Its 2024, and Disney's 2017 live-action remake of Beauty & the Beast, remains its crowing achievement. Here, the studio FINALLY veered away from the unnecessary gimmicks & delivered the good ol magic its originals are celebrated for. It follows its animated predecessor to the T, paving the way for the timeless story of Belle & the Beast to pull at its audience's heartstrings, with bonus emotional heft from its realistic adaptation. The musical numbers was as well impressive to the nth degree, as they come choreographed to perfection, while honoring its source material through carried over tidbits that have OG fans cheering on. There was as well no shortage of entertainment & visual delight, as its well loved & wonderfully voiced characters are honored without fault, and its backdrops were a thing of beauty through on point production & overall design. On the topic of characters, much deserved praise and applause for Luke Evan's Gaston & Josh Gad's Le Fou. The duo's performances carry the fairy tale's comedic punch, while Evans dons the conniving persona of the famed antagonist with appealing & addictive gusto. He was perfect as Gaston.
As for this picture's weaknesses, it was unfortunate that Emma Watson's performance comes riddled with her over the top, cinematic method-acting. Though she is Belle through and through, this was an annoyance not possible to dismiss. Dan Stevens as the re-animated Beast was another misfire, as his emergence comes off anti-climactic, weirdly acted & ultimately head scratching. Its new songs aka needless additions, were as well forgettable, and dampened the narrative at every opportunity.
Overall however, this fresh rendition of The Beauty and the Beast sees Disney FINALLY achieve the re-making of past fantasies, capable of enchanting audiences young and not so young. It guides us as we rediscover the inspiring magic of the 1991 fairy tale, made more emotionally stirring with present day filmmaking craft. It is then, definitely worth the tear or two, just ask my absolutely well pleased wife.
As for this picture's weaknesses, it was unfortunate that Emma Watson's performance comes riddled with her over the top, cinematic method-acting. Though she is Belle through and through, this was an annoyance not possible to dismiss. Dan Stevens as the re-animated Beast was another misfire, as his emergence comes off anti-climactic, weirdly acted & ultimately head scratching. Its new songs aka needless additions, were as well forgettable, and dampened the narrative at every opportunity.
Overall however, this fresh rendition of The Beauty and the Beast sees Disney FINALLY achieve the re-making of past fantasies, capable of enchanting audiences young and not so young. It guides us as we rediscover the inspiring magic of the 1991 fairy tale, made more emotionally stirring with present day filmmaking craft. It is then, definitely worth the tear or two, just ask my absolutely well pleased wife.