While Disney’s The Little Mermaid was expected to be a magical reimagining of a beloved classic, it falls flat in many areas. Casting Halle Bailey as Ariel might have been a bold choice, but it feels more like a forced attempt at inclusivity rather than a natural fit for the character. Ariel, who was originally a fair-skinned redhead, feels out of place in this new version, and it distracts from the story. The film struggles to recapture the magic of the original, and the visuals, while colorful, can’t mask the lackluster performances. The songs, which should have been a highlight, fall short of the emotional impact the original soundtrack had. Overall, the film’s forced diversity, combined with weak performances and a lack of heart, makes it a disappointing retelling.