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In fact, led by big-screen newcomer Halle Bailey, as the nicely "little" Ariel with a magically huge voice, and the expert villainy of Melissa McCarthy, a water witch-worthy successor to the vocal antics of the late, great Pat Carroll from the 1989 original, this swimmingly new version just might be the best of Disney's live-action do overs so far.
It also says here that mighty McCarthy's dazzling replay of "Poor Unfortunate Souls" could be counted as the real musical showstopper, despite the top-notch array of other standard "Mermaid" tunes updated for the remake, including Oscar-winning Best Song "Under the Sea," Ariel's ever-yearning "Part of Your World," and the fun-loving "Kiss the Girl."
Note, too, how the latter ditty becomes a sparkling vehicle to show off some serious chemistry between Mermaid Bailey and hunky landlubber Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) while once again warbled by Sebastian the Crab. The loyal crustacean gets voiced this time by Daveed Diggs but remains a frazzled spy for Ariel's dad (King Triton, regally and professionally portrayed -- what else would we expect? -- by Javier Bardem).
Standout moments surrounding new vocals, co-written by Lin-Manuel Miranda with Disney wunderkind Alan Menken, feature the fitting "Wild Uncharted Waters" (strongly performed by Hauer-King) and a uniquely wacky "Scuttlebutt" (rap-voiced by the busy Awkwafina, on board here as Scuttle Seagull).
No surprise really, then, that the such a merry mix of cool choreography, music and a little movie magic comes along with helming by dancer-turned director Rob Marshall ("Chicago," a 2013 Best Picture winner). Looks like a summer hit.
Rated "PG" by MPAA: action/peril and some scary images; 2:15; $ $ $ $ out of $5
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