing on its already successful franchises to generate more revenue.
3. The studio is perceived as lacking creativity by lazily remaking animated movies into live-action versions, possibly due to financial constraints.
Now, focusing solely on the aesthetics, let me analyze the latest live-action adaptation, The Little Mermaid, and highlight its positive aspects:
1. It remains largely faithful to the 1989 animated version, which has both advantages and drawbacks. On the positive side, there are new and unfamiliar scenes in the live-action movie. However, on the negative side, some scenes are excessively faithful to the animated version, resulting in predictable dialogue and songs.
2. Director Rob Marshall has successfully incorporated new elements, such as allowing Ariel to explore the human world more extensively. Additionally, the movie portrays Eric's initial awkwardness with Ariel's silent presence while officials search for the "mystery girl" who saved him from the shipwreck.
3. Referring to Ursula's defeat, as I previously discussed in a blogpost, I will refrain from divulging any spoilers for those who have yet to see the movie, but I can mention that the screenwriters of the film, David Magee and Jane Goldman, have tactfully addressed the issue by altering Ursula's outcome to reflect the modern fight against misogyny. Additionally, it is worth noting Marshall's commendable decision to cast a black actor as the little mermaid, a choice that serves as an inspiring response to the prevalent racism in the United States and other parts of the world.
After the movie concluded, I asked a young relative, who was born long after the release of the animated version but had watched it multiple times, whether she enjoyed the live-action film. She responded that everything was "perfect" except for the omission of a memorable comedic scene involving the crab Sebastian's misadventures in Eric's castle.
Subsequently, I inquired about the live-action 3D version of The Little Mermaid to a potential future in-law. Since his perspective was crucial for my "review," let me emphasize that he was born way after the release of the animated version and had come to watch the remake without prior exposure to the original. He shared that although he doesn't watch "chick flicks," he genuinely enjoyed the live-action version.
The realization then dawned on me, affirming that there is indeed an audience for Disney's live-action remakes. Their efforts serve a valuable purpose by introducing classic productions to a modern, youthful generation who may not have been exposed to Disney's "old" animated films.
As if to provide further confirmation, a young relative whispered to me about spotting a little child dressed as a mermaid. Indeed, while we were waiting outside Schwack to head home, we caught sight of that young girl running around in a mermaid costume.
However, I acknowledge that the younger generation has the choice to delve into the original movies and appreciate them without relying exclusively on the remakes.
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