Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale about a mermaid named Ariel who falls in love with Eric, a prince. Ariel, in love and hoping to be part of a new world, makes a deal with a sea witch who takes her voice in exchange to become human. Ariel faces a new life on land and must make Eric fall in love with her. If not, Ariel belongs to the sea witch forever. In 1989, Walt Disney’s Animation turned the fairy tale into a blockbuster hit. Now 33 years later, a new live-action adaptation is hitting theaters in a spell bounding way that will leave audiences gleeful and empowered.

Rob Marshall, best known for directing the film version of the Broadway musical ‘Chicago’ as well as ‘Mary Poppin’s Return’, ‘Into the Woods’, and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ to name a few, jumped into the director’s chair to reimagine the beloved animation film, and he does not disappoint. From beginning to end, Marshall immerses the viewer in a beautiful world full of enchantment, purity, and irresistible attraction.

As soon as you go under the sea, the whole world is attractive, rich, and bright to the eyes. Each scene is carefully thought about, presenting new reasons to love the Disney characters even more. Alan Menken, who wrote the original music, now teamed up with Lin Manuel-Miranda, to create new songs and modernize the beloved music from the 1989 hit. They both surpass, by all means, all their latest work, creating numerous treasures. Ariel and Eric are both given new songs that create awareness for their purpose and amend what could feel out-of-date from the animated film. In this film, Ariel has a more impactful and enormous purpose for why she desires to be part of the human world. Prince Eric wants to learn what is beyond the shore, Ariel and Eric share the hobby of collecting, which what connect them in this adaptation. If you love the animated film, Marshall succeeds in preserving what is loved about the animated film but also creates upgrades that show normality and true Disney magic.

The cast is beyond incredible, showing characterizations that are convincing and sufficient. Stand-outs include the charming Halle Bailey, who captures the innocent of the animated character, but also creates a new narrative. Bailey through her singing expresses a new motivation that is beyond what we are used to seeing. Bailey’s acting offers a new sense of hope and a new approach to Ariel’s life. Melissa McCarthy does a decent job portraying Ursula, it’s a challenge not to think of McCarthy’s other acting roles with Ursula’s approach. For some odd reason, McCarthy’s Ursula doesn’t feel like anything new but feels like an extension of McCarthy’s other film roles. (‘Tammy’ or ‘Bridesmaid’). She is great, but I think Angelina Jolie or Emma Stone, or even Cate Blanchett still hold the crown for a well-done Disney Villain interpretation.

Another stand-out is Jessica Alexander as Vanessa. With the short screen time Alexander gets as Vanessa, she hypnotizes the viewer with a perfect representation of the underrated villain. It’s wild to believe that an actor can embody a fictional character so well, but Alexander does it so naturally that her stare, her laughs, and the way she speaks is impressive. She is great!

Disney’s live-action ‘The Little Mermaid’ delivers the magic of the animated film, creating creative choices that feel imaginative and hearty. The late Disney Legend Howard Ashman, award-winning lyricist who gave a mermaid her voice, and a beast his soul, would be very proud.

Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ has heart, great comical relief, and Easter eggs. It truly is a theatrical experience. Do not miss it.