Good news – your childhood will not be ruined by Disney’s latest “live action” remake. In fact, Rob Marshall’s The Little Mermaid delivers a wave of magic, music, and whimsy for fans of all ages. I mean, it’s still pretty much a gratuitous cash grab from “The House of Mouse,” but this is the rare occasion where the spirit of the original is (mostly) recaptured. A major part of this film’s appeal is our lead actress, Halle Bailey. And while there have been a lot of questionable complaints over her casting, just know that this girl is a star through and through. Her voice is goosebump-inducing, while her wholesome charm is undeniable. Trust me, this Ariel makes quite the splash! Also bringing the acting goods here is Melissa McCarthy, whose Ursula is as deliciously deranged and twisted as you’d hoped it would be. Throw in some fun voice work from Awkwafina, Daveed Diggs, and Jacob Tremblay, and you’ve got a very enjoyable cast at hand. Unfortunately, things are not as pitch perfect in the special effects department. The film’s enchanted design is sometimes breathtaking, but other times sloppy. There are also new elements added to the story that, while interesting, end up bloating the already depth-full narrative. But, by the end, there is no question that this is a true crowd-pleaser. It's nostalgia that swims, not sinks!