Review of Beauty and the Beast (2017) by James P — 15 Jul 2017

Masterful in pretty almost every way. Expands upon the animated original and pays closer homage to the original story in several moments that the animated version disregarded, as well as fixes and closes any plot-holes that existed before in the animated film.

Ever wonder how an entire castle is this unknown undiscovered thing while there's a bustling town within a day's ride nearby? Why the Beast originally had been cruel before Belle came along? This version of the story covers the various "why's" someone as nitpicky as myself tends to ask far more deftly than the animated film did - the sorts of things you wouldn't care much about as a kid but as an adult coming back to the story it brings answers.

Also in its expansion is an increase in well-thought out sets of character interactions between Beast and Belle which also places far more believability in their otherwise shortly montaged romance in Disney's animated version of the tale.

Minor complaints -.

1. Though the CHARACTER of Belle was made greater having the lovely Emma Watson playing her, the SINGING aspect of her performance was perhaps a bit underwhelming. There were moments when auto-tune on Emma's otherwise lovely voice were too apparent for me personally. However, other than her ability to hit all the notes without editing assistance, I actually enjoyed the manner in which she sung most of the songs more-so than the original more traditional performances sung by the animated version of Belle. Much less vibrato.

2. Some of the humor seemed immature and unnecessary. Come on Disney, the dog peeing and dental jokes were really nails on a chalkboard.

Random other thought -.

I was originally worried that the role of Gaston needed to be played by someone much more burly than the actor they cast the character with. I mean... the song has him describing his arms as "the size of a barge" in the original, right? I was thinking more Henry Caville, or someone the size of the Rock or John Cena, though I'm not sure whether any of those other actors could sing or in at least a couple of cases ACT well enough to play the part.

However, after watching, I think the actor more importantly covered the core of what Gaston was supposed to be, so I'm happy with him... still, would have been nice to have someone with a bit more machismo and vibrato to match the character's bravado.

Overall, a great film that has better versions of the songs you love, new songs that fit in with the original soundtrack without seeming forced or out of place, and great performances and expansions of the original story. A couple of minor missteps and some very slightly missed opportunities in casting, but otherwise a fantastic must-see film.