OlderEarly Reactions to 'The Little Mermaid' Praise Halle Bailey, Hail It As Best Disney Live Action Adaptation
The Little Mermaid‘s world premiere took place on Monday night (May 8) and first reactions have been revealed!
Many critics and press outlets were able to catch the film on it’s first night in front of audiences, and it’s high praise all around.
The live action adaptation of course stars Halle Bailey as Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s (Javier Bardem) daughters and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King).
While mermaids are forbidden from interacting with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula (Melissa McCarthy), which gives her a chance to experience life on land but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.
Check out the first reactions/reviews inside…
After the social media embargo lifted up, many who saw the movie took to Twitter to share their reactions, praising the musical sequences, Halle, Melissa, Jonah and many especially loved Daveed Diggs as Sebastian and Awkwafina as Scuttle.
ICYMI: Check out the pics of the cast at the Hollywood premiere!
Check out some of the reactions below…
#TheLittleMermaid makes it pretty close to being the best live action Disney movie, however it still struggles in the villain department. Halle Bailey IS Ariel and I had literal chills throughout her performance. This is a little mermaid retelling like you’ve never seen before. pic.twitter.com/JjtLOR61vL
— Felicia (@becomingfelicia) May 9, 2023
The Little Mermaid is magical. Halle Bailey is absolutely phenomenal. That girl has some pipes! Scuttle & Sebastian are hilarious & had me laughing the whole way through. Love the new songs & added plot points! Some CGI issues, but they don't take away from it. #TheLittleMermaid pic.twitter.com/PCDRNotK7L
— Tessa Smith – Mama's Geeky (@MamasGeeky) May 9, 2023
That said, not everything works – like some spots of gloomy visuals, too much CGI at times & some of the new songs. Yet, the pros drown out the cons in the end. Families will enjoy. pic.twitter.com/SFDhHijqGy
— Fico (@FicoCangiano) May 9, 2023
Under the Sea is one of the year’s best sequences. Halle and Jonah Hauer-King’s chemistry is precious and infectious, and another studio should absolutely cast them in a rom-com. The song “Uncharted Waters” is terrible. Melissa McCarthy is camp perfection. #TheLittleMermaid
— Brandon Lewis (@blewis1103) May 9, 2023
I know it had to be under the sea (rimshot) but the scenes on land are the film at its best: blissfully romantic, surprisingly kinetic, and full of charm. And “Kiss the Girl” is not the debacle that it looks like on that clip. That moment was pure Disney magic. #TheLittleMermaid
— Brandon Lewis (@blewis1103) May 9, 2023
there aren't very many movies that have made me feel so giddy and smiley for over two hours straight, but #TheLittleMermaid is *that movie*
from halle bailey and jonah hauer-king's palpable chemistry, to daveed diggs' flawless portrayal of sebastian — i LOOOVED this movie pic.twitter.com/AYfDKAg32A
— lauren garafano✨ (@laurengarafano) May 9, 2023
The classics play like the classics & the new songs are fun -especially Awkwafina’s song, which is where you really sense the Lin-Manuel Miranda influence. The colorful underwater sequences were my fav. If you love the music & characters, you’ll have a good time #TheLittleMermaid pic.twitter.com/1PMqsoAElr
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) May 9, 2023
okay #thelittlemermaid was the most fun ive had at the movies in a while — I felt like a kid again and that’s such a high compliment. halle bailey is perfect, daveed diggs as sebastian is a hilarious mvp, and i wanna see this movie 100 more times pic.twitter.com/SLlGJRI8Xq
— Nora Dominick (@noradominick) May 9, 2023
#TheLittleMermaid captures the magic of the original animated movie. Halle Bailey makes Ariel her own. Her chemistry with Jonah Hauer-King makes this movie soar. Daveed Diggs’ Sebastian is a scene stealer! pic.twitter.com/9Shc1VAVD3
— Meredith Loftus 🐘 (@MeredithLoftus) May 9, 2023
“Under The Sea”, #TheLittleMermaid is a visually stunning accomplishment that plays like a Broadway musical while remaining true to the animated version. #HalleBailey nails it & #MelissaMcCarthy steals the show. The music is splendid in this charming spectacle that delivers. pic.twitter.com/mQUCA0gKEZ
— Felix Caraballo (@felixivan01) May 9, 2023
#TheLittleMermaid was an ABSOLUTE gem! @HalleBailey IS Ariel, no matter what anyone says. She brings in the charm and personality of Ariel to life.
