How the Live-Action Little Mermaid Improved on the Original

The Little Mermaid live action proved that remakes can have value when done correctly. It wasn’t just a good movie, it accomplished demonstrating what a live action movie SHOULD be - not just a retelling of the original a different format, but an opportunity to tell the story in a new way, and to expand on the narrative in a way that adds to the spirit of the original. So go ahead and hit that play button, let's dive into the depths of this movie and discuss the magic of good storytelling! ✨🧜‍♀️🐚
🦀 Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! Did you enjoy the film? How about the music? Was "Scuttlebutt" the worst song you've ever heard? Was the hyper-realistic Flounder unsettling? (Personally, I thought Jacob Tremblay's charming and adorable performance compensated for any weirdness in the design!)
🌊Timestamps
Intro: 00:00
Background of the Original: 0:45
The Myth of the Disney Princess: 3:00
Ariel and Eric’s Relationship: 3:45
Lyric Changes: 5:25
Eric’s Character: 8:45
The Ending: 9:56
Ariel and Triton: 10:55
Howard Ashman: 11:20
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[@ginkiba3]

The Cinderella remake also did something like this. It doesn't try to retcon or "correct" the original, but it expands on the narrative and gives both Cinderella and Lady Tremane more context for why they are the way that they are, and actually fleshes out the relationship between Cinderella and Kit to where you can see how they'd be happy together.

[@sindelscat9336]

But it doesn't really make any big changes like it did in this remake, and it also didn't make unnecessary and negative changes either, unlike this remake.

[@TheRandomgal5]

The live action Cinderella is way better than the animated one. In my opinion, the only live action Disney remakes that are actually better than the animated versions are Cinderella & The Jungle Book. I also enjoyed the live action Aladdin & Beauty and the Beast but both of those animated versions were way better.

[@cosmicriptid]

This is exactly what I was thinking. The live action Cinderella was great, and the prince actually had a character. Also them meeting before the ball made so much more sense.

[@magicbymikaila]

yes LOVE the live action cinderella, that one and the little mermaid are definitely my fave live actions for those reasons!!

[@GFX667]

@@magicbymikaila Same here :D

[@shelby_lynn]

I also LOVE how they gave the island more character and seeing Jodi give the fork to Halle really made me tear up

[@magicbymikaila]

Yes!! There was a ton of beautiful worldbuilding too which was amazing! half the audience at my theater gasped when Jodi made her appearance it was such a sweet moment 🥹

[@BillyLeigh]

But they take away the underwater golden castle.

[@Dragonstorm2000]

it looks more like market than kingdom

[@elsaleppavuori1091]

@@BillyLeighthis is my biggest complain about the movie. They took all the magic out of it. It’s a story about a mermaid. Why does everything look so dull

[@Aisha_Luv]

I think Eric not driving the ship actively takes away from the story. It's the climax of Ariel's story because it proves she was right! Humans can be selfless and it proves to titon he was wrong! I also thought Titon was way less emotionally compelling in this version and seemed alot angrier and stoic. The biggest change being he isn't as remorseful seeming after destroying ariels grotto.

[@emiliaromana2683]

Exacly what I was thinking, thank you!

[@felicity1877]

still, I don't understand why it's considered as more "selfless" to kill actively someone than being ready to be the victim as self-sacrifice just like in the live action movie. that's my interpretation. I don't understand why the act of killing is given so much discussion. Both fought together. yet, I rather wished that there would be a completely different defeat - why not together with the mermaid sisters with their enhanced magical abilities....

[@emiliaromana2683]

@@felicity1877 It´s not "selfless". It is heroic. (Not to generally kill someone, but in that case, to kill the crazy sea witch, that is about to kill Ariel) Eric is the hero in that moment, because he saves Ariel, like she saved him at the beginning. And it didn´t came across as "fighting together" or that Eric was distracting Ursula. No, he was just stranded on the rock and Ursula is focusing on him (for no reason, because she was so mad at ARIEL, for killing her eels.)

[@felicity1877]

@@emiliaromana2683 I mean with "fighting together" the whole thing of the climax, also killing the eels, and also how Eric is coming to her rescue and diving to Ariel to save her from Ursula. Then Ursula turns to him,and then both are on the big Ursula, and then we're in the final moments in this constellation, where Ariel is in danger and Eric is defeating Ursula with killing her. I would also say similarly the Prince Phillip also defeated Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty also only together with the good fairies. In Maleficent, all these characters are pointless and stupid. Of course, we know Maleficent is an alternate story, but why people can accept such big changes, but now such twists are considered as awful...?. I also don't want that heroic moments are taken away from established beloved characters, but here I see it as a moment for Ariel to avenge and navigate her own life. It's for me an entirely new version based on the movie just like other Disney movies are based on existing tales----

[@attmay82]

Eric still by himself rowed out there after them and threw harpoons and was still a critical role in the overall fight. He had more involvement in the live action fight than Ariel did in the animated

[@DorkQueen23]

The two nitpicky complaints for me was "Under the Sea" was subdued. Not as bouncy. I knew "Part of Your World" wasn't going to quite touch my love of Jodie's version (it is one of my nightly lullabies to my children). But i was struck by how slow and low energy "Under the Sea" was. The other was that I wanted Eric and Ariel to kill Ursula together. I didn't like the complete role reversal there. But your point that Ariel learned from Eric plus realizing Eric is distracting Ursula, i feel better about it. There was still teamwork. I squealed and then cried when Jodie appeared. In a pink dress. And gave Ariel a dinglerhopper. Once we got to Poor Unfortunate Souls, i was all in. I loved that we got songs of what Ariel is thinking when she cant speak. Eric's study scene. Guilty pleasure, i enjoyed "Scuttlebutt". Maybe my 5 year old's enjoyment of it helped. And yeah... "You shouldn't have had to given up your voice to be heard" tears again! Thanks for letting me ramble on.

