If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for Disney animated movies. When I heard that Beauty and the Beast was going to be created into a live-action film, I practically had a countdown going on waiting for the day it hit theaters.
On Wednesday night, I packed up my gaggle of friends and we made our way to Regal Cinemas of Transit Road in Lancaster. I know I said before in my movie review of Split that I’m not one to go to the movie theater often, but when it comes to Disney you bet I’m making it a priority to see its latest film in theaters with a bad of popcorn in my hands!
First off, hats off to director Bill Condon for developing this fantastic live-action version. Walt Disney’s 1991 animated version of Beauty and the Beast is one of my all time favorites; from the soundtrack to the corny love story, what’s not to love? Plus, with Emma Watson, known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series, as the role of Belle made the film that much more of a need to see.
It was great to see that the director stepped outside the box a little for the film’s storyline; you can’t expect him to follow the same exact footsteps of Walt Disney. Condon’s rendition gave more character to Belle and her background, as well as the Beast’s. Even LaFou, Gaston’s sidekick, had a greater role that was hilarious and entertaining to watch. It was also enjoyable to meet more characters and understand their roles in the Beast’s life rather than the typical characters that people know from Disney’s 1991 film.
I rarely cry when it comes to movies, but this film made me cry twice. That’s a new record. The unexpected love between a girl and beast who is actually a prince couldn’t be more of a sappy love story, but the way Emma Watson and Dan Stevens, actor of the Beast, bring the love connection together can’t help but make your heart ache with happiness. I’m proud to say that such a sentimental storyline made my eyes leak with joy and sadness at the same time.
What I loved most about the film was that Alan Menken was the composer of the soundtrack for the film. Alan Menken is a well-known composer who has created the music for multiple Disney animated films, including The Little Mermaid (1989), Aladdin (1992), The Lion King (1994) and 1991’s Beauty and the Beast. Some artists that performed the songs of the Beauty and the Beast soundtrack include John Legend and Arianna Grande, Josh Groban and Celine Dione. Bravo, Alan Menken. You’ve brought me back to my childhood with another one of your soundtracks, and incorporated some fantastic artists to belt their hearts out to your songs.
I was not expecting to have loved Condon’s rendition of the film this much, but he blew my mind out of the water. To those skeptical of the new version, please believe me when I say that Bill Condon didn’t let us down with the twist on this Disney classic. Grab your friends, or go by yourself (no judgment!) and get to the nearest movie theater to see this film! If you’re a crier, I suggest you bring some tissues, or wear waterproof makeup.