Beauty and the Beast review – a visually stunning and whimsical musical

‘Beauty and the Beast tells the tale of Belle who is a strong, smart, independent woman who is held captive by a Beast in an enchanted castle.’

Beauty and the Beast is the latest in the long line of Disney live-action remakes. This time though it’s the first film to be adapted from what has normally been called the “Disney Renaissance”. It was a time where the studio was going through something of a creative resurgence and was churning out hit after hit for a decade from 1989 to 1999.

The original Beauty and the Beast was only the third movie to come out during this period, and was straight away critically and commercially acclaimed, setting the tone for future films to come. So successful was it in fact, that it became the first animated feature to be nominated for best picture. With such a revered and beloved classic, the question is, does it need a remake, even if it is live action? Can it offer anything new and bring something different to the story? Or, like many other remakes, is it simply about the numbers.

Directed by Bill Condon, this tale as old as time follows Belle, played by Emma Watson, as a strong, smart, and independent young woman who ends up being held captive in an enchanted castle by a seemingly ferocious beast. Although hostile at first, the Beast, brought to life by Dan Stevens’ motion capture performance, slowly starts to thaw towards his prisoner, and likewise, Belle begins to warm to this wild and gentile creature.

For the most part, the story and structure does feel very familiar, and Condon sticks close to the formula of the original. You’ll certainly get a sense of déjà vu, as you watch well known musical numbers faithfully replicated, sets seemingly brought to life, and even costumes ripped right from the animated film and worn by the main cast. Not only that, but the script also borrows heavily from its predecessor, making it look like one of the most easiest screenplay jobs ever.

Despite the closeness to the previous film, you won’t be able to deny it’s a brilliantly made, and a visually breath-taking movie. Additionally, there is something to be said about seeing popular animation brought to life. When done well, which Beauty and the Beast clearly has been, it can bring something extra, and a whole new dynamic to the viewing experience. Furthermore, there are a few elements that do distinguish this new version, helping it stand on its own and justify its presence.

To begin with, it’s a longer film, and some of that extra time is given over to fleshing out Belle and the Beast. They’re each given more of a backstory, adding layers and depth to their characters, which definitely helps in making more sense of the reasoning and motivations behind the things they do. They are certainly far more engaging and cohesive characters when compared to their animated counterparts. The budding romance between them isn’t rushed over. Instead, we’re presented with an extended second act where Belle and the Beast slowly, and authentically get to know each other, which presents a far more believable relationship. It certainly makes a refreshing change when compared to Disney’s more dated, love-at-first-sight approach to romance.

Musically, all the favourites are there, and the actors all do a good job of bringing their own twist to classic songs like ‘Be Our Guest’ and ‘Gaston’. Even Belle and the Beast’s courtship is aided by a couple of original songs that are created just for the remake, also delivering something distinct from the animated feature.

Watson is excellent as Belle and proves a competent singer. She expertly balances her character’s naivety and intelligence, portraying a strong-minded, and brave individual, who also has been very sheltered by her father. Stevens makes a superb Beast, and you can really see the former Downton Abbey (2010) actor shine through the CGI. As a motion captured performance, he brings a real physicality to the role and feels very much like a tangible presence alongside his Human co-star.

Stevens also adds an extra layer of charm and wit to the Beast’s personality so once you get past that tough, wounded exterior from when he’s first introduced, he becomes an incredibly likable character. On the other end of the spectrum, Luke Evans looks like he’s having a ball playing a particularly despicable and over-the-top Gaston, with Josh Gad bringing that typical bumbling sidekick Shtick alongside him. The voice cast all inhabit and aptly supply the vocals for the talking furniture.

‘Although it has a few different aspects, this iteration of Beauty and the Beast hits all the same beats as the animated classic, and can hardly be called original. On its own though it holds up, and as a separate film, there’s little to find fault with. It has an exuberant visual flare, great visual effects, and some wonderful performances from Watson and Stevens. There’s simply too much to enjoy to discredit it solely on the grounds of unoriginality. It’s a marvellous way to reintroduce this tale to a new generation of kids. A perfect excuse for us grownups to give into nostalgia and revisit a piece of our childhood.’