[@magicbymikaila]

Ooo yes I did love Under the Sea but it didn’t quite have the oomph and spirit of the original and I feel like one of the reasons for that is because it was missing the ensemble singers! Like in the original during those big ending lines like “we got a HOT CRUSTACEAN BAND!” the entire chorus joins in, but in the live action it’s just Sebastian and Ariel singing, it was missing the ensemble strength I feel like! I wonder if it was a budget thing or just a stylistic choice to leave out the big choir but I definitely missed hearing it! 🦀

[@machaiahlillard8156]

@Magic By Mikaila I could not put my finger on it but that must have been what it was, I agree!

[@cg-decorationatelier2379]

@@magicbymikaila and it didn't make sense for Ariel to sing along as Sebastian was trying to convince HER that life was better under the sea...

[@icetlorenzo9377]

​@cg-decorationatelier2379 it shows how Ariel still lived the Sea, even though she wanted to go to the above world to see more. It made complete sense to me. Under the Sea on the live action was one of my favorite part in the movie. All that sea live dancing and interacting with Ariel was OUTSTANDING.

[@moonshiro]

I'm sorry but it's boring compared to the original Sebastian's unclear accent that became French and affected the song and its rhythm, the distinct lack of music in this entire song until one small moment at the end, the use of sea animals that dont make sense to be there (a lot of molluscs and invertebrates that have no consciousness and therefore cannot do what they showed to do and at the same time are not found at all in places with light in the ocean but on the dark seabed, like most octopuses and especially the giant octopus/squid they showed), talking about fish when showing marine mammals, making sounds of a certain animal and then showing the wrong animal (the part with the catfish that was gaven sounds of whales), a crazy lack of knowledge in physics (How the hell does she *fall* in the water (salt water, no less) and so *fast*, and hold herself on this giant squid that according to her hair and the camera moves very fast and she just sits on it without holding anything) and how movement in water works and animation errors and a distinct lack of use of FISH in the song that should be the moment to use them in this film Just disappointing. The most beautiful part here is the part with the jellyfish that doesn't make sense at all to be in this place in the ocean, and the end of the song, when it finally feels like the celebration it's supposed to be. And before anyone says "this is a fantasy movie you shouldn't listen to the laws of physics or the real world" so it's interesting that they tried to do it with Ariel's hair and most of her movement in the water, and the color of Ariel's hair which is orange and not red in accordance with her skin color and the real world and the movements of most animals in this section. If you go for live action adaptedion acording to the real world then go with it to the end, or dont, you can't ride both weddings because then you get a half-baked and bad product.

[@maxwellgrimsley]

Ariel most certainly did not give her voice up for a man. She wanted to live on land so badly already, she just had a crush and when her father destroyed everything she loves from the land it sent her into a vulnerable state that Ursula took advantage of. 😭🤚

[@kaveenasingsandcosplays3441]

EXACTLY. ppl just forget about the part of your world song and chose not to watch the movie properly

[@maxwellgrimsley]

@@kaveenasingsandcosplays3441 fr, they’ll sing part of your world and say it’s a classic without even thinking of the lyrics and what they mean for her character. She’s been collecting and studying humans for YEARS. It was her dream, Eric and the chaos that ensued just gave her the push to do something about it.

[@karl7736]

I had given up on the live actions, none had been as good as (or even close) to the originals. This actually makes me want to give this one a watch. Great video.

[@nikosfilipino]

for me it was Mulan. Stunning trailer and great concept, terrible execution

[@zSpirall]

I really recommend seeing it. I am definitely a tough critic on live action remakes. And I could not get over how wonderful this was. I think you just have to form an opinion on the movie yourself.

[@krustomer]

I would also recommend bringing a child in your life with you!! Taking my little sister was the best :)

[@magicbymikaila]

I was feeling disappointed with the live actions too until this movie! It definitely gave me hope that going forward they’ll be more fresh and original like this one was, I’m excited to see what they do with the upcoming Moana live action!

[@cecily5614]

If it helps...I've hated every live action with a passion except for Cinderella, Jungle Book, and now The Little Mermaid. Those three are by far the best remakes.

[@hannahcpenner]

8:43 weird way to propose, but yes! all jokes aside, I love your analysis and found myself thinking very similarly after watching the film. I am so happy about the changes they made, and yes, I still love the original. we can appreciate the new without hating the old! both are great films, and we wouldn't have this film if it weren't for the amazing work of the original creators. I'm so happy that The Little Mermaid (2023) retains the magic of the original whilst also distinguishing itself as something fresh and new. Halle Bailey with her beautiful voice, doe eyes, and natural charisma & kindness was just BORN to play a princess like Ariel ❤

[@magicbymikaila]

when’s should we have our wedding?? 😂🫶🏼 so glad you liked it!! I love how you put that, that we get to have two beautiful versions of the story that complement each other now 🥰

[@braveheartalice]

One of the things that I love in the live-action is the emphasis on Ariel wanting to be free of her restricted life in the sea. Yes, it's also in the animated film, but I feel like Ariel's fascination with humans as a whole is placed on the backburner when Eric is introduced, and Eric is even the final push Ursula uses to get Ariel to agree to the contract. But Ursula using Ariel's desire for freedom as the final push for Ariel to agree to complete the deal in the live-action is so much better, and it shows Ariel's desire to be human more consistently than the animated movie. And I love even more that Sebastian realizing how miserable Ariel would be back in the sea is what motivates him to help her. Also, the other thing that I'm glad they added was Ariel questioning whether or not she made the right choice to give up everything and become human. Just added a level of complexity to her situation and made me sympathize with Ariel more than I ever did in the animated version.

[@AshlynKuriakose]

Even though the live action is good I personally prefer the animated 100% Edit: Also I have just realised Flounder in the background and OH MY GOD that just threw me of.

[@magicbymikaila]

the animated will always hold the most special place in my heart 🥹🥰

[@spillurgutsz]

samee!

[@kazuzart1582]

yeah it's just better, music-wise and plot-wise. I love the part when eric use the ship to stab Ursula, it was smart and so well done.

[@3l_m4rc0]

Ron killing Voldemort would be really funny. So, when do we get married?

