Timeless tale is pure magic

Disney’s latest – and finest – live-action remake is spellbinding, enchanting filmmaking.

The cast are all spot on, led by Emma Watson’s divine Belle to Dan Stevens’ snarky, surly Beast.

There’s some additions, including new musical numbers, that don’t feel out of place among the superbly recreated old magic. Kirsten Stewart continues her postTwilight acting rehab with a scorching turn in this strange drama.

Ghosts, crazed stalkers and suspense are all stirred into writer-director Olivier Assayas’ bonkers brew.

It threatens to drown under the weight of its genre balancing act, but the magnetic cast keep its head above water.