News flash: If the animated version of The Little Mermaid (in 1989) was your "favorite movie of all time as a child", then watch that version. This one is different.
I went in without any expectations, since it is a new movie, and enjoyed it. Of course, if you are watching the movie and constantly comparing it to the old one the entire time you're watching it, then you obviously aren't going to like it.
In my opinion, Melissa McCarthy stole the show. She did an excellent job portraying Ursula. Halle Bailey also did a good job and has a great voice!
I don't agree that Disney was trying to be political during this movie. They simply made it different than the previous version.