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 (1989 film) the film's initial release in 1989 – Yahoo! users voted ""The Little Mermaid"" as No. 14 on the top 30 animated films of all time. Later, when Yahoo! updated the list in June of the same year, the film remained on the list but dropped six slots to end at #20. (Only three other traditionally animated Disney animated films - "Aladdin", "Beauty and the Beast", and "The Lion King", respectively - scored above it in the poll even after the update.) In 2011, Richard Corliss of "TIME" Magazine named it one of "The 25 All-TIME Best Animated Films". "The Little