First Reactions from the Premiere – The Hollywood Reporter

#the little Mermaid: charming, but incredibly spotty. Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy, and Javier Bardem put their hearts and souls into a movie that can’t escape the legacy of animation. Better when it leans toward campy madness, but limits its fantasy elements for no reason. pic.twitter.com/c7Bt2BO5rq

– Courtney Howard (Lulamaybelle) May 9, 2023

It’s a simple fact. Are you excited for #the little Mermaid? You will like it. It’s exactly what you think it is. Are you skeptical and worried about it? This is also true. It looks weird and disjointed. Billy is great, McCarthy’s grammar, the songs work but feel superfluous. pic.twitter.com/n4qp7MsVFH

– Germain Lussier May 9, 2023

Likeable, but different #the little Mermaid It doesn’t offer classic animated charm but there are plenty of creative touches from Rob Marshall to float the audience’s boats. Halle Bailey and Melissa McCarthy are adorable. Daveed Diggs and Awkwafina provide strong comic relief. pic.twitter.com/kt1pVURZiL

– Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) May 9, 2023

It may seem visually harsh under the sea, but The Little Mermaid finally recreates some of the original magic with its timeless story and cast. Daveed Diggs and Melissa McCarthy are the standouts, but Halle Bailey is the most surprising with her gorgeous vocals and soulful charm. pic.twitter.com/DhmmtOLaLJ

– Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) May 9, 2023

#the little Mermaid It brings it very close to being the best live-action Disney movie, but it still struggles in the villain department. Halle Bailey and Ariel and I both had goosebumps during her performance. This little mermaid recreates a story like you’ve never seen it before. pic.twitter.com/JjtLOR61vL

– Felicia (@becomingfelicia) May 9, 2023

#the little Mermaid It is the best Disney live-action adaptation to date. Halle Bailey Ariel. Main props to the sound effects team. Good changes, though, one new song with a lot of auto-tune. This version can be watched under the sea all day long, it was the highlight of the whole thing.

– GillianBlum (@GillianBlum) May 9, 2023

#the little Mermaid amazing! Rob Marshall’s brilliant direction gives us one of Disney’s best live-action remakes and an exhilarating theatrical experience. @tweet IS PERFECT LIKE # Ariel It is the heart of the movie. It’s a magical journey under the sea and I can’t wait to rewatch it! pic.twitter.com/rqdsHtbg3t

– Bigscreenleaks have passion™️ (@bigscreenleaks) May 9, 2023