[@Lialey22]

Sorry I have to make some points ... First my biggest Problem: The ending with Eric defeating Ursula was important for the story because he was also saving King Triton. It was a human who saved all the mermaids. This earned him Triton's respect and blessing, and changed his way of thinking about the human world. By making Ariel the one to defeat Ursula, they're not just weakening Eric's character, but also Triton's growth. Ariel was never the one in the story who had to change or learn something, she was right not prejudicing all the humans. Triton is the one who has to make that heros journey and changing for the better. Also I always laugh when the part comes where Triton was dead and gets revivied (by whatever?) and Ariel says: It was both of us, dad. She has to actively tell him what happend... which is so stupid. The thing with Ursula altering the contract: Like you said, Ursula made that condition with the kiss, because she doesn't believe in true love. There is no way she would see the need to do this. Also it gernerates more questions like: If shes so powerful that she can alter the bargain as she wants, why has there one to begin with? Plus with Ariel loosing her memory and therefore her goal to kiss Eric and make him fall in love I would rather say it lowers the stakes. In the original we root for her in all her attempts to show Eric her true self without being able to speak, not so in the life action. It is more innocent for sure but i wouldn't say thats a good thing. The siren song... is unneeded. Eric falls in love with her voice, thats because he is so crazy to find her again. There is no need to add something so vage to the story as this. It rather makes you question: so has he ever loved her? Or was it just the spell shes using when singing to him? If anything, the live action version makes me appreciate the original so much more... But I loved your intruduction! Ariel giving up her voice for a man is clearly wrong. Ashman was such a inspiring person and his work in the little mermaid shows how much he understood the longing of people. I'm sure he would have liked this version too but the original still holds up the test of time and is so much more charming and magical than the remade.

[@ahsoka_tano_98]

I went in with not very high expectations, but the movie blew me away, I loved it so much. All the subtle changes you mention really improve upon the story imo, especially the voice being the 'siren song' that's part of the mermaid package she gives up. One thing that confused me a little is how quickly they "solved" the Vanessa problem, like, they didn't even get to mentioning her name, right?! I can't exactly recall that part of the animated movie, but this just felt a little rushed.

[@boglarkaizso1661]

This video is perfect, it captures exactly what I was thinking, and it even made me emotional. I loved it, and I loved the movie too! (Also, it made me such a simp for Ariel and Eric.)

[@magicbymikaila]

so glad you liked it, thanks for watching!! 🥹💕 Ariel and Eric’s relationship has my whole heart 😭🥰

[@lilpest2938]

Ariel and Eric were my favorite part- originally I thought they were pretty cute and whatever but after the live action they 100% became one of my favorite Disney couples

[@ellegarrels2317]

although i was disappointed when i didn’t hear Melissa say “ bodayyy languageeeee HA” the song was still good considering! and tbh no matter how bad i could’ve thought the movie came out Halle made up for it in every way

[@juliapakarinen7956]

I squealed when I saw the title and clicked right away. You have amazing points and I agree with most of them. (Even though I tried to avoid spoilers, I couldn't avoid the comments of how horrible "Scuttlebutt" is, so I was very cautious and frightened of it. But when I actually saw it on screen, I let out a positively surprised "Huh!" Is the best song? Hell no. Is it put there mostly for children? Probably. But in my opinion it curiously fits in the moment and showcases the connection and bond between Scuttle and Sebastian even more.) This is the first time I like every single change and addition they made. I also love how they deepened the love story between Ariel and Eric here, their chemistry is spectacular (I have also loved to watch Halle's and Jonah's duo-interviews). Jessica Alexander did a chilling performance as Vanessa. Melissa had very many doubters, but she really won me over with her interpretation. She both honored the original and added her own twist to it. (Plus, "Has she killed the Prince yet?" is such a nice nod to H.C. Andersen and "For The First Time" has been stuck in my head ever since I heard the soundtrack.) The original was my favorite as a child, but I can honestly say that the live action version is even better in my eyes, and it's sad to see how much hate this movie and (especially Halle) got before it was even out. She is the perfect Ariel for me and the casting in general is great. Thank you so much for this video, a wonderful way to start a weekend with.

[@OhSkyeLanta]

The first gay Disney prince should be named Howard to honor Howard Ashman and he should have a BANGER of an “I Want” song

[@FrenchTheLlamas]

Okay didn't expect to go into this video about a film I'm only half interested in to find myself nearly crying by the end. Amazing work, and thanks for telling me a story about an amazing guy ❤

[@catherinegilbert5951]

Disney's memorial to him in Beauty and the Beast said it all: To our friend Howard, who gave a mermaid her voice and a beast his soul, we will be forever grateful. Howard Ashman 1950-1991

[@Pandie2828]

I love this movies interpretation of Ariel and and Eric. I wish I could could merge the two movies to get the best of both.

[@zaza-jn5wf]

As a gay guy, the little mermaid was my favorite Disney movie as a kid. I will be forever grateful that Howard Ashman wrote one of the best songs about "wanting to be free" and giving me so much hope as a child.

[@magicbymikaila]

I love that so much for you, thanks so much for sharing that!! 🥹💕

[@shinigamis_like_apples4797]

These were my exact thoughts when I exited the theatres after watching it. I heard scuttlebutt in German and it actually sounded cool, but man oh man awkwafinas voice rapping it must have sounded horrible. I never thought of that. I personally really loved the depth they gave the relationship between Ariel and Eric and fixing Ariel’s arc and also erics arc of only being interested in her for her looks and voice alone. So the siren song addition actually made me go like Oh so that’s why he was so fixated on finding her in the original, and made me wonder if the of little mermaid was darker than I thought because that would make Ariel a siren and that would be the reason Eric was attracted to her…so yeah, glad the taking her voice away tied up that loose end of their story. It was progressive but some of the progressiveness like making her song about exploration and Ursula’s without the misogynistic views, impressed me a lot. They also really focused on how the reason she wanted to leave the ocean was because she didn’t feel like she fit in. Since nobody shared her thoughts, her curiosity or tolerance for the humans, and I found that as a viewer, I could actually relate to that feeling more, than wanting to see the human world. As a human it’s hard to share her excitement for that when you’re like, girl, you can basically fly and swim with dolphins and you want to deal with gravity and sunburn? So yeah, I think majority of the changes were wonderful additions that made a fun tale even more compelling.

