Raise your hand if you saw Disney’s much anticipated live action version of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST this weekend! *Raises hand* I was so bummed when I couldn’t make it to my local preview screening for media outlets. But you know how some movies are just worth paying to see on the big screen? This film was worth every penny and more! Here are my top reasons why you need to go see BEAUTY AND THE BEAST!
Tale as Old as Time
Of course I knew the fairy tale concept of “Beauty And the Beast” as a child. But in 1991, Disney brought this classic tale to a whole new level! I still remember seeing the animated version in the movie theater, thinking how cool it was that Disney presented a “brown haired princess” who “liked books.” I myself had brown hair and loved books, so in my little girl mind, Belle immediately become my favorite Disney princess. And to this day, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST remains my favorite true Disney movie.
So when Disney announced they were remaking the film, I was excited and nervous. I loved the idea of a live action version, but as with any remake, there was also the concern of will it live up to the original? I can tell you that if you loved the 1991 version, you will love this remake! Disney went above and beyond what I anticipated for this film. This classic story is presented beautifully on screen, with such a great message. It never hurts to remind the world that real beauty lies on the inside.
There are a few tweaks from the 1991 film. I don’t want to spoil too much. However I will say that one change that I loved was making Belle, not Maurice, the inventor. There is a scene where Belle invents a “washing machine” so that she can spend her time reading, rather than washing clothes. Love it!
Perfect Casting
So I admit, I was not familiar with all the cast as they were announced. I had never seen a HARRY POTTER movie nor DOWNTON ABBEY. Last Thanksgiving, I took my son to Universal Orlando, where the Wizarding World of Harry Potter resides. A couple weeks before that, I decided to watch a couple of the HARRY POTTER films to actually learn what it was all about. Knowing she had been cast as Belle, I could totally see similarities between Emma Watson’s Hermione and the Belle I was hoping to see on the big screen. I knew then that Emma could do the character justice.
Even as I watched LEGION, I couldn’t quite picture Dan Stevens as the Beast (with the exception of the blue eyes). But once I was there in the theater, WOW. Totally got it! Plus I must praise Luke Evans (Gaston) and Audra McDonald (Madame de Garderobe) for their superb performances. Rounding out the great casting includes Kevin Kline as Maurice, Josh Gad as LeFou, Ewan McGregor as Lumière, Stanley Tucci as Cadenza, Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, Ian McKellen as Cogsworth and Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts.
Music!
All the favorite Howard Ashman and Alan Menken songs return for the 2017 version! Plus there are a few new songs featured in the film. I think one of my favorite song sequences in the film is “Be Our Guest.” Visually it was just beyond stunning. If you are a fan of the animated version or the Broadway musical, you will definitely find yourself humming and singing along throughout the film.
Visuals + Costumes
Throughout the film, the sets will leave you in awe. This film did not rely solely on the magic of green screen. They actually built the beautiful sets you see on the screen! The castle in the film is stunning, but the ballroom set is just beyond gorgeous! And speaking of the ballroom…
I need to talk about Belle’s ballroom gown! This dress alone required 3,000 feet of thread and over 12,000 designer hours to complete. It was accentuated with 2,160 Swarovski crystals! The dress required a crew of 10 people, 12 days, and almost 270 hours of labor to complete.
Beauty And The Beast Trailer
In honor of the film’s release, be sure to check out my tutorials for dishes inspired by the film: Beast’s Beef Bourguignon, “Grey Stuff” Eclairs, and a French Apple Tart.
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Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is in theaters now!
All opinions are 100% my own.
This movie is just so amazing. I mean even my teenage son enjoyed it very much.
Disney movies were such a huge part of my childhood. It’s always scary when something like that is redone. I’m so happy they did it justice! I can’t wait to see it
I can’t get over how much I loved it! I watched it with all three of my kids though, so I need to go back and really be able to dig into it. I will be on the lookout for visuals and costuming the second (third, fourth, etc) time around.
I think that it will be a really nice movie to see. I loved the animated film a lot. I am actually interested in seeing Emma Watson in a different role that that which she portrays in Harry Potter.
I’m definitely excited to see those actors in these classic roles. I’m thinking about seeing this movie soon!
I loved the original and can’t wait to see this one! There has been so much talk about this that it has me so excited. Perhaps I can head over to see it this weekend. Loved what you had to say!
I’m really looking forward to seeing this movie. Every review I’ve read or heard from friends is overwhelmingly positive. The tid bits you gave on Belle’s ballgown are nuts, but it totally paid off because the gown is stunning!
My daughter and I saw this movie this weekend and loved it! I loved how much it was similar to the original but had a few great differences. We loved it!
Seems like such an amazing movie! I need to get out and see it. Truly one of my faves as a kid. And those eclairs look delish!
We’re taking my daughter to see it on Friday and we can’t wait! She even has a special Belle dress. She’s quite excited about the sparkles. Haha!
I have seen the movie. It is awesome. WWell-written review.
This is such a fantastic movie. I can not wait to see it again and again. The costumes were amazing.