Halle Bailey’s skillful vocal range shines through when performing beloved songs like „Part of Your World“ during this enjoyable, modern storytelling of a Disney classic.
It has been almost 34 years since Disney’s animated storytelling of The Little Mermaid first captured the hearts of moviegoers – and the new live-action version (arriving only in theaters on May 26) is sure to make a splash with audiences all over again.
First of all, Halle Bailey as Ariel is absolutely superb. From the moment she sings “Part of Your World” early on in the film, you are immediately hooked by her enchanting vocals. Some of Bailey’s best acting in the film comes when she is not even saying a word, through her strong facial expressions alone, making the moviegoer feel like they really understand Ariel’s passionate desire for something more.
Regardless if you were aware of Bailey’s music background before The Little Mermaid of not, she brings a gentleness and innocence to her performance, but also a tenacity within her voice that no other previous live-action Disney film has been able to portray to this level. Plus, with the surprise ways this new film honors the original 1989 animated version, 2023’s The Little Mermaid does not feel like it is trying to be exactly like its predecessor, but rather respects the core of the beloved story while being its own modern vision.
