Disney’s live-adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast” arrives with great anticipation, but with some trepidation, too. After all, the original is arguably the most revered of the company’s modern animated classics, an Oscar winner whose musical, comedic, and romantic appeal seem timeless.
Can a live action rendition deliver the same level of magic and charm?
The answer is a resounding “yes.” Combining signature moments from the animated film reverently recreated with new musical numbers and added character depth, this “Beauty and the Beast” shines in every way that matters. There’s even a surprise or two in there for those who know both the film and the Broadway show by heart.
What’s it about?
If you know Disney’s 1991 animated version of the story, then you know this film in the broad strokes. In a little quiet French village, the beautiful and independent-minded Belle (Emma Watson) reads books and dreams of more than a provincial life.
To the villagers around her, Belle is an oddball, almost as odd as her tinkerer father, Maurice (Kevin Kline). To the village’s dashing but loutish heartthrob, Gaston (Luke Evans), she’s a prize to be won, especially because she has the audacity to not be in awe of him.
Belle’s dreams of adventure unexpectedly come true when Maurice goes missing after a routine trip to the market. Her search for him leads to a long-forgotten castle, full of walking, talking wonders and a brooding, temperamental Beast (Dan Stevens) left cursed in part by his own arrogant cruelty.
The enchantment upon the castle and all who dwell in it can only be broken one way, a way the Beast has lost hope of ever happening. After all, who could ever come to love someone like him?
Who, indeed.
Be Our Guest
Director Bill Condon (“Mr. Holmes”, “Dreamgirls”) delivers in “Beauty and the Beast” both a loving homage to the original as well as a lavish, breathtaking spectacle all its own. He seems to know he can’t stray too far from his source – this is Disney’s version of the story, or at least that’s what all the extensive marketing has promised audiences.
Instead, he takes the moments and characters that made the source so memorable, so charming, and literally fleshes them out. That quiet little village, as well as the magical castle and all its occupants, come to fully to life in a way the original film never managed due to the limitations of hand drawn animation of the time.
As a result, the musical numbers audiences are likely to know very well – “Belle”, “Be Our Guest”, “Gaston”, and “Something There” – they’re all here, and they all sparkle. “Be Our Guest” and “Gaston” in particular stand out, one because of the astounding visual effects work necessary to make it happen and the other thanks to energetic choreography and surprisingly strong singing performances.
There are new songs here, as well, provided by original composer Alan Menken and acclaimed lyricist Tim Rice. While these new songs aren’t nearly as catchy as those penned by Menken and the late Howard Ashman, they come during memorable new scenes in the film, and thus become memorable, themselves. Watch for “How Does a Moment Last Forever?” performed by Kline and later Watson, and the powerful romantic ballad “Evermore,” performed by Stevens.
No one sings like Gaston
Speaking of the performers, Watson and Stevens, both relative newcomers to musical theater, capably hold their own singing their own parts and bringing their characters to life. The script tweaks their characters somewhat – Belle is more willful and openly challenging of provincial notions, while the Beast is more brooding and restrained, even when his temper flares – but for the most part they’re the hero and heroine fans know and love.
Same goes for the well-esteemed cast bringing to life the castle’s colorful staff. Ewan McGregor’s outrageous French accent would have done the late Jerry Orbach proud, while Emma Thompson virtually channels Angela Lansbury throughout the film, including when singing the title song.
But without a doubt Luke Evans steals his every scene as the conniving Gaston. While the animated version was a brutish parody of fairy tale princely masculinity, Evans’s take is oilier, smarter, and ultimately even more despicable, which makes him all the more fun to watch.
Oh yes, and the guy can really sing, too.
Much has been made in the run-up to the film’s opening of its take on Gaston’s loyal toadie, La Fou, played by Josh Gad. Suffice to say, it’s the proverbial mountain out of a molehill. Enjoy Gad’s energetic performance and the effort to actually humanize the character this time out – it actually benefits the film.
Worth seeing?
“Beauty and the Beast” is a must-see for any fan of the original film, and for fans of Disney, in general. See it in 3D or IMAX to best enjoy the sweeping camera work and stunning production design that successfully builds what we already remembered as beautiful into something breathtaking.
Oh, and remember how certain songs got stuck in your head the first time around? Yeah, that’s going to happen again.