Melissa McCarthy as Ursula was just *chef kiss*. This film was such a joy to experience. pic.twitter.com/QNaq6uRsLi
— Stephanie Ramirez (@SweetnShy13) May 9, 2023
#TheLittleMermaid is a TRIUMPH. All the heart of the story we love, but with more depth and sincerity. The best of the live-action craze. Halle Bailey portrays Ariel with warmth and realism, and Melissa McCarthy is devilishly perfect as Ursula. A new Disney classic is born.
— Amber Oelkers (@Ambear819) May 9, 2023
#TheLittleMermaid was more than I could have hoped for. So fun and heartfelt, and every plot point and character felt familiar yet brand new. Halle and Jonah are pure magic together!!! pic.twitter.com/B8jarp30cj
— Chloe Williams (@afangirlfirst) May 9, 2023
Halle Bailey IS #TheLittleMermaid. An angelic voice, the longing in her eyes, the chemistry with Jonah Hauer-King. She’s flawless. The movie overall isn’t but there’s more than enough charm, heart and adventure there to power it forward.
Melissa McCarthy is a deliciously… pic.twitter.com/l5EITXf9f1
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) May 9, 2023
It gives me so much joy to tell you to run (or swim) not walk to go see #TheLittleMermaid! A-MAZING. Halle is a STAR. Wonderful renditions of classic songs w/ new (wonderful) surprises. A well-done screenplay, strong performances, and such a magical tone. They got this one right. pic.twitter.com/gommJ2CPf3
— Chauncey K. Robinson (@MsChaunceyKR) May 9, 2023
Halle's vulnerability in her acting was top notch. So much chemistry between her & Prince Eric. Speaking of, Jonah Hauer-King is sure to be your new fav leading man. Supporting cast was amazing. 4 years in the making. Bravo, yall. Bravo. #TheLittleMermaid
— Chauncey K. Robinson (@MsChaunceyKR) May 9, 2023
#TheLittleMermaid is the best Disney live-action adaptation to date. Halle Bailey IS Ariel. Major props to the sound effects team. Good changes, though one new song with too much autotune. Could watch this version’s Under the Sea all day, it was the highlight of the whole thing.
— Gillian Blum (@GillianBlum) May 9, 2023
#TheLittleMermaid is #Disney's best live action adaptation, in that it succeeds not just as nostalgia
but as an often stunning film in its own right.
Not PERFECT, but it's got the Disney magic!
And should definitely be seen on the big screen.Review embargo lifts 5/22 9am EST pic.twitter.com/7Yquwk82eK
— Grace Randolph (@GraceRandolph) May 9, 2023
#TheLittleMermaid is STUNNING! @HalleBailey SHINES as Ariel. Jonah Hauer-King's Eric is charming. Melissa McCarthy's Ursula is wicked. Daveed Diggs' Sebastian is a standout! This is the Disney live-action remake to watch. Full review coming to @AgentsFandom very soon! pic.twitter.com/oym6wkaCqP
— aisha ✵ ⧗ (@evanslarsons) May 9, 2023
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s new contributions to the film are also very welcome. I especially love Scuttle’s new song, which is most definitely going to become popular on TikTok. pic.twitter.com/BYXlx03tCe
— Big Screen Leafs has THE PASSION™️ (@bigscreenleaks) May 9, 2023
Aside from the PHENOMENAL Halle Bailey, Daveed Diggs steals the show as Sebastian. His great comedic timing is the difference maker in what could have been a bland role but Diggs absolutely kills it. Definitely my favourite character in this adaption other than Ariel. pic.twitter.com/TWHCFvJ1rI
— Big Screen Leafs has THE PASSION™️ (@bigscreenleaks) May 9, 2023
Halle Bailey’s chemistry with Jonah Hauer-King is so infectious and natural and a huge highpoint for the film, while Melissa McCarthy devours every second of her screen time. The VFX aren’t always perfect, but FAR better than some subpar trailers would lead you to believe tbh. pic.twitter.com/fCiDFDeCRz
— Zoë Rose Bryant (@ZoeRoseBryant) May 9, 2023
