Enter another world
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: MORE MAGIC FROM DISNEY
Latest adaption adds a few new details to the storyline.
This isn’t the first Disney live-action adaptation of one of the studio’s iconic animated classics – and it won’t be the last. While there is value in presenting these fables for a new generation to enjoy, you have to ask – where’s the originality?
After months of pre-publicity and a definite buzz around the film, Beauty and the Beast ends up being just a nostalgic turn for those who were born when the original was released, and just a bubbly fairy tale for those unfamiliar with the story of Belle, Gaston and the Beast.
But don’t think this isn’t pure Disney magic. Disney films always transport you into the most glittering fairy tales, and this is no different.
A major facet of Beauty and the
Beast is that it’s in the Baroque era, making visually stunning.
A major challenge of the film would be how they treated the inanimate objects that spring to life in Beast’s castle.
But the filmmakers succeed on all counts, because not only is the live-action Madame de Garderobe, Lumière and Mrs Potts believable, their CGI animation feels groundbreaking. Don’t be surprised if you rub your eyes during some of the musical numbers.
Story-wise the latest Disney adaptation of Beauty and the Beast doesn’t stray too far from the orginal premise, but a few new details are added. Most notably LeFou, Gaston’s sidekick gets his own storyline which presents him as one of the first gay characters in a Disney movie. LeFou is brought to life by Josh Gad (you might remember him as the voice of Olaf in Frozen). Emma Watson shines as Beauty, showing that post-Harry Potter she can still hold her own in a film that deals with your own empowerment. She also doesn’t represent Beauty as a glamorous waif, which is so easy
to do in the world of Disney princesses. Instead Beauty is a mix of smarts, common sense – and yes, beauty that makes Watson a likable screen presence you can’t help but root for.
Similarly, Dan Stevens as Beast is able to charm himself out of the Stockholm-syndrome accusations you can direct at Beast.
Luke Evans as the ridiculously narcissistic Gaston really shines on screen – and dare I say it – Evans helps create a standout character that’s flirty, terrible and incredibly sexy.
While Beauty and the Beast is not on the same level as last year’s live-action adaptation of The Jungle Book, it’s a trip back into the wonderful world of Disney.