A young woman encounters a young prince trapped under a
monstrous curse, and together they realize their love for one another. FAMILY/FANTASY/MUSICAL
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Beauty and the Beast (2017)Directed by Bill Condon
Written by Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos Starring Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Kevin Kline, Ewan McGregor, Ian McKellen, Emma Thompson, Josh Gad, Stanley Tucci, Audra McDonald, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Hattie Morahan, Nathan Mack Remake of 1991's Beauty and the Beast Based on the fairy tale by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont Oscar Nominations - Best Costume Design, Best Production Design |
There was no doubt in my mind that this was going to be Disney's live-action masterpiece. I knew it immediately after I watched the first teaser trailer. Their recent track record speaks for itself, with Cinderella and The Jungle Book being not only financially successful but critically acclaimed. But Beauty and the Beast is on a different level. There's something about this story. It's magical in a way that no other Disney classic ever was. It feels like true love. Even Alan Menken's haunting score captures the sorrow of a world without love and the joy of recapturing it together. This live-action retelling of Disney's finest love story is soaked in nostalgia and boasts an unbelievable cast. Simply put, it's marvelous.
Emma Watson and Dan Stevens were fantastic as Belle and the Beast. Their chemistry felt real and their singing range was surprisingly good. I'm so happy that Disney decided to keep this a musical. It never would've worked otherwise. Now a whole new generation gets to grow up singing these classic songs. The rest of the cast brought a smile to my face constantly, even Luke Evans as the treacherous Gaston. The musical numbers were executed perfectly and never felt out of place. Director Bill Condon opted to give Belle's family some backstory and beef up the story, which only added to my enjoyment. I couldn't be happier with how this film turned out. Watching 2017's Beauty and the Beast sent me back to my childhood and made me remember what it was like to watch this story unfold for the first time. There's a special sort of magic that comes with every Disney movie. I can't explain what it is, but it was always there. Now, that magic is coming back with their re-releases, and every film just seems to be improving. Beauty and the Beast is a gorgeous, dramatic, and ultimately memorable Disney experience that will one day be as iconic as its animated predecessor. |