[@seanr8445]

It's weird and funny how people are so offended by this movie...as if they are required to see it and their lives will be ruined when they do. The simple solution is to just not see it. It's super weird. The stress alone most be shedding years off of their lives. Honestly the controversy only makes me want to see it.

[@JordanVanRyn]

I appreciate your thoughts about the remake but I have to respectfully disagree with the use of Ursula's lyrics. To me, I think it's important to have these lyrics because kids are far more perceptive in picking up nuanced topics than adults. To me, the lyrics are so necessary because she is trying to seed doubt into Ariel and that she's only "worth it if she doesn't speak" which is obviously not true. But Ariel proves Ursula's words wrong every time throughout the movie because Ariel kept finding ways to communicate with Eric. The moral of the story should teach kids that you are more than what people tell you what you should be and you have the power to prove them wrong by being yourself. Ariel stands up to the bully. All animated movies should feature messages where they can stand up to their bullies and persevere. It's not just about walking away feeling good about yourself, it's about feeling empowerment. PS: I was _LIVING_ for that Ariel/Vanessa cat fight! It was great!👏👏👏

[@magicbymikaila]

thanks for sharing your thoughts, I really enjoyed your take! I think it’s a valid thought that there are a lot children that probably would understand the nuance! I like that we can have both versions of the song and movie now, one that can help teach kids to overcome what society thinks of them and another version that’ll leave them with a positive self view!

[@hannahmcgregor8053]

That was so beautifully told. Thank you for sharing all this information and the story behind movies we loved growing up and still enjoy to this day

[@GaarasBFF0911]

When the Little Mermaid came out I was so over watching Disney live action movies that I didn't go and see it. Especially after taking out Scar's song from the Lion King. But... I got to watch the live action Little Mermaid on a plane and I have to say... this is probably one of my favorites. Because of the story telling. Sure some of the characters fell a bit flat, but the live action showed us a great showing of the human world for Ariel. I loved seeing this kind of Caribbean style port town. It was like watching Pirates of the Caribbean all over again, with a bit more charm to it. I think when the story tried to do something new it was like a breath of fresh air. When it was sticking to the animated story... sometimes it fell a bit flat. Even Ursula's song, which I loved in the original, was a bit... flat. But once Ariel was on land the movie spent more time there then the animated version, which made the 2nd half of the story a lot more enjoyable to watch 😉😁

[@hollynixon9570]

Great video! I didn’t like that Ariel used the boat to kill Ursula at the end of the movie. The fact that she thinks a fork is for your hair and then she can steer a boat because she sort of saw Eric do it just did not play for me. I would have liked to see her Eric work together to destroy Ursula instead.

[@lorenzaiannoli6646]

I love how you narrate, and your passion about the fandoms, you can be funny and heartbreaking both ❤ also love that you make me look deeper into movies, gives me a whole new kind of appreciation 😁 thanks

[@countrycritique3775]

I didn't think about Ariel knowing how to steer the ship into Ursula bc she saw Eric do it earlier in the film! AWESOME REVIEW!!!

[@zSpirall]

I loved this movie. One of the best live action remakes. It was just an amazing cast and all around amazing acting. I loved that ariel was the one to defeat the villain in the end. But i always wanted that in the animated one, for the film i wished the reverse. But still i cant hate it. It was just amazing! One thing i do wish they didnt change was the ending, it wasn't the same as the animated. Going from Triton giving Ariel legs, then to the kiss/wedding kiss. And just to have a minute cut off the ending insted of the speed boat we were left with. But over all i loved the changes to the movie. It felt familiar yet new and fresh. Side note did anyone else realized we never saw the queen mother's ring agian... hopefully theres a deleted scene about that.

[@Hikari999]

I watched the movie a second time and I made sure to look out for the ring! If you look closely when Ariel’s being sent off, you can see her left hand and the ring on it. They don’t make it a very big detail so you have to really look for it at the end

[@magicbymikaila]

Oh I didn’t notice the ring! I love that, I’ll have to look for it on my next watch! 😍

[@magicbymikaila]

I would’ve loved the part of your world ensemble reprise at the end I wish they had that like that did in the original movie! 🧜‍♀️

[@fullfradi95]

Another bot comment spoted.... Not a good live action and the acting was bad You either not saw the film or getting paid to try promote the bad movie

[@zSpirall]

@@fullfradi95 lol. I wish i was paid to see movies for a living. You must be the bot. Anyone who didnt see this movie would have to think it wasn't amazing. I got to see it in 4dxd 3d movie chairs. The wind. The water spray. The waves. It was a thrilling movie to experience. If your to big-headed not to enjoy it. To go through life with no sense of wonder. I feel sorry for you. Truly.

[@cosmicriptid]

Hell yeah that Twisted reference

[@imjango1052]

I'm glad to see a positive spin on this. I feel like most of the hate this movie is getting stems from people hating the remakes on principle. The Little Mermaid is my favorite animated Disney movie (Ariel having been my childhood crush), and I was very happy with how this turned out. I agree with you on all points!

[@magalaga9669]

i love this! the twisted clip cracked me up 😭

[@iyainorangsakitjiwa1803]

Another thing is that they omit the dinner with Grimsby where Ariel wore the pink dress and used dinglehopper for the first time. In live action both Eric and Ariel fall in live not just because of physical appearance (like in animated where Ariel said Eric was so handsome, and beautiful, and Eric said Ariel was wonderful because she was in the pink dress)

[@maddibrook7]

I totally agree with your commentary. You brought up things I hadn't even noticed. Thanks for bringing to light why this beautiful retelling was so important

[@Nightengale90]

Awesome video! The ending scene between King Trition and Ariel made my mom tear up, which she rarely does when watching stuff. The live action Little Mermaid was her first movie she saw at a movie theater since the pandemic. We both thought it was great!

[@BrettsThoughts]

It's my favourite of the Live Action Remakes, and you've done a fantastic job of putting together why and how it was so well done. Also, totally here for Ron killing Voldemort.

[@krustomer]

I really hope Snow White gets the same quality of updates as TLM. I'm especially scared for the racism Rachel is about to face.

