Review of Beauty and the Beast (2017) by Sassypants25 — 24 Mar 2017

An EXCELLENT adaptation of the mixture of original story, Disney animated feature, and stage musical. The effectiveness in the live-action retelling occurs when many of the "plot holes" and issues are addressed.

Where is Belle's mother? What happened exactly with the Enchantress? Whey doesn't ANYONE ever wander ove rto the castle? All of these (and more) are addressed intelligently and thoughtfully. The story never feels forced or rushed and the songs are woven seamlessly into the story.

The newer songs don't add as much as those from the stage version, but it's understandable why the newer mater is in the film. They are shorter and really move the narrative along. The performances by Dan Stevens (Beast) and Emma Watson (Belle).

Their natural chemistry and connection really effectively display the growing attraction and the CHOICE Belle is making to stay and help. Their work together was incredible. Putting in twice the performances to fully form this amazing character paid off.

You can tell that this is a real man acting within the beastly confines. Stevens creates a wonderful character (on par with many of the master Andy Sirkus). The Beast has depth and feeling and the effect is ohly enhances by Ms.

Watson's nuanced performance. She gives a smart, relateable, and sensitive performance as Belle. THIS is the girl I want my daughter to emulate. The household objects were all lovingly voiced by some of the best actors in Hollywood.

Ewan McGregor (Lumiere), Ian McKellan (Cogsworth), Emma Thompson (Mrs. Potts), Stanley Tucci (Cadenza), Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Plumette), Audra McDonald (Mdm. Garderobe) and newcomer Nathan Mack. At moments the objects felt a little stagnant and I think that it was just lost in translation a little, but the vocal work was exceptional.

This is a movie for fans and it does not disappoint.