Blairgowrie Advertiser

Magical trip back in time

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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.

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