The Little Mermaid (1989 film) film, it would be difficult for children to identify with Ariel and that the characters seemed bland. Hinson concluded his review saying that the film is "accomplished but uninspiring, "The Little Mermaid" has enough to please any kid. All that's missing is the magic." "Empire" gave a positive review of the film, stating that "["The Little Mermaid" is] a charmer of a movie, boasting all the ingredients that make a Disney experience something to treasure yet free of all the politically correct, formulaic elements that have bogged down the more recent productions." In April 2008 – almost 20 years after
The Little Mermaid (franchise) the writers of the successful Off-Broadway stage musical "Little Shop of Horrors", teamed up to compose the entire song score. The first film's soundtrack, "The Little Mermaid: An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack" contains the songs from the film written by Menken and Ashman, as well as the film's score composed by Menken. The album received the Academy Award for Best Original Score and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score. As of February 2007, the album is certified 6x Platinum by the RIAA. In 2010, Rhapsody (online music service) called it one of the all-time great Disney and