REVIEW: Beauty and the BeastBy Quinn OxleyMarch 19, 2017Let me ask you one question: if the movie takes place in France, why do all the characters have distinctly English accents?

And another question: do I need to provide you with a summary of the tale is old as time?

We all know about this movie.  We all know about the original.  Disney is an all-powerful overlord whose domain knows no boundaries (read with nostalgia and love for the all-powerful overlord).

Firstly, it is great.  I love live-action adaptations of animated films - if they're done well.  And for most intents and purposes, this was done very well.  Props, sets, cinematography, music, acting - when all is said and done, it's well worth seeing in theaters.  Make no mistake: I thoroughly enjoyed Beauty and the Beast.

That being said, I have a few complaints.

Emma Watson, you've obviously captured the heart of our generation.  Before our eyes, you grew from an adorable child actress into a powerful role model for young women.  You can't sing, though, and no amount of modification to your voice will turn you into a Disney princess, especially when everyone else in the film can sing.  I'm sorry.  And pretty disappointed.

It's also worth noting that the live-action adaptation makes it apparent just how weird it is that this young girl falls in love with a giant mythical creature.  The distancing element present in animation takes your mind off the strangeness of it all, but seeing Emma Watson flirt with a seven-foot bear-goat-man really brings to the forefront some uncomfortable beastiality implications.  But maybe I'm just reading too much into it.

I'd also like to comment on the homosexuality in the film.

There was none.

Okay, I guess the implication was there, but not nearly enough to warrant the kind of controversy this film garnered before its release.  Although I adhere to the traditional Christian position on homosexuality, I didn't find the update to the character offensive or even obnoxious.  Lefou was an interesting, lighthearted, entertaining character, whose sexuality wasn't even commented on in detail.  Evangelicals, color yourselves played by the marketing team for this film.

The ensemble song and dance numbers do their fair share to make the film the joy that it is.  “Belle,” “Gaston,” “Be Our Guest,” “Kill the Beast” - these are the pinnacles of creativity, emotion, spectacle, and - yeah, I'll say it - magic.  I cried multiple times.  (Side note: I love Disney’s original Beauty and the Beast, so most of the tears were nostalgia-prompted.)

Is it good, though?

Yes.  It gave an interesting new take on a Disney classic and, despite a few hiccups, portends great things for the future of live-action Disney adaptations.

Rating: 7/10

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