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Adventure, Animation, Family, Fantasy, Movie Reviews, Movies

REVIEW: “THE LITTLE MERMAID” (2023) DISNEY PICTURES

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By now we all know the story of “The Little Mermaid”. Created by Hans Christian Andersen and animated by Disney in 1989, this beloved classic has finally gotten the live action remake treatment. Over the years, this ‘treatment’ works at times, others not so much so treading lightly here was de rigeour’. With so many interested in seeing where they’d take one of the top five Disney flicks of all time, you also want to keep your mind open to all the options as no one wants to be let down if that doesn’t work out. Luckily that wasn’t the case here as Halle Bailey is perfect as Ariel and when I mean perfect, I mean humanly perfect as it is – because she is human and flawed that makes her perfect in this role beyond just her beautiful singing. And beautiful it is – taking each and every song to its absolute heights with the material being paid massive homage.

The visual effects are stunning – yes there was a lot of CGI, but not to the point where they are bothersome. I mean this is a story of mermaids so you must take your imagination to its heights as is. The vibrant colours of life under the sea were beautiful and you are completely transported away into this world once again that makes you wanted to pack your bags and become a mermaid yourself.

The best part of the film, was of course, Halle Bailey. This is her film. All the people who were skeptical can step aside because Bailey excels at playing Ariel.. She made the role her own while also incorporating bits and pieces from her origin. The facial expressions, mannerisms and yes, her voice. Her voice is as close to perfection as one can get. Her rendition of “Part of Your World” is sure to send chills down anyone’s spine. In addition to Bailey, we have Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, an almost perfect clone of his animated counterpart except this time well, he finally gets a song here and does adequately well.

As someone who always has loved the side characters in this film, the rest of the casting choices fit as well: Javier Bardem as King Triton was powerful at times, though underused and possibly the weakest point of the film. His scene where he gives Ariel her ‘legs’ lacked the enthusiasm of the original in a big way.  Jacob Tremblay as Flounder was cute and ever so diligent towards Ariel, though much less of a part here than the original. Awkwafina is laugh out loud hilarious as Scuttle, hitting each mark to its point. Melissa McCarthy’s Ursula is campy fun at times, again one big scene with her coming to – so to speak – just lacked to its counterpart. There is a great cameo by OG Ariel, Jodi Benson.

The stand out by far however, was David Diggs as Sebastian. Every single moment of his was pure gold. He made sure we ALL knew and understood the assignment here by giving it the Caribbean flavour served up on a platter. The timing was perfect on every Sebastian moment. And the rap, I mean come on – it was perfection in abundance. If Halle was the show, Daveed held the spot and was the master of ceremonies. Props must be given to Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda as well. The new songs were tons of fun and the new lyric rewrites are good in their own.

While they tried to bring this story into the 21st century, some of the updates worked, some we already knew and made the run time a tad long. All that being said; The Little Mermaid was much better than I think most ever thought it was going to be. Seeing this story come to life is a major nostalgia trip in the best way possible and do think this is a step in the right direction for Disney going forward and hope it sticks. It is truly just a lovely, gorgeous movie and I wouldn’t be mad if they gave us a ‘Return to the Sea’ sequel with this cast. It is hard to put it above the original animated one, and comparisons are always going to be up to each individual, but it certainly can be put it alongside it.

As far as live-action/hybrid Disney remakes, The Little Mermaid is one of the better ones. True enough to the original animated film without being an exact interpretation.  Screaming out loud “We Are In The Caribbean” gave the much needed edge and I was here for all of it. The material not only pays homage to its predecessor, but it is good enough to make you want pack your bags to go be a Mermaid – and isn’t that the point?

Grade: B

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“THE LITTLE MERMAID” FROM DISNEY PICTURES IS OUT IN THEATERS FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2023

Review Screening: Wednesday May 24, 2023 ~ Courtesy of The Walt Disney Corp

Drama, Movie Reviews, Movies, Music, Musical

Review: “In The Heights” (2021) Warner Bros.