[@medtle1]

The irony is that Rachel Zeigler is still white, but because she is 1/4-white and has a hint of brown in her skin (and is in a movie marketed at girls and women), white people and angry dudebros (who would have hated the animated snow white when it was released because they saw it as a "girly" princess movie) are just using opportunity to harass woc and movies, shows, and products aimed at gals.

[@butterkeks7699]

One think I like about the remake is that, when they decided to change from seashell bra to weird scaly stuff covering the chest, they also did that for Triton and not just the females. I would have found it kind of akward if only the females grow scaly censor bars.

[@mvpboleyn9389]

I love the lifeaction movie ❤ They really did think about this one. Both movies are beaufiful in their own kind.

[@renji90998]

One of the things that people complain about the Disney princesses is that they “got married to quickly.” Even though the only ones they got married in their first film were Cinderella, Ariel, and Tiana. Except for Tiana, we don’t know when Cinderella and Ariel got married. Since it is possible that there was a time skip. Highly doubtful that Ariel got married _right after_ Ursula was killed. And just to be clear, Belle, Snow White, and Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) only had happily ever after’s. They never actually got married.

[@cosmicriptid]

I personally love the changes, making this the second Disney live action to improve on the animated in some ways. (Cinderella being the first.) Not a great track record, but good to show it can be done.)

[@swimmerdudepinkard5044]

Since I finished the whole video. Do I get a chance of marrying Mikaila? 🤣, on the video itself I really enjoyed the live action movie and was concerned with how Melissa McCarthy would do the voice. I didn't even realize the lyrics to the songs have changed from the original at all. I think they did a great job of incorporating the original.

[@emmierusso404]

you suit the red hair ridiculously well

[@HerrFinsternis]

Probably my favourite Disney film. I love your take on this, thx 🙏 My sisters and me were 3, 5 and 7 years old when it released and all we ever saw was a kickass girl who was interesting, curious, spirited and wasnt afraid to fight for what she really wanted even though the world said no. Without a doubt Ariel helped shape the man I am today. It allways saddens me when people reduce her to a submissive weak little woman simply because of all the things she wasn't afraid of chasing love was one of them.

[@PeaceMaker-rc7we]

I am hearing out both sides of the argument regarding this movie without any judgement and I've never felt more civil and educated before.

[@elizabethdankert1]

The thing I didn't like is that Ariel wanted to be on LAND where the people were. Instead at the end she has to ditch her dream to go off with Eric and fullfull his dream. She goes back onto the water and leaves all the people behind. Like if Eric wanted to know what was in those waters, just ask Ariels sisters. I get that he wants momentos from other places, but it doesn't make that clear at the end. It only makes it look like Ariel was leaving her dreams behind to be with a man.

[@hoos3014]

Eric and Ariel are going to explore other lands (as in kingdoms/countries). I thought that was pretty clear. That fulfills both of their character's motivations.

[@TSIRKLAND]

Overall, I was also quite happy with the changes they made from the animated to the live-action. Like all of the adaptations so far, there were some things I liked better, and some things I liked less well. I had absolutely no problem with Halle Bailey. She sang beautifully, she acted beautifully, she looked beautiful, and funny, and brave, and shy, and curious, and all the things Ariel should be. Boo on the haters who complained about casting a black actress; she was great. The idea that all of her sisters were a mix of racial looks, while Triton was father to all of them, implying that Triton had different baby-mamas from each Sea? Interesting. And probably above the heads of the young kids in the audience, but not over the heads of anyone who knows how genetics works, and that harems are a thing. They never explicitly came right out and said it, but that was definitely the implication. One Triton, King of The Seven Seas. Seven daughters, each from their own sea, each with their own mom. As long as everybody involved is happy with the arrangement it should be fine I guess, but as progressive as Disney has been, I'm surprised at that decision. It's probably a smaller thing than I'm making it in this paragraph. I don't mean to continue on the race subject, but making Eric a caucasian castaway, adopted by the black King and Queen of this island nation was another interesting choice. Nothing wrong with the choice, but just interesting. I'm not sure why Eric had to be adopted in the first place. Could a natural-born prince not have fantasies of lands far away? Ariel did. I'm not sure how his adopted status did much of anything for his character. Another small criticism. I did like Eric having a parent in the picture. In the animated, the king and queen never featured at all; they apparently had no influence on the story or Eric's life. It was compelling to see the paralells between Eric and Ariel, and between Queen Selina (played to perfection by Noma Dumezweni.) On the subject of King Triton again, I felt that Javier Bardem's portrayal was lacking. Too much stern, not enough empathy. Even in his more personal moments of parental doubt, it was too brooding; I felt he cared more about how he was feeling, than about being a good dad. Even the reunion scene at the end, when they embrace, and he's weeping with fatherly love: I felt I was watching Javier Bardem act, more than I was watching Triton love his daughter. I like Awkwafina, but I found her voice too annoying. Buddy Hackett had a funny voice, but it didn't grate as much. I've heard Awkwafina talk more normal than she did here; she really laid it on, and it made Scuttle super annoying. I also agree about the "Scuttlebutt" song: so not necessary. I can appreciate Lin Manuel Miranda's rap-writing ability, but that song in that part of the film took me right out of the action; it did not move the plot along whatsoever. Sorry, Lin: not every one can be a winner. You've done other great stuff, and will do in future, but this was not your top form, IMHO. I COMPLETELY agree with your take on the original animated version's take on Ariel's "I Want" motivation. She did not give up her voice for some guy- she gave up her voice because she wanted to be where the people are, because she wanted to get back at her dad for breaking all her stuff, AND because she just met this cute guy. Her motivations were complex, not one-dimensional and shallow. On the subject of that song, I felt that the live-action was a little weaker in that respect. Ursula was way too much, too scary; she didn't sweet-talk Ariel and lure her in enough. I was also confused with what exactly happened to her victims, and to King Triton. Apparently he got zapped by the electric eels and DIED?! In the animated, he turned into a little worm-thing with a mustache, like her other victims, then gets to re-form from there. In this one, he literally disintegrates! Then comes back to life? From? Somewhere? I guess? I found that bit confusing. Not sure why they didn't stick with the worm-people. The animals: too photo-realistic. I had the same concern with The Lion King "live action" version. REAL-looking animals do not lend themselves well to anthropomorphizing. Making them talk looks weird. Their eyes are not as expressive. That's why animation works, because you can exaggerate and make certain features more human-like, so we can relate to them. Flounder looked like a fish. Okay, he was a fish, but he looked like one. He was not a cute friend. Sebastian looked like a crab. Just- a regular, plain old crab. Scuttle looked like a scary sea-bird, with no empathy in her eyes or anything. I wish that they had tweaked the sentient animals to be just a little more anthropomorphic. I loved Ariel's curiosity, her agency, her determination. Loved Halle's acting. I loved Eric's deeper backstory, and the relationship with his mom the queen. I had no issues with any of the lyric changes; they all fit. Eric's song was nice. The look for the mer-folk was pretty cool! Overall, aside from a few relatively minor criticisms, I quite enjoyed it. Your review was thoughtful, well-explained, humorous. Thank you! You have a new subscriber.

