We recently watched the live-action remake of Disney’s classic “Beauty and the Beast” and couldn’t wait to share our thoughts. So here’s our Disney’s Live Action Beauty and the Beast Movie Review! This enchanting musical fantasy brings the beloved animated tale to life with stunning visuals and a star-studded cast.
Emma Watson shines as Belle, breathing new life into the bookish heroine we all know and love.
The 2017 version of “Beauty and the Beast” captures the magic of the original while adding depth and nuance to the characters and story. We were swept away by the lavish production design, which transforms the Beast’s castle into a truly wondrous place.
The familiar songs are beautifully reimagined, with a few new additions that fit seamlessly into the score.
While some purists may prefer the animated classic, we found this live-action adaptation to be a joyful experience that pays homage to its roots while offering something fresh for a new generation. The chemistry between Watson and Dan Stevens as the Beast adds a layer of romance that tugs at the heartstrings.
Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or new to the tale as old as time, this version of “Beauty and the Beast” is sure to cast its spell on you.
Disney’s Live Action Beauty and the Beast Movie Review
Disney’s live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast brings new magic to a beloved story. We were thrilled by the fresh take on this classic tale.
Live-Action vs. Animated Classic
The live-action version of Beauty and the Beast gives us a whole new experience. We love how it keeps the charm of the animated classic while adding depth. The real actors bring the characters to life in amazing ways.
Emma Watson shines as Belle. Her performance adds strength to the character we know and love. The Beast, played by Dan Stevens, feels more real and complex.
The set designs and costumes are breathtaking. They make the fairy tale world feel like a place we could step into. It’s a visual feast that the animated version couldn’t quite match.
The Magic of the Story Reimagined
This new take on Beauty and the Beast adds layers to the story we grew up with. We get more background on the characters, making them feel more real. The enchanted objects in the castle have bigger roles and more personality.
The movie keeps all the songs we love and adds some new ones. These additions fit perfectly and add to the story. We especially love how they expand on Belle and the Beast’s relationship.
The filmmakers have taken care to update some parts of the story for today’s audience. It feels fresh and modern while still keeping the timeless appeal of the original.
Casting the Spell
The 2017 Beauty and the Beast remake brings beloved characters to life through stellar performances. We were enchanted by the talented cast who breathed new magic into this classic tale.
Emma Watson as Belle: A Modern-Day Role Model
Emma Watson shines as Belle, giving us a heroine for today’s world. Her Belle is smart, brave, and independent. We love how Watson brings depth to the character, making Belle relatable and inspiring.
Watson’s singing is a pleasant surprise. While not perfect, it fits Belle’s down-to-earth charm. Her chemistry with the Beast feels genuine and touching.
We appreciate how Watson’s Belle stays true to the original while adding modern touches. She’s an inventor now, not just a bookworm. This update makes Belle even more of a role model for young viewers.
Dan Stevens as the Beast: More Than Just a Growl
Dan Stevens impresses us as the Beast. He manages to convey a range of emotions, even under layers of CGI. Stevens’ Beast is menacing at first, but we soon see his vulnerability and humor.
His singing voice is rich and expressive, especially in “Evermore.” We feel the Beast’s pain and hope in every note. Stevens also nails the Beast’s physical performance, from lumbering movements to subtle facial expressions.
The gradual softening of the Beast is believable thanks to Stevens’ nuanced acting. We find ourselves rooting for his transformation, both inside and out.
Luke Evans’ Gaston: Villainy in Full Charm
Luke Evans steals every scene as the narcissistic Gaston. He’s funny, infuriating, and dangerous all at once. Evans strikes the perfect balance between comedy and menace.
His booming voice brings Gaston’s songs to life. “Gaston” is a hilarious highlight of the film. We can’t help but laugh at his over-the-top antics while recognizing the threat he poses.
Evans adds layers to Gaston, showing glimpses of insecurity beneath the bravado. This makes him a more complex villain than in the animated version.
The Enchanted Cast: Bringing Characters to Life
The supporting cast adds warmth and humor to the story. Ewan McGregor charms as the suave candelabra Lumière. His French accent might be a bit much, but we enjoy his enthusiasm.
Ian McKellen brings gravitas to Cogsworth the clock. His bickering with Lumière provides many laughs. Emma Thompson’s Mrs. Potts is comforting and wise.
The CGI brings these household objects to life in amazing detail. We’re impressed by how expressive they are, from Lumière’s flickering flames to Cogsworth’s ticking hands.
These enchanted characters add heart to the film. They make the castle feel like a real home, full of personality and magic.
Behind the Scenes Alchemy
The magic of Beauty and the Beast comes alive through innovative filmmaking techniques. We got a peek behind the curtain to see how this enchanting tale was brought to the big screen.
Bill Condon’s Direction: Vision and Artistry
Bill Condon’s cinematic vision breathes new life into this classic story. We were amazed by his attention to detail in every frame. He seamlessly blends nostalgia with modern flair.
Condon’s approach to the enchanted castle scenes is particularly impressive. The “Be Our Guest” sequence dazzles with its vibrant colors and intricate choreography.
We love how Condon balances grand spectacle with intimate moments. His direction brings out nuanced performances from the cast, adding depth to familiar characters.
CGI Wonders: The Challenge of Animation Meets Live-Action
The CGI in Beauty and the Beast is truly mind-blowing. We were stunned by how seamlessly the animated characters blend with the live-action world.