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We all go to the movies for various reasons. Some love the fear and horror, some love thrillers or animation, and then there is the sheer joy of seeing a movie that just makes you smile and want to dance and “IN THE HEIGHTS” is that movie. With it’s joyful incredible large-scaled choreographed dancing and singing, Heights is a cinematic treat for your eyes and ears as well. There has never been a more perfect time to release this film until now in the Summer! baby! Summer! On the serious side, this is an important film for all and it is what we all need as well in our lives, a bit of music, dance, joy and a story about life and a dream.

Starting us off in the way up the A train line in the Manhattan neighborhood of Washington Heights lives twenty-something Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), a dreamer whose pursuit of that dream is to go beyond the corner bodega store he owns and works at, and head back to the Dominican Republic to re-open the bar his dad once owned. The barrio portrayed here is chock full of colorful characters from all parts of life and the world. Abuela Claudia (Olga Merediz), the always-wise, all-knowing, grandmotherly figure of the barrio; Vanessa (Melissa Barrera), is a young, beautiful, vibrant and optimistic woman with a strong desire to become a fashion designer, along with nail salon owner and queen of neighborhood gossip circle Daniela (Daphne Rubin-Vega). Lastly is Usnavi’s younger cousin Sonny (Gregory Diaz IV), who has ambitions beyond his somewhat slacker style as behind it all, is a quick, highly intelligent young man. And of course there is Benny (Corey Hawkins), best friend to Usnavi, and dispatcher at the local neighborhood service run by the neighborhood’s oldest business owner, Kevin Rosario (Jimmy Smits). Benny meanwhile is thinking he might be promoted and is working towards opening his own business as well. Returning home on that one hot, sweltering July morning is Nina (Leslie Grace), who’s dropped out of Stanford despite the neighborhood’s awe of her being the only one to get away. Her father has been finagling the finances at the cab company to keep Nina at the college, though there are deeper underlying issues that soon surface.

The adaptation, as one would assume, had to alter from the stage production but that job is done by none other than Quiara Alegria Hudes, who penned the musical’s book. Three-time Emmy nominee Christopher Scott really brings the musical numbers to life through such exquisite choreography that you can get lost in. At one point realizing just the enormity of this production and how many people are involved in some of the larger dance scenes left me in awe. In the director’s chair is Jon M. Chu, and his skills shine in this enchanting tale of unity, community and following your dreams, wherever and however they might end up. The music supervisor here is none other than Steve Gizicki, an old personal friend of some 20+ years and he does a fantastic job here.

It’s the little things of ‘In The Heights’ as well. If you’ve ever had a true neighborhood Abuelas’ food then you understand how here, you can almost smell and taste her cooking straight from the film. Or the dancing ~ you feel as though you are there doing the cha cha salsa dancing with them, and trust me, it is no easy feat to dance like that, most especially the ladies part. And if you didn’t feel right at home in the nail salon, well then you my friends, are going to the wrong nail salon. While one or two musical numbers might have stretched and went a bit too long, and it’s also possible the second act feels like it drags a bit here and there in comparison to the first and third acts, these things are minor nit picking as all in all, it’s just truly a very entertaining watch. Lengthy as it is, it’s truly a 2 hour 24 minutes love story. But not just a love story in the traditional sense, but a love story about a city, a place, a time and about it’s people. The senses of it all you can taste, feel and smell – all through the music and dance.

The acting and dancing is out of this world, though I did NOT know Jimmy Smits was a singer! While everyone is shooing Leslie Grace, Melissa Barrera and Gregory Diaz IV as the new faces to follow, to put Anthony Ramos as being in that category as well is just a bit on the incorrect side, as he has been putting in the good work since Monsters and Men in 2018, and can we say A Star Is Born co-star anyone? But enough with the young stars as they have wonderful careers ahead of them and were all sensational here. But a standout here that many seem to overlook is our Abuela herself, Olga Merediz, as she is simply wonderful here in her supporting role and I truly hope she is not forgotten about during supporting nomination time, just because she didn’t sing and dance up a storm, she held this group together like a true neighborhood Abuela.

No matter the tiny criticisms, there’s something truly radiating about the film’s vibrancy and joyful enthusiasm – which is, frankly, what we all need right now. And do yourself one last favour before you leave, stay for the post-credit scene.

B+

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Review Screening: Monday, January 7, 2021 ~ Courtesy of Warner Bros.

“IN THE HEIGHTS” OPENS IN THEATERS NATIONWIDE AND ON HBO MAX ON FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021