Bill Condon (Dreamgirls) directed this live-action retelling of the Disney animated classic from 1991. As before, this fairy tale centers on a young woman named Belle (Emma Watson), who is forced to live in an enchanted castle with a prince who is cursed to look like a hideous Beast (Dan Stevens). In time, the pair fall in love as Belle learns to see the good man hiding behind the Beast's monstrous exterior. The film co-stars Luke Evans as Gaston, Ewan McGregor as Lumière, Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts, Ian McKellen as Cosgworth, Kevin Kline as Belle's father, and Josh Gad as Gaston's sidekick LeFou. ~ Jack Rodgers, Rovi
Director: Bill Condon
Cast: Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Josh Gad,
Ewan McGregor
Release Date: Mar
17, 2017
Rated PG for Peril, Frightening Images and Some Action
Violence
Runtime: 2 hr. 9 min.
Genres: Family, Music/Performing Arts, Romance,
Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Review:
The live action Beauty and The Beast hits all the right
notes both figuratively and literally but it still feels like it’s missing
something. Bill Condon does a fine job
of directing the film delivering lavish musical numbers and a cornucopia of
visual treats. His cast is excellent
with Emma Watson sliding into the Belle role with great easy. Her voice isn’t quiet as strong as the role
needs it to be but she’s still a great choice for the role. Dan Stevens is solid if uninspired as the
Beast which is a shame considering he’s a strong actor. It doesn’t help that the CGI on the Beast is
thoroughly unconvincing. The rest of the
CGI characters are well done which makes the misstep on one of the main
characters all the more puzzling. Ewan
McGregor stands our as Lumière as does Emma Thompson. As for the rest of the live action cast, Luke
Evans and Josh Gad make for a great duo which is helped by the fact that they
are clearly have a great time. All in
all, the live action version of the film is strong across the board even though
it could have used a bit of a trim here there.
Unfortunately, it never really finds itself and it really makes you want
to revisit the original animated film.
B-
ugh if she can't sing, why make it a musical? Why remake it?
ReplyDeleteIt's well done but it's truly a pointless remake, there's nothing new.
DeleteWell made yes but pointless in the end.
I can't disagree with anything you said - I know in my heart that Emma Watson can't sing and she can barely act and on another day I wouldn't be able to forgive her...... but the film just made me happy so I pretty much forgave everything!
ReplyDeleteLuke Evans stole the show!
She's not a natural singer is probably the best way to put it. It's a well made movie all around even if the remake wasn't necessary and I agree with you Luke Evans was the best part of the movie!
Delete