The Beast’s transformation is a technical marvel. Dan Stevens’ performance is enhanced by cutting-edge motion capture technology. Every fur and facial expression feels incredibly lifelike.
We’re in awe of the attention to detail in bringing household objects to life. From Lumière’s flickering flames to Cogsworth’s intricate gears, the CGI artistry is top-notch.
Musical Heart of the Beast
The music breathes life into this enchanting tale. We were swept away by the familiar melodies and exciting new tunes that bring the story to vibrant, toe-tapping life.
Alan Menken’s Score: Echoes of Nostalgia and Newness
Alan Menken‘s score is a masterful blend of old and new. We loved how he weaved in beloved themes from the animated classic while adding fresh, captivating melodies. The orchestrations are lush and grand, perfectly matching the film’s lavish visuals.
Menken’s music transports us right back to our childhoods. Yet it also feels modern and relevant. We were particularly impressed by how he adapted the score for a live-action setting, giving it more depth and nuance.
The new songs fit seamlessly alongside the classics. They expand the emotional range of the story and give deeper insight into the characters’ motivations.
Musical Numbers: From ‘Be Our Guest’ to ‘Evermore’
The musical numbers are dazzling. ‘Be Our Guest’ is a show-stopping extravaganza that had us grinning from ear to ear. The clever CGI brings the enchanted objects to life in spectacular fashion.
We were blown away by the new song ‘Evermore’. It’s a powerful ballad that gives the Beast more emotional depth. Dan Stevens’ performance is raw and moving.
Emma Watson shines in the opening number ‘Belle’. Her voice may not be the strongest, but her charm and spirit carry the day. The village comes alive with colorful characters and intricate choreography.
‘Days in the Sun’ is another new gem. It gives the castle inhabitants a poignant moment to reflect on their past lives. We found it touching and beautifully staged.
Unraveling the Tapestry
The new Beauty and the Beast remake weaves together classic elements with fresh twists. We found the script adaptation and on-screen chemistry to be key aspects that bring this beloved tale to life in a new way.
Adaptation and Script: Balancing Old and New
Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos faced a big challenge in updating this classic story. We think they did a good job keeping the heart of the original while adding depth. The script gives more backstory to Belle and the Beast. This helps us understand their motivations better.
We loved how they expanded some characters. Gaston and LeFou got more screen time and funnier lines. The writers also fixed some plot holes from the animated version. Belle’s love for the Beast feels more earned now.
But not all changes worked. A few new songs felt forced to us. And some added scenes slowed down the pacing a bit.
The Chemistry of Romance on Screen
The romance between Belle and the Beast is the heart of this story. We were curious to see if the live-action element would help or hurt their chemistry.
Emma Watson and Dan Stevens surprised us with their strong connection. Even with all the CGI, we felt the spark between them. Their banter was fun and flirty. The dance scene gave us goosebumps!
We noticed how the actors used body language to show their growing bond. Little glances and touches made the romance feel real. The transformation scene at the end had us in tears.
But we wished for a bit more build-up to their love. Some scenes felt rushed to us. Overall though, we were swept up in their fairy tale romance.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Beauty and the Beast left an indelible mark on pop culture and animation history. We can’t overstate how much this beloved tale reshaped Disney’s fortunes and inspired new generations of fans.
Box Office Success: A Tale as Old as Financial Time
Beauty and the Beast was a smash hit at the box office. We were blown away by how it raked in over $400 million worldwide. This incredible financial success helped cement Disney’s animation renaissance in the 1990s.
The movie’s popularity went beyond just ticket sales. Merchandise flew off shelves. Kids couldn’t get enough Belle and Beast toys. It seemed like every family had the VHS tape at home.
We think this success paved the way for more ambitious animated projects. Disney knew they had a winning formula on their hands.
Legacy: Spinning the Tale for New Generations
Beauty and the Beast’s legacy is truly magical. It became the first animated film nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. This recognition elevated animation as a serious art form.
The story has been retold countless times since. We’ve seen a hit Broadway musical and a live-action remake. Each new version introduces Belle and the Beast to new fans.
Its themes of inner beauty and looking beyond appearances still resonate today. We love how it teaches kids valuable lessons while entertaining them.
Beauty and the Beast remains a cornerstone of Disney’s animated classics. Its songs are still sung by kids and adults alike. We don’t see its popularity fading anytime soon.
Concluding Thoughts
We’re enchanted by this new take on a classic tale. Disney’s live-action “Beauty and the Beast” brings the beloved story to life in a fresh way.
The film’s mixed reviews show it’s not perfect. Some critics found it a bit bloated. But we think its charm outweighs any flaws.
Emma Watson shines as Belle. Her portrayal feels modern while honoring the original character.
Dan Stevens as the Beast brings depth to the role.
The visuals are stunning. From the castle to the costumes, every detail feels magical.
It’s a feast for the eyes that revels in joy and enchantment.
For us, nostalgia plays a big part. Seeing our childhood favorite come to life is thrilling. Yet the film stands on its own, even for those new to the story.
We recommend giving this fairy tale remake a chance. It may not be flawless, but it captures the spirit of the original. Disney has created a film that’s both familiar and fresh.
We hope you enjoyed this magical journey through Disney’s live action Beauty and the Beast. If you’re eager to discover even more Disney films, check out Best Family Movies on Disney Plus. For the ultimate Disney adventure, consider a Disney Mediterranean Cruise. Keep exploring, keep dreaming, and as always, let the magic continue!