Disney's Beauty and The Beast 2017 Live Action Movie Review

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When Disney announced that "Beauty and the Beast" would be adapted into a live action movie, I KNEW I would see it in theaters and the countdown started.

The day is here and I am elated.

It is EVERYTHING I hoped for and THEN some.

Official Synopsis:

The story and characters audiences know and love come to spectacular life in Disney’s live-action adaptation “Beauty and the Beast,” a stunning, cinematic event celebrating one of the most beloved tales ever told. “Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a Beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart of the true Prince within.

The film stars: Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s father; Josh Gad as LeFou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Ewan McGregor as Lumière, the candelabra; Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Audra McDonald as Madame de Garderobe, the wardrobe; Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, the feather duster; Hattie Morahan as the enchantress; and Nathan Mack as Chip, the teacup; with Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.

Directed by Bill Condon based on the 1991 animated film, “Beauty and the Beast,” the screenplay is written by Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos and produced by Mandeville Films’ David Hoberman, p.g.a. and Todd Lieberman, p.g.a. with Jeffrey Silver, Thomas Schumacher and Don Hahn serving as executive producers. Alan Menken, who won two Academy Awards® (Best Original Score and Best Song) for the animated film, provides the score, which includes new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Howard Ashman, as well as three new songs written by Menken and Tim Rice. “Beauty and the Beast” will be released in U.S. theaters on March 17, 2017

Music:

Absolutely A++++

Did you know that Emma Watson could sing? I didn't and she was AMAZING. Her voice is definitely a voice for musicals and live stage performances. Here's a small sampling:

Oh and I couldn't stop laughing when the Beast threw the MASSIVE snowball at Belle.

Every single musical performance was magical and my favorite, of course, was "Be Our Guest" and the little shout out to "Singing in the Rain" when Lumiere was dance- two thumbs up.

Costumes:

via GIPHY

Need I say more?

Okay, besides the period costumes of the village- the final scene was absolutely breathtaking. The beautiful spring theme seriously took my breath away. Everybody was GORGEOUS.

Cast:

Emma Watson was an AMAZING Belle. Emma Watson is well known as a huge proponent of literacy and encouraging women to read, so her portrayal of Belle was just right. She was able to exude Belle's sweetness, goodness and yet her strength beautifully.

Dan Stevens. Okay, my fangirl will show but he's perfection as the Beast/the Price. When he returns to his human Princely form, I became teary eyed.

Luke Evans as the creepy, narcissistic Gaston was both gorgeous and creepy all in one.

Ian McClellan, Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci, Ewan McGregor and Audra McDonald (and the rest of the household staff!) were all incredible.

Every cast member played their parts beautifully. The singing, the dancing, and the comedic timing were all on point.

The Film itself:

I won't lie- I may or may not have shed a tear or two (or more or less, whatever. Don't judge).

I loved how they followed the first Disney adaptation from the story all the way to the songs. The musical sequences were timed perfectly. Belle's relationship with her father shows, her disdain of Gaston is very obvious and her budding relationship with The Beast is wonderfully done. It felt like a natural progression not a "One kiss and we're in love" type of progression.

The provincial village set? Swoon.

The story has adapted well into a live action feature and overall, I am very, very pleased. The graphics, the scenery, the action, and the acting were all perfection.

There's a reason Disney is known for their magic- Beauty and the Beast is magical!

I loved it enough that I do want to go back and see it again and I also plan to pre-order the movie on Blu-Ray!