The Little Mermaid was a landmark Disney film. After a string of underperformers, it ushered in a new age of films recalling the glory of the company's golden age, beginning what we now know as the Disney Renaissance. Thanks to its stunning animation, lovable characters, and the first of three unforgettable Howard Ashman/Alan Menken soundtracks, it's remained a classic for decades, even if its lead character has been a hotly debated one, often through bad faith criticism made for cynical jokes.
In the midst of Disney remaking their animated classics in live-action, it seemed like a natural fit with the stars aligned. Director Rob Marshall, fresh off of Mary Poppins Returns, Lin-Manuel Miranda as both producer and song lyricist, and the breakthrough casting of singer Halle Bailey as the title character. The ingredients seemed to be there... but who cares? No big deal. I wanted more.
