Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
Halle Bailey dazzles amid more intense live-action scenes.
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The Little Mermaid (2023)
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 96 parent reviews
Parents say that the latest adaptation is polarizing, with some praising its beautiful visuals and new spins on classic characters, while others criticize it for lackluster CGI, a slow pacing, and a departure from the beloved original. Many reviewers found the performances, especially Halle Bailey's portrayal, to be strong and enjoyable, but noted that certain intense scenes may be too frightening for young children.
- diverse cast
- strong performances
- lackluster visuals
- intense scenes
- polarizing opinions
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 47 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In THE LITTLE MERMAID, Princess Ariel (singer-actor Halle Bailey) is a passionate collector of treasures from the world above, even though her father, King Triton (Javier Bardem), is biased against humans and how they treat the seas, largely because of humans' role in his late wife's death. Although she's not supposed to go to the surface, Ariel rescues Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) when he's thrown from a burning, sinking ship. She falls in love with him, and when crab royal adviser Sebastian (voiced by Daveed Diggs) lets the news slip to Triton, the king forbids Ariel from ever going to the surface again. Distraught, Ariel agrees to a deal with the devious sea witch, Ursula (Melissa McCarthy). Ariel will get a potion to turn her into a human so that she can visit her love. But in exchange, she must sacrifice her voice and earn her true love's kiss within three days ... or else spend the rest of her life in servitude to Ursula. Complicating matters further, Ursula makes Ariel forget that she must kiss Prince Eric, so it's up to Sebastian and Ariel's two best friends, Flounder (Jacob Tremblay) and know-it-all seagull Scuttle (Awkwafina), to encourage the duo to kiss before the deadline.
Is It Any Good?
Bailey's dazzling performance as Ariel makes director Rob Marshall's nostalgic live-action Disney adaptation worth watching, even with an overlong runtime. The singer/actor/Beyoncé protégé makes Ariel's siren songs her own, hits all the right notes (literally and emotionally), and is irresistibly charming, earning the film an extra star thanks to her must-see portrayal. McCarthy is entertaining as the still campy (and always greedy) Ursula, and Tremblay and Diggs are adorable as Ariel's faithful sidekick and glorified babysitter. Hauer-King's handsome Prince Eric is simultaneously broodier and cornier than his animated counterpart, and Awkwafina is, true to form, extra as goofball Scuttle. Of the four new songs (courtesy of Lin-Manuel Miranda), the Ariel-focused "For the First Time" and the second reprise of "Part of Your World" work quite well, while the Scuttle-Sebastian duet "Scuttle" is forgettable but forgivable, thanks to Diggs' brief rapping. Prince Eric's "Wild Uncharted Waters" is earnest, and Hauer-King has a good voice, but, let's be honest, viewers want to sing along to their favorites, even if the lyrics have been slightly tweaked (especially notable in "Poor Unfortunate Souls," but it's for the better).
Bailey definitely carries the film. Bardem adds almost too much gravitas to the role of Triton, while Ariel's beautiful, multicultural (they represent the Seven Seas) sisters -- even Simone Ashley of Bridgerton season two fame -- have little to do but look like an underwater version of Tinkerbell's fairy besties. It's too bad, because the screenplay could have elevated the sisterhood angle that was somewhat glossed over in the original. While none of Disney's live-action reboots are strictly necessary, there's a lot to enjoy about The Little Mermaid. Go for the nostalgia (eagle-eyed viewers will see the original voice of Ariel, Jodi Benson, in a cameo), but stay for Bailey's voice, which is a treasure as precious as Ariel's dinglehopper.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the changes between this version of The Little Mermaid and the 1989 animated film. Which changes did you like, and which could you have done without?
Why do you think some people complained about Bailey being cast as Ariel? If mermaids are fantasy creatures, does it matter what the race of the actors who play them is? How did casting Bailey help support diverse representation in the media?
How do you feel about all of the live-action adaptations of Disney animated films? Which ones have been your favorites? Which didn't work as well?
How often do you see Disney princess merchandise on sale? Does watching this movie make you more likely to buy stuff with Ariel on it?
What do you think of the original songs and updated lyrics written for this movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 26, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : September 19, 2023
- Cast : Halle Bailey , Jonah Hauer-King , Melissa McCarthy , Javier Bardem
- Director : Rob Marshall
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals ( Ocean Creatures ) , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , Book Characters , Fantasy ( Fairy Tales )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Curiosity , Empathy
- Run time : 135 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : action/peril and some scary images
- Awards : Common Sense Selection , NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : February 9, 2026
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