Magical trip back in time
Beauty and the Beast ( PG)
Cinema’s new- found burning desire for nostalgia has seen Disney restore many of its classic animations to the big screen via the live- action treatment.
Critically it’s been more miss ( Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella) than hit ( The Jungle Book) thus far, but big box office has vindicated the Mouse House’s decision and given Beauty and the Beast’s trailer was the most viewed promo in its first 24 hours of release ever, it looks like another monster hit is ensured.
But just how does the adaptation of the beloved 1991 cartoon measure up in the quality stakes? Thankfully for this fan of the original, very nicely indeed.
Evoking a La La Land- esque permagrin across my face throughout its magical two- hours- plus, Beauty and the Beast is spellbinding, enchanting filmmaking at its finest.
Writers Stephen Chbosky ( The Perks of Being a Wallflower) and Evan Spiliotopoulos ( a veteran of straight- to- DVD Disney sequels) take all the best elements of the animation and slot in some clever, welcome additions that just about ensure the whole exercise doesn’t feel too redundant.
We are treated to extra back story for Dan Stevens’ Beast and Emma Watson’s Belle, as well as Belle’s father Maurice ( Kevin Kline), and the much- publicised affection Josh Gad’s LeFou has for Luke Evans’ Gaston brings depth to a supporting character ( LeFou) who made little impression in the cartoon.
There are some new songs too and while they don’t measure up to our old favourites, they are inoffensive and – like the rest of the tunes – sung very capably by the terrific ensemble.
When turning to Bill Condon to direct, Disney hired a helmer experienced in the world of musicals ( Dreamgirls, scripting Chicago) and romance- fuelled blockbusters ( Twilight Breaking Dawn Parts 1 and 2).
Condon utilises his experience to deliver a mesmeric treat for the eyes that looks like the animation brought to glorious life. Lavish costume and set design mix with stunning locations – including wintry forests and a poignant, intimate ‘ trip’ to Paris for our lead pair – as Condon’s camera swoops and soars for all its worth.
And while the famous ballroom scene can’t quite match the magic of the original, it still leaves a lump in the throat.
The cast are all on- point, from Stevens snarky, surly Beast and Watson’s divine Belle to Evans’ vain, conniving villain and Kline’s warm, endearing paternal presence.
British icons Ewan McGregor ( Lumière), Ian McKellen ( Cogsworth) and Emma Thompson ( Mrs Potts) deliver voluptuous voice work and the writers make even more of the ending by giving everyone their moment to shine.
The rest of Disney’s liveaction re- imaginings will have to go some to better this fresh treatment on a tale as old as time.