Review of beauty and the beast, did Disney strike the billion dollar Belle?

As I entered the cinema for this rather historic moment in cinema history I was a little apprehensive, this was the first live-action Disney musical, more importantly, it was the remake of one of my childhood movies, it's like if kids of today in 10-15 years go to a live action remake of frozen or tangled.


I was scared, worried, and excited. I was not prepared for what happened next. Any fears I had were laid to rest with the opening performance a wonderful remake/cover of Little Town. This song not only displayed the talents of all the wonderful performers including Emma Watson, a pleasant surprise in the role of Belle, but also yielded the same feel and awe as a broadway musical. Little Town provided a masterful opening to all the characters to those who have never seen the original and as proof that this film was done beautifully to the fans of the original.


I have said Emma Watson was a surprise in the role and it was to my knowledge she has never engaged in any musical endeavors before this but she handled herself impressively a perfect cast for the role to cast someone who embodies the principles and elements of belle's character, unwavering dignity and intelligence in an ignorant society, in their everyday life which Watson does with her extensive education and work in the UN.


While Watson was a perfect cast and a surprise, she did not steal the show Luke Evans as Gaston and Josh Gad as Lefou were also brilliant Evans capturing the elements of Gaston that make him repulsive yet alongside Gad's Lefou also provided some of the most levity, especially in the incredible oh Gaston song. The same is true for Dan stevens as the Beast while remaining an animated character through most of the film his performances in the more somber songs was excellent.


However, the two that stole the show was Ewan Mcgregor's Lumière and Ian McKellen's Cogsworth, these two characters not only had the best performance with be our guest but provided much needed levity in the non-musical moments, with Cogsworth having the funniest moment in the film.


All in all, this was a great film it is hard to find fault in this film. Yes this film for some reason has conjured some controversy over some non-existent promotion of homosexuality (which by the way is apparently in the oh gaston song with Lefou) i didn't even know his character was homosexual till I was told by the media having a problem with it,


And yes some say somewhat rightfully that the message is hollow that even though it's promoting looking beyond the surface of people the fact the beast is a handsome rich white prince somewhat taints the concept like "yeah it don't matter what you look like as long as your a rich white guy".


Despite the apparent promotion of homosexuality and the tainted message (yes I know its stupid people are angry over that yet find it ok that Belle is literally falling in love with and animal) it is a fun film to watch on your own with friends partners or family.


Beauty and the beast is not a statement movie, it's not meant to make waves like 12 years a slave, war horse or hacksaw ridge. it's a film designed to make your day brighter. I have seen this film 3 times in cinema the only movie I've ever gone to see 3 viewings. the first time I was in awe the second time it made me happy the third time I was joining along a great film for anyone of any age, my favorite musical.

10/10