[@avernion]

I find this so interesting. All of the changes that you mentioned here and say makes the movie better, I think makes the live action movie worse. It’s so awesome to see how different we as people view things. Though I don’t agree, I deeply enjoyed watching your take on this. Your videos are always great :)

[@magicbymikaila]

thank you so much!! 💖 and thanks for sharing your opinion too, it's definitely interesting to hear what everyone thought of the movie and if they liked the changes or not!

[@Azulabetta553]

Tbh I have to disagree and don’t get me wrong I LOVE your videos it’s just the changes didn’t make sense like I get the whole erase mine thing but than what’s the point of everything else? Ursal (idk if I spelled that right) is a very confident villain so why would she have to make it even harder that’s just not her personality? Also I get the point of kiss the girl lyrics change but this vision looks more forceful because in the OG it’s Eric pushing away from Ariel and now it’s Ariel pushing away from Eric (and that’s supposed to be better?) it really rubs me the wrong way! Also what was the point of ursal turning into Vanessa if she made it so when Ariel forgets about kissing because wouldn’t she just wait for the next day? I would go on but I’ve type way too much but there was really nothing much wrong with the og and I wish Disney would stand up for their work instead of changing it or make new og content! Anyways that’s just my opinion

[@memyselfandlevy]

Girl, I loved you analysis, for real! I just comment about your video on Letterboxd hehe

[@roylevi3074]

I do! XDDDD Excellent video, I enjoyed every part of it :) Edit: It's so wholesome it makes my eyes water Edit 2: I love the background - on theme, relaxing, interesting yet not stealing thee focus. Also your hair. Edit 3: I'm not crying, YOU'RE crying!

[@katgreer6113]

so happy to see videos like this. This is probably my second favorite disney live action.

[@Conversekitty]

I love your mind and how u speak. I do enjoy your thoughts bc sometimes u just go above and beyond lol I thought I was bad. ✨💕 this is great

[@maribethstone3303]

Great video! I like the way you explained things. I saw the live action Little Mermaid and loved it! The original was one of my favorite movies growing up.

[@Liv-dq2hq]

I definitely agree with your opinion on this one, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the movie. Thank you for explaining the poor unfortunate souls lyric change, it makes so much sense to me now!

[@The_AndroidSentByCyberlife]

8:42 is this still an option? If so where do i sign up?

[@ZealouswolfNZ]

Great video Mikaila! I haven't seen the movie yet but I will definitely make sure I do! 🧜🏾‍♀️

[@machaiahlillard8156]

Enjoyed both the movie and your video Mikaila!!🩵

[@magicbymikaila]

thank you so much, that makes me so happy!! 🥹💕🥰

[@niknik3127]

I’m so glad you made this video. I went to go see it the opening weekend with family and loved it. It still gives off the original version, but with an update to it. I just wish everyone would see it and not compare it to the original. Just to go and have an open mind about it. I know live actions won’t hold up to the originals, but this one was actually a good one. It reminds me of how Cinderella with brandy and Whitney Houston version. I don’t remember if people were as upset as they are now with this movie(I was maybe about 6/7), but I still love the original to that, but that changed the game for updated versions of Disney original movies.

[@AuthorZaraHoffman]

I LOVED the fixes! I feel like the other remakes would fix a problem and then opened their own. But this one was just so good!

[@FilippiniProductions]

Super great video! The Little Mermaid isn't one of my Disney favorite animations growing up (certainly not compared to Aladdin, Mulan, Tarzan or Hercules) so one, thank you for sparing me a trip to the movie theater to see it (I'll wait for Disney Plus to check it out) and two, thank you for sharing what about this adaptation that made it a thoughtfully executed narrative and highlights the virtues that modern society currently values. Again, super great video, which is why I would be very stoked to see your examinations of other films (like the other live actions if possible).

[@Maeve00Bella]

Your analysis is fantastic! Thank you very much, I really liked it! This new version of the Little mermaid has become my favorite live action movie. Ariel and Eric’s characters were so much better and charismatic. Specially a very good update on Erick since I thought he was very dull. But now we understand his real purpose and dreams.Besides , their love and relationship is so adorable. And the actors chemistry was amazing!

[@bara6218]

I absolutely love your take on the movie (and your Ariel cosplay :D), I have a very similar opinion. For me as a kid, the original was okay but I didn't like it that much, but this one? Boy oh boy it got me in the feels. I love what they did with Ariel's and Eric's relationship, how they shared interests and had so much chemistry! Eric's personality became really captivating to me, I almost don't remember anything about him from the original. I'm also glad you mentioned Triton, because what he said to Ariel at the end made me cry. And of course Halle. She was magical and her voice is just perfection. I'm not saying this movie is a masterpiece (yes Scuttle's song is an atrocity), but it is really good. It's one of the better Disney remakes. It will definitely have a special place in my heart. :') If you're here thanks for reading my long comment lol

[@melaniedejonge5234]

Re Howard Ashman’s feelings on the theme of belonging…there is also Little Shop of Horrors, which is ALL about Seymour and Audrey wanting to find their place to belong, both individually and together. In fact, when they were writing “Part of Your World,” he and Alan Menken jokingly referred to it as “Somewhere That’s Wet,” - referencing Audrey’s ‘I Want’ song from Little Shop, “Somewhere That’s Green.”

[@magicbymikaila]

Yes such a fantastic point and addition!! 😍🙌🏼🥹

[@devin5043]

I want this movie to do well, I love the animated little mermaid and I love this little mermaid to I actually love the changes, I love the original 89 story but I also love the 2023 version and it’s changes I honestly want to see it again in theaters and I hope it does well if any live action deserves to do well it’s this one!

[@njs7395]

10:29 I need an extended version with this. Also Tom's redemption arc.

[@magicbymikaila]

no fr I want the version where Harry loses his glasses and can’t see or something and Ron’s just like oh nbd I’ll kill him 😂

[@berriesrbest]

I think that Ginny killing him as revenge for her traumatic first year of school would have been pretty cool!

[@njs7395]

@@magicbymikaila Yes!

[@charlottedove2875]

I was pleasantly surprised by the Starkid clip

[@kapowjam3462]

Does one have to save you and sing a beautiful song to accept the marriage proposal? Might disqualify me unless you get a concussion or something, otherwise you aren't finding my singing beautiful 😅

[@Jogadora_109]

I love your video essays!

[@msk-qp6fn]

I am honestly pretty skeptical about the movie, to be fair I am not a huge fan of the little mermaid, but seeing your review on it makes me a bit more hopeful.

[@workingpadawan1952]

Girl you always know what to say about this stuff. Thank you so much 😊

[@adams3560]

Very good video. You did your research and made some good points about how the changes add to the story.

[@njs7395]

8:43 I would, but I'm straight.

[@katy_a003]

This movie made me too straight. Jonah is know my new Pedro Pascal, I'm sorry.🤷🏻‍♀️😂

[@KP-zd3hc]

Girl, I love you. 😍 Keep up with the awesome content!

[@richardbaines5740]

These are literally exactly what I thought walking out of the cinema when I watch this movie Thank you

[@user-qe3yg6hh3v]

The little mermaid and cinderella are the reasons i'm still hopeful about those live action

[@Storm-bv7pc]

Amazing as always!!!

[@magicbymikaila]

thank you so much!! so happy you enjoyed 🥹💕🧜‍♀️

[@pauldoser9873]

I might watch it, but I really don't like these live action remakes. I don't know what the magic of the originals are exactly, but the remakes are missing it. Whether it's nostalgia, the movies that inspire me to watch the remake are likely ones I watched a lot as a child; the specifics aesthetic of animation, because animation has different rules than live action; or that only the greatest of animated films get the Disney remake treatment, so any remake has to be all the better to measure up; every live action Disney remake I've seen has fallen short with me leaving the theater thinking, "That time would have been better spent rewatching the original." As for them changing the lines about Ariel's voice, I always took that for the manipulation that it was. Even as a 4-year old, I knew Ursula was full of shit. If anything, it's Ariel's voice that Eric is in love with and Eric doesn't start to fall for the mute Ariel until she is able to convey her personality. That's how I've always interpreted the situation, anyway. All that being said, I'm actually kind of excited to learn that, in this new version, Eric has a love of the ocean that mirrors Ariel's love of the land. It will more explicitly demonstrate that it's Ariel's expression of her personality that wins Eric's heart and the have a genuine bond between them. Whenever I get around to watching this, I will be very much also looking forward to the ending. One of the many things that has always made The Little Mermaid my favorite, or at least top-3, animated film is that Ariel is an active participant in the final fight with Ursula. With her being the one to dispatch Ursula in this new version, I hope the same feeling of cooperation that I always saw in the original is maintained. I'm always a sucker for couple fighting a foe together; and this seems to have the added benefit of Ariel regaining her agency by being the one actually ends Ursula. I just hope the aspect of two people in love against the world or, in this case, an evil cecaelia is preserved.

[@timecrayon]

also a very subtle thing i only noticed because i watched the animated and the live-action back to back: in the animated movie, arielle looks at eric's face and is immediately in love. eric doesn't have a lot of dialogue in this scene, it's really just his looks arielle's attracted to. in the remake, eric has a whole lot to say about feeling trapped, about loving the ocean, about being curious, etc and the whole time, arielle can't see his face (i think she only gets a brief glimpse at the end). i think this and the changed kiss her line were my favourite changes, all the other ones i didn't care about much

[@jayceerenegado8038]

I haven’t seen the live action movie, but it seems majority of audience didn’t like the new take on The Little Mermaid. For that matter, Disney has been doing a terrible job in the movie department outside of the latest Guardians of the Galaxy movie. I’ll view the mermaid when it hits Disney plus…but hopes of it being good are low.

[@lizlefay3262]

I really love both versions but this live action was surprisingly good and it fix some plot holes like the dog recognising Ariel as the mermaid who saved Erick and Erick not noticing. I really loved that even if Erick and Ariel came from different worlds they mirror the fact that they both have overprotective parents who don't listen to their dreams at the begining. I think is more realistic that Ariel saved herself in the live action because there's no way Erick would survive that terrible sea at the end. I think you need more likes this review was on point ❤ not many people understood the changes in the lyrics but you did

[@Pandie2828]

I really wish they hadn't made David do the Jamaican accent cause I think it held back his performance.

[@kokohale]

Edit: Bawling at the ending and your defense of Howard Ashman's legacy 💘🥹💘🥹💘🥹💘 Super side note but I LOVE the red you choose for your wig! Compliments your skintone really well 😆

[@liviafelton]

This warmed my heart. You perspective is so beautiful and I respect your opinion a lot. You apologized for talking long but i want you to know i would watch 2 hours of you analyzing media

[@magicbymikaila]

this comment made my day, thank you so much and thank you for watching and enjoying!! 🥹💕

[@melliepierce6989]

Wow I cried at the end ❤ Now I love the movie even more

[@HydroniteTB]

I remember my high school did the little mermaid as one of the musicals one year, it was cool

[@FunFilmFare]

You summed up all my thoughts!! Ariel steering the ship to kill Ursula also proves to Triton that her "obsession with humans" was actually a good thing.

[@timmyzavala4513]

I…actually thought “scuttlebutt” was a pretty cool song😂 not so much the first part with the squawking, but the rapping part was 👌

[@magicbymikaila]

the part where Sebastian comes in and they’re both rapping together is actually really fun and cute I’ll give it that 😂👏🏼

[@timmyzavala4513]

@@magicbymikaila I remember being so put off from the intro but then actually getting hyped by the duet😂

[@hoos3014]

I unironically love Scuttlebutt. The song, the character and Awkwafina's voice are a perfect match! The kids in my showing were howling with laughter. I say, "Mission Accomplished."

[@krustomer]

Damn your ending has got me sentimental before coffee!!!

[@lar-in-a-crisis]

1. YES to all of this 2. Petition for an official intro/outro? I just KNOW you could make something great!

[@annejia5382]

The live action felt so much to me specially of The Character Ariel as a combination of TLM 1 and TLM 3. I love TLM 3 so much, even Haley's Part Of Your World version feels a lot more like TLM3 than it is TLM1. ❤

[@ceilinh6004]

I love this analysis! The animated movie will always hold a special place in my heart, but you've convinced me that the live action remake is worth seeing.

[@magicbymikaila]

so glad you liked it!! the original will always hold the most meaning for me but this new movie definitely lived up to my high expectations!! would 100% recommend watching if you get a chance or when it comes out on streaming! 😍

[@jayla3282]

I hope this doesnt come as disrespectful, This is just me being totally sincere but I am honestly baffled by the so called improvements, Because during the whole video I found myself saying repeatedly "but that was already in the 1989 movie" all the things mentioned here that quote on quote the live action did better or included are already present in the animated film just that now it has longer and honestly clunkier dialoge that is just not as effective, take for example the scene with triton in ariel's groto, we already know that triton doesnt respects or listens to ariel thanks to their previous scene together, so going over it again is redundant, ariel blurting that she loves eric ultimately sets triton off because he sees him as a threat for ariel and thinks he will take her away from home, in the live action the escalation is not as natural (and the actor lack so much presence for triton tbh). I also really dislike how they sort of made tritom right? The humans in the live action literally hunt mermaids and killed ariel's mom (which is NOT in the original film, it was added in the prequel much years later, possibly with different writers, so it doesnt count) the point is that HE WAS BIGOTED AND IRRATIONAL and ariel was right to not think they were barbarias, to say the live action put their relationship forefront unlike the animated one is kind of a lie? Cause The emotional conflict was always between them, the character growth is for triton, ariel didnt have to redeem herself from nothing cause it was triton's abusive behavior (cause it WAS abusive) that pushed ariel to seek help in bad places. I agree is that eric has more of a personality, but since for me he always was more of a symbol/metaphor for humanity and ariel's happiness I personally dont care, not saying is worse! I can understand why people (specially women atracted to men) might like it, the romance was better in the live action but for me eric worked by being "just ken" in the sense that he does his part being cute and not toxic human (again humans are not inherently evil and eric represents that), it was ariel's love for him and his dedication to her that made the, albeit shallow, dynamic work, as I said triton and ariel's relationship is the one that truly mattered, so yes, animated eric is an archetype but some characters are better of fitting that box. I like the chemistry they have but it does nothing meaningful for me but it is an improvement, I will give that. And the changes that truly werent in the animated, I think they actually make the movie worse? Ariel not remembering the kiss does nothing but steal from her agency, she is just aimlesly walking around now, its sebastian, flounder and scuttle that drive the story from that point on, not ariel, she doesnt even know whats going on or what to do to achieve her dream, funnily enough the lyrics "looks like the boy is too shy" is the one part of the song that doesnt really fit. And yes, taking the lyrics away from ursula's song is demeaning children's intelligence imo and I would argue that yes, it is preferable that adults sit with their kids and discuss the media they watch, god forbid parents actually parent and excercise kids's critical thinking. its also considerable more boring, since the og musical number is basically a drag show, which I honestly think is fault of the director cause melissa used to do drag. But I did like that ariel draged vanessa, that was pretty fun (then again, ariel draged ursula so). Dont take me wrong I think the remake is a good film...cause the original was a great one, theres not any fixing.

[@iri02802]

I did not know this about part of your world. This gives me a new view on things. And I loved you saying that Cinderella wanted to go to the ball. The prince was just a nice extra 😃

[@user-ts2og7lc1z]

I haven’t seen the Little mermaid 2023 yet I was planning too but haven’t gotten too cause I’ve been pretty busy lately. I’ll definitely check it out but the thing for me is just that it’s not animated. I just don’t like the character designs, and the production design like the castle in the sea looks so bland. I just can’t really get into a story if I don’t see the magical elements as real. And I know it can be done like with Avatar and I think the Cinderella live action did a great job bringing those images too life even though I prefer the animated mice over the live action. But I’ll definitely watch it and am glad to know the story is at least improved upon.

[@CoraleeneEdens]

Also they gave Eric a disney princess song of yearning and it was everything.

[@meg2831]

I wasn't sure if i wanted to see the live action version, but after watching this, i really want to see it now. I'm glad i clicked on this video.

[@broadwaybrook2319]

And one thing that I noticed in the live-action "Little Mermaid" was that when Ariel is hidden on Eric's boat, she hears him say that he doesn't want to focus on his royal duties of having to marry someone and ruling a kingdom; he wants to explore the world, discovering new places. And Ariel also doesn't like having to be bound to his parent's strict rules and having to attend official royal meetings either, because she too loves exploring and wants to learn more about the other culture (the world on land). So when she heard Eric say that he'd rather be exploring than settle down and rule a kingdom, she was thinking, "Hey! He's just like me! That's how I feel! He likes exploring just as much as I do! Someone understands!" (Which is why when I saw this movie in theaters with my mom, I whisper-sang to her, "I'm just like you, you're just like me. There's somewhere else we'd rather be....Yes, I am a royal like you..."). Another thing (among many others) that I liked about this movie is that they did not eliminate Max from the story. He looks just like his animated counterpart.

[@Caroli.Colibri]

I *love* the Scuttlebutt song. It's the first one I bought on Itunes from the soundtrack! It's just a fun, feel-good song. It's annoying